We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Michelle Mcdonald. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura Michelle below.
Laura Michelle, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from my parents. Since I was young I remember my father taking us out to dinner and from time to time would take care of another’s family meal. Families we have never met before and probably didn’t even talk to that night. It would just be on his heart to do so. And we were not rich by any means. My mother specifically taught me to be generous with my time with other people. Going over to people’s houses to spend time with them, and drive them around places if they have a hard time driving on their own. Generosity in my household wasn’t just about money, but it was about genuine time and energy you pour into people.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an artist and creative. My first love is acting, When I was younger I used to play these role-playing games, wanting to be the mom, teacher, lawyer, or FBI Agent, I wanted to be outside of myself. Not because I felt like I was missing anything in my life, but because I love finding and knowing the perspectives of other people’s lives. And when I found it can be a career, I’ve been chasing it ever since.
As I discovered acting, I also found my voice. Creating songs out of any and everything. Wanting people to hear me but also shy away from when people see me. Singing is second nature to me, but when performing in front of others I tend to retreat in a make believe corner. Hoping they hear something beautiful, but not watching who it’s coming from. As I’m getting older and establishing myself more as a singer I hope to stop retreating and take full confidence in myself and my voice. I have so many songs in my head that I want to share with the world and I know in due time I will.
Through improv in my acting and singing, I’ve discovered I can write. Probably the most liberating talent of mine that I’m blessed to have. I tend to get caught up in my head, but when given pen and paper my thoughts become more established and I can write what I feel, what I want to feel, and who I am and want to be. Whether it be a script, a song, a letter, or a poem I find myself the most through my writing,
I recently was able to pull all of my talents together and create a short film that’s been released on YouTube entitled, ‘A Similar World’. I wore all the hats one could wear when creating a short film with no budget, director, writer, lead star, producer. Even though I wore so many hats, I had a village behind me cheering me on the entire way. I created this film with the inspiration of the iconic sitcom, ‘A Different World’. I grew up loving that show and since I was young I’ve wanted there to be a spinoff of the show. It was recently announced that there will be a spinoff and with no agent or manager, I made the opportunity for myself to be seen by creating this short film and creating a theme song to replicate the one from ADW. I pray it gets me an audition for the real spinoff with Netflix, but if not, at least I can say I did this and am proud of my work.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’ll give you four words: “Keep it cute and mute”. And this doesn’t mean staying silent. I use it as a reminder when I’m entering new spaces and sometimes old spaces. No matter how early or far you are in your journey, there is always something to learn.
In terms of “Keep it cute.” Show up as yourself! Present yourself in the best way that you can but that is authentic to you, your personality, and how you dress.
In regards to “… and mute”, listen when people are speaking. Pay attention to what people are doing, how they’re doing it, and how they speak to others and about themselves. From doing this it’s not about mimicking them, but grabbing things from them that you want to emulate and things that you don’t.
Through doing that I’ve learned how to speak up for myself, collaborate with other artists and creatives, and know that being myself is what keeps me in the rooms I walk in, And if that room doesn’t like who I am and what I stand for, I have no problem walking right out of it.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My very best friend, since the 1st grade, Kayla, has been the most constant in my life even when she was traveling around the world with her family. She had my back on the playground in elementary school, through middle school drama, high school failed loves, and now in my career-focused mode as a young adult. Supporting my dreams, reminding me I am worthy, and that I have all the talent I need.
Through her love and support in me, whenever I’ve come to a point where I “can’t” anymore, I just remember the things she’s encouraged me with and all of the amazing qualities she embodies, and how I want to be more like her because of it. Emody her kindness, go-getter attitude, and seeing the good in things when life looks bleak. Those qualities help me see that the challenges I face are only temporary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lamc.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramichellemcdonald/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraMichelleMcDonald
Image Credits
Sam Pickart, Carl Bindman,
Devon Wilson
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
