Meet Paige Smeltzer

We were lucky to catch up with Paige Smeltzer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone. It was hard not to compare—grades, clothes, or even boyfriends. I was never the first one picked for kickball, and I was often the friend they “forgot” to invite to birthday parties. I spent a lot of my childhood feeling like I was on the outside looking in. With that isolation came silence; there was never a chance for me to show my voice or feel heard.

Then came theatre. I first joined a children’s program when I was younger—dragged against my will so my parents could have a breather—but in sixth grade, something shifted. The theatre club wasn’t just an after-school activity; it became a home. I found my community, but more importantly, I found my voice. On that stage, I could be anything: the hero, the villain, a magical being. There were no limits, no comparisons, no popularity contests—just storytelling, truth, and transformation.

Now, years later, with all the training and experience behind me, that same sense of isolation sometimes creeps back in. Only now, the stakes are higher. I might find myself working with people I’ve seen on Broadway or doing scenes with someone who held an Oscar for winning the film of the year. It’s nerve-wracking to wonder what they see in me, to question why I belong in the same room. I was never the one picked for the team—so why now?

But then I remember: I’ve worked for this. I’ve earned it. I’ve grown into someone who belongs in these rooms because I never stopped learning, never stopped fighting to be better. My imposter syndrome may never fully leave me, but I’ve learned to see it differently. It’s not my weakness—it’s my kindling. It fuels me to raise the bar, to push myself, to make sure I’m never the best person in the room. Because that’s how I keep growing. I may have started as the girl who wasn’t picked, but now, I’m the woman who creates her own stage.

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 an actress, though I don’t like to limit myself to just film or stage since I do both. I really believe actors who work across mediums are the truest storytellers. There’s something magical about being able to adapt , whether it’s finding truth in multiple takes on set or sharing that same truth live in front of an audience. I feel at home wherever storytelling happens.

Lately, I’ve been exploring a medium that blends both worlds: vertical mini dramas. They’re full feature-length scripts divided into 60–90 second episodes, filmed in a 9:16 aspect ratio. It’s fast-paced, innovative, and one of the most exciting ways to reach audiences today. Between that, I continue to work in indie film — I recently starred alongside Lindsey Normington in We’ll Still Be Here, a vampire thriller premiering at the Buried Alive Film Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

I’d describe myself as the “good girl with an edge.” I’m drawn to layered characters who live somewhere between light and shadow. I’ve always loved comics and fantasy worlds, and my ultimate dream is to play Rogue in a live-action X-Men movie for Marvel. She’s strong, flawed, and deeply human. everything I love about storytelling.

At the end of the day, what drives me is connection. Whether it’s a two-minute short, a full-length feature, or a live performance, I want audiences to walk away feeling something real. Acting has taught me that every story, no matter how big or small, has the power to move people. And that’s exactly why I do what I do.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey are adaptability, presence, and patience.

First, adaptability. In this industry, the landscape changes constantly. One day you’re in a 12-hour film shoot, the next you’re on stage feeding off a live audience. It reminds me to never get too comfortable in one identity. The more fluid you are, the more powerful you become. For anyone starting out, learn to pivot. Study different mediums, techniques, and people. The more forms you can take, the more doors will open. DON’T BE COOKIE CUTTER, EVER!

Second, presence. Whether you’re performing or auditioning, power lives in stillness and awareness. That moment when you’re fully grounded in yourself. Court Attention at All Costs isn’t about seeking validation, but about commanding focus through authenticity. When you walk into a room knowing who you are, people feel it. Develop your craft so deeply that your presence speaks before you do.

And finally, patience. Master the Art of Timing is everything. This industry tests your endurance as much as your talent. There were moments early on where I felt invisible or behind, but those “quiet” seasons were where I grew the most. My advice: don’t rush your rise. Keep showing up, stay curious, and trust that the right opportunities arrive when you’re truly ready for them.

Power isn’t about control, it’s about self-mastery. When you learn to adapt, command presence, and wait with intention, you stop chasing validation and start shaping your own path.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Two books that have really shaped my journey are The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. They might sound like opposites… one is about strategy and control, the other about creativity and surrender, but together, they completely changed how I approach my work and my mindset.

The 48 Laws of Power taught me that power isn’t about manipulation; it’s about awareness. Law 48: Assume Formlessness reminded me to stay adaptable. No matter the project, role, or environment, I can shift and grow without losing who I am. And Law 6: Court Attention at All Costs showed me that presence matters. It’s not about chasing the spotlight, but about having a quiet confidence that naturally draws people in.

Then The Artist’s Way balanced all of that. It brought me back to the heart of why I create in the first place. The morning pages practice helped me reconnect with my own voice and release perfectionism. Julia Cameron reminds artists to trust their process, to let creativity flow without judgment or fear.

Together, those books taught me that being an artist is about duality. You need both power and vulnerability. The structure to keep you grounded and the softness to stay inspired.

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Image Credits

Personal Headshot: Krishna Adoni

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