We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Naomi Ayende a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Naomi, 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 come believe it or not from years of doubting myself. But I always like to say there will be a light at the end of a tunnel and also when one door close another opens. I’m a firm believer that things need to pass when there are supposed to happen and what I do is I just have to put it on the universe and pray for it. But most important work for it.
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’m a Puerto Rican actress in Los Angeles. Moved to LA almost 7 years ago pursuing the dream of being in a TV or Film. I also play sports, dance and sing. At the moment I’m currently working on my dream and career, being on the strike was a hard moment for me and all actors and people who are involved in the entertainment industry. But learn from it that you have to also create your own material and content.
I started a YouTube channel in the mist of the pandemic and I’m working on putting more content on it. But for the moment the channels offer vlogs about places I have visit for the first time. My goals with the channel is to share and invite people to go and explore more of the beautiful places this world have to offer.
Also in the channel is short film written by me and film on the middle of the pandemic with my friend who are also actors and a behind the scene of a theatre show me and my friend were part of last August in the Brisk Festival 2023 edition.
More videos are coming so if you want to go see them my channel is: Naomi Ayende in YouTube.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think it will be patience, optimism and drive but you can leave out having people in your life that support and uplifting you. But a lot of patience, especially in this industry, that rejection and no’s are a lot. If I could give them and advice is to be realistic/optimistic, to not lose your drive and passion for some people it take time but when it happen be ready for it. And also I received and advice when I went to grad school and it was that one of the biggest job for and actor is hold and wait and to not assume.
How can they develop or improve is read about it and talk to family, friends and actors friends we are always there to help you and share our experiences.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I talk to my husband, parents and friends. My husband is also and actor and when I’m overwhelmed he always is there to hear me even when I feel like not sharing, he is there and always lets me know this shall pass. And my parents even on the long distance between us are they to encourage me and remind me why I moved all the way from Puerto Rico. And I’m also grateful from my friends we all go thru all this emotions and it’s good to share our journey and how we feel.
Also if you are in the entertainment business as a actor I recommend reading book but especially the one from Jenna Fisher “The Actor’s Life” and you will understand a lot of what we go thru.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @naomiayende
- Youtube: Naomi Ayende
Image Credits
Headshots: • David Muller Photography • photo of short films – Borders and Displace.
