We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lora Ebadian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lora, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Listen, anyone who dives right into film at almost 40 is someone who knows how to take rejection. At that time, I had already survived divorce, single parenthood, caring for a child with Epilepsy as a single parent, and quite a traumatic attack on my life. There’s not much that can happen now that will really bother me. Life’s taught me to just roll with the punches and keep getting back up.
In 2019 I was attacked and strangled by an ex. This sent me on a very gratifying journey of finding myself. Late that year, I decided to do all of the things I had always wanted to do as a child. This brought me to acting. Less than a year later, I was being asked to model. It’s kind of crazy how fast that took off, especially considering my age and the fact that I’m not thin or tall. And, last year I ventured into the world of cinematography, and started building a production company with my sons. My oldest is a writer while my youngest does sound for film.
Most people focus on the negative feedback they receive. I just don’t give it that much thought. I take feedback or constructive criticism, and learn to adjust for a better product. You need a growth mindset to make progress in any endeavor. And, you have to be willing to listen when someone is trying to help you.
Each and every new project gave me the ability to learn new skills. I am a lover of learning, so I take advantage every chance I get. (I’m also an educator with 20 years in the field.) I was praised a lot for being able to pull off things as an actor that usually took years to learn. It seems life had already put me in those situations so being in the right headspace for that character was easy.
Pairing my successes along with my failures and being sure to see the growth (especially in the failures) has been so rewarding. I’m realistic. I know I’m not going to be exactly what a casting director may be looking for on a project. If I’m not chosen, that’s totally okay. Maybe, just maybe, that project wasn’t where I needed to be to continue growing. I don’t think we look at situations like that, and we need to do more of it.
It’s great to have high expectations, and I choose to just see each new opportunity as something that was hand picked by God and chosen for me to be a part of. There’s a lesson for me there. Or, maybe I’m teaching the lesson. Either way, I truly feel like everything happens for a reason. There is a divine purpose in what we experience, and it was all specifically chosen for each of us.
I used to care too much about what certain people thought about me. Having been in an abusive relationship, I know self doubt and low self esteem well. That is what the last 4 years of my life has been teaching me about…you only get one life. Make sure you’re listening to the voices that care about you and are cheering you on. This is where I draw my confidence. I trust God guide to me to wherever I need to be. If you trust Him, what is there to be worried about?
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
During the week, I teach middle school math. On weekends, I am an actor and model as well as cinematographer. I can often be found crafting costumes or props for photoshoots and films when I’m not filming/acting. I also do hair and makeup for both. It allows me to get back to my artistic roots, and I absolutely enjoy it!
I have several short films and a few features (Hanging On, You Promise, and From Hood to Good) that I am wrapping up right now. I also have a big photoshoot this weekend, so be on the lookout for some fun holiday images!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Be kind. Be humble.
Adjust on the fly.
In order to grow or make progress, you have to be approachable and teachable. None of us know everything about everything, so make it easy for others to share their knowledge with you. And, be willing to take risks, change the plan, and make something great when opportunities pop up!
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?
I cannot thank Theo Bray enough for guiding me on my journey as a cinematographer. Whether we are planning for filming or discussing post production, he consistently reassures me that I am doing great work. He lets me know when I’ve surprised him with my shots, and more than anything, he trusts my opinion when we are on set. That dedication and consideration is crucial for learners! Theo is my brother from another mother, and I could not be more grateful for him!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lora.l.ebadian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lora.l.ebadian/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-ebadian-a03081ab?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/LoraEbadian?t=65LxDDDrg6zUILVLmr8QXQ&s=09
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lora.ebadian?_t=8hlDPHJlEy6&_r=1
Image Credits
Photographers: Greg Lucas, Casey Crow, Fino Zuniga, Shana Klank, Padam Pandit, and Bill Carter Feather Headpiece: Triple Moon Photography
