We recently connected with Leela Owen and have shared our conversation below.
Leela, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from my understanding of how blessed each of us really are. Even for the things we don’t think about often as something to be grateful for. I have eyes that see, a brain that functions, ears that can hear, a heart that beats, a nose that can smell, and nerves that can feel. I have a place to live and I have things to provide myself nutrition. I remind myself often how grateful I truly am to have those things. A lot of people in this world don’t have those things or are missing at least one. Everything else I get to have is an added blessing which makes me blessed beyond belief. There is truly so much to be happy about in this life. How could you not be optimistic? I also feel like whatever is bound to happen in a persons life will happen regardless. You might as well view it as positive as you can and make something good out of it. Your mind is an incredibly powerful tool.
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?
My name is Leela Owen. I am an actress and model based out of Atlanta but am also signed in LA. I have done a show for Disney+ called Just Beyond, a DC Comics show called Doom Patrol on HBO Max, a lead role of a Christmas Film called It’s Christmas Again, an episode of Queens on ABC, a Nickelodeon movie called Fantasy Football on Paramount+, and starred in many MattyBraps Music videos on his channels. There are more, but I think those are my favorites! I absolutely love what I do. From getting to take on the embodiment of a whole other character that isn’t myself, to meeting some of the extraordinary people I’ve gotten to meet through this job, I couldn’t be more grateful. I am currently working on a kids show with Lifeway Hyfi called the Super Crew where I play Mia. We have been filming in Tennessee and will be throughout the year this year! I am also waiting for the release of a very exciting project I wrapped on a couple months ago called “Back In Action.” It is a Netflix original movie with leads Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz.I play Annalise, their daughters’ best friend in the film. It will be coming out this Thanksgiving 2024 and I absolutely can’t wait!
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 think the biggest 3 things I’ve learned is to be patient, to not take things personal, and to never give up. This industry can be hard. You do a lot of auditions and will often get discouraged if you aren’t booking the way you want to. You must be patient and not take it to heart or think you aren’t good enough. Casting directors have to be very specific and you just have to wait for those roles that are perfect for you individually! You might not be fitting for one character you really wanted but it is because you are PERFECT for a different one you will audition for a month from then!
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?
The most helpful person for me with my entire job has been my mom. She does so so much for me. From filming my auditions to editing them and sending them in for me, she’s basically the reason I’ve been able to stay at peace in this crazy industry. Having someone in your corner who is proud of your every accomplishment is life changing and I could never thank her enough for her raw and pure belief in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm10235676/bio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelaowen/
- Other: Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@leelaowenn
