Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kymberly Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kymberly, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’m grateful for this question. More and more, I feel clear that a sense of purpose is both ever evolving and also, may I say, the meaning of life. There are certain aspects of life that contain built in purpose: family, school, jobs, religion. But inside of any social structure, as we evolve, we have the opportunity to discover purpose in a more meaningful and personal way. I feel fortunate in that I have always been driven by the performing arts. I was impacted by theatre and film at a very young age, and this aligned with my talents and interests. But with any interest, there are layers to discover. You can mine the layers to discover which part of the whole truly creates meaning for you. It is very easy, particularly in the generation of social media, to be distracted by a lot of noise, or, ideas about how to have purpose in your chosen path. But that has never been the way to continue to evolve. We must continue to self examine and ask questions of ourselves, in a quiet room of our own. If we’re truly alive, we are changing all the time. Something that felt right to you for a long time, may no longer feel fulfilling. Without periods of self examination and honesty, we can’t evolve our sense of purpose. It’s your life and you have the right and permission to define and re-define what gives it meaning. I do think being of service in whatever you do is essential. This spirit can give purpose and keep us connected, grounded, on a path of self discovery and fulfillment. Even if just a few moments each day, I suggest making time to go inside, to best determine how we want to live outside. To ask ourselves what we truly value, and how we can bring that to our day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am passionately interested in directing. I love filmmaking, and I also love directing theatre. My first expertise is working with actors, and I love actors and their courage and desire to share their humanity. Storytelling is an art form that connects all of us, in all its forms. My craft involves working with actors to guide their characters to life in a way that inspires them and the audience. When I’m not directing, I prioritize teaching workshops for actors locally and internationally.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say empathy and curiosity are the threads that maintain my creativity and commitment. I am fascinated by human behavior and psychology, and how people are formed to act the away they do. Regardless of your field, I think it’s incredibly important to consider the lives of people in circumstances other than your own. We are a product of our environments, cultures, societies, families, and to consider this will only make you better at your job. As a storyteller, I try to educate myself as much as possible about different communities, read voraciously, and watch everything, including documentaries. I want to continue to broaden my perspective, so that when I am approaching stories, I have truth of context. I also advise inclusivity. I happen to have many degrees and years of experience in the art form I pursue, but also maintain humility about what we can all learn from each other every day. It is a mistake to confuse kindness and generosity for weakness. The most gifted and successful people that I have met have both of those qualities in abundance. This serves the people around them, but it also serves a greater good. We can all choose to act from love, to the best of our ability, and to choose love which is expansive, over ego, which is limiting.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Currently, I am interested in meeting show runners and producers who are like minded and value female voices. I prefer and create stories that are character- driven and socially relevant. I very much value working with creative people who aren’t afraid to take risks, and have something bold to say with their work. To me, the most interesting work is personal, specific, and original.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kymberlyharris.me
- Instagram: @firsthand.films, @staytunedla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kymlharris/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kymberlyharris/
