Meet Sydney Lolita Cusic

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sydney Lolita Cusic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sydney Lolita, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I was fortunate to grow up with amazing parents who understood the challenges of being Black in this country. They were intentional in making sure I knew my worth. Every day, they told me I was beautiful, smart, and capable. They surrounded me with media, books, and dolls that celebrated Blackness, showing me that it was something to be proud of. This constant affirmation shaped my confidence and self-esteem.

As an adult, especially in my artistic pursuits, this belief in myself has stayed with me. I actively seek out art that speaks to the complexities of the Black experience, and I continue the practice of feeding my mind with positive affirmations. It’s crucial to believe in yourself before you ask the world to.

When I went away to college and began actor training in predominantly white environments, I faced moments of self-doubt for the first time. But even then, I was able to draw on the strength instilled in me by my parents. I pushed through, determined to create space for diverse voices and experiences in those rooms. I live by the motto, “Leave things better than you found them,” and that mindset has shaped my journey, both artistically and personally.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Sydney Lolita Cusic, an actor and filmmaker passionate about telling stories that center Black queer experiences. I believe in the power of storytelling to push culture forward, create empathy, and provide representation for those who don’t often see themselves reflected on screen. My work focuses on crafting narratives that showcase love, joy, and the complexities of life.

As an actor, I’ve been fortunate to perform in spaces like the American Players Theatre, where I’m constantly challenged and inspired by the material I work on. Stepping into the role of a filmmaker has been an exciting journey, allowing me to create the worlds I’ve always wanted to see. I’m currently working on a short film, Spoken For, with the support of my production company Juniper Productions. IG: (@juniperprod/juniperprod.com) Spoken For is about a long-running marriage faux-posal con between friends that gets complicated when one develops feelings for the other, changing the girl’s relationship forever. It’s a project that means a lot to me because it delves into themes of love, identity, and privilege, all while celebrating Black joy. It’s been a labor of love, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences. (IG: @spokenforfilm)

In everything I do, I aim to tell stories that are rich, nuanced, and reflective of the world around us. I hope that through my work, people will not only feel seen but also inspired to embrace their own unique stories. Whether on stage or behind the camera, my goal is to leave a lasting impact by creating art that sparks conversation and fosters deeper understanding.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are trusting my gut, being intentional with where I place my energy, and maintaining a constant hunger for learning. A good friend and fellow actor once told me to always trust my gut—so even if things don’t turn out as hoped, I know I was true to myself. This advice has stuck with me and helped me to trust my instincts. My dad also shared a mantra with me that I live by: “When people show you who they are, believe them.” This is a reminder to surround myself with people who uplift and energize me, especially in an industry as demanding as the arts.

Lastly, reading has been a vital tool in my journey. I read everything—from the news to fiction to poetry—because it’s a low-cost way to expand my worldview and deepen my empathy. The Stella Adler Studio, where I studied, teaches that “growth as an actor and growth as a human being are synonymous.” That’s a belief I carry with me every day.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to listen to yourself, be mindful of the company you keep, and always seek out new ways to grow—whether through reading, learning, or new experiences.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, prayer and meditation are my go-to strategies. It wasn’t always easy for me to lean into this advice, but with time, I’ve found that taking a moment to reflect inward and just breathe makes a huge difference. Prayer, I’ve learned, can take many forms. A friend once told me that even looking at the sky and breathing can be a form of prayer. That simple shift in perspective took the pressure off trying to do it “correctly” and made it a safe, freeing space for me to turn to when things feel heavy.

So my advice would be to find a practice that allows you to pause and reconnect with yourself—whether that’s prayer, meditation, or simply sitting quietly for a moment of peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://juniperprod.com
• Instagram: @sydneylolita
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-lolita-cusic-8a04b4205/