We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Hunter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Victoria, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a combination of resilience, purpose, and personal growth, but that journey was far from easy. During middle school, I often felt excluded and alone. The bullying I experienced became so intense that I had to leave school altogether. For a while, it felt like everything around me was falling apart. Eventually, I made a decision that changed my life. I decided that instead of focusing on my painful moments from the past, I would focus on building better ones. That mindset became my foundation. I began working on myself from the inside out, which led me to explore contortion, modeling, and acting. These creative outlets helped me rebuild my identity and gave me the courage to speak up and be seen. Once I let go of the intense negativity and welcomed a positive outlook, my confidence started to grow. From there, I stepped into leadership roles, became a state champion in FBLA, joined varsity cheer, and continued developing my passion for storytelling through film. I embraced each opportunity to the fullest. Confidence did not appear overnight. It was something I had to earn by choosing growth over and over again, pursuing what made me feel alive, and never giving up on the person I wanted to become.
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?
As a filmmaker, contortionist, model, and leader, I have built my brand around creative expression and impact. I am currently focused on growing a production company that not only tells captivating stories but also uplifts women in film, especially in the horror genre. I have always been drawn to the way storytelling can make people feel seen. I want to help others do the same, on screen and behind the camera.
What sets my work apart is how deeply personal it is. My background in contortion and performance adds a physical, and memorable, element to my films, while my leadership experience in organizations like FBLA and ASB has given me the structure and strategy to bring those ideas to life. I am also passionate about helping other young creatives find their voice, which is why I stay actively involved in community service and student leadership.
Right now, I am working on expanding my portfolio with new film projects, and I am in the early stages of developing a platform that helps emerging female creators connect, collaborate, and showcase their work. I am especially excited about combining my interests in business, performance, and social impact to build something meaningful. Whether I’m on stage, behind the camera, or in the editing room, my goal is always the same: to show them what is possible when you own your story.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Thank you for the clarification. Here’s your revised answer with a professional tone, no dashes, and a smooth, natural flow:
Looking back, three of the most impactful parts of my journey have been self-awareness, creativity, and consistency. Understanding who I am and what drives me has helped guide every decision I make. Once I recognized what I truly enjoy, like storytelling, performance, and leadership, I was able to focus my energy in ways that felt meaningful. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend spending time figuring out what excites you and what kind of work feels fulfilling. That kind of reflection can help you move forward with more purpose and clarity.
Creativity has allowed me to approach opportunities with an open mind and to bring original ideas to life. Whether I am developing a film, preparing for a pageant, or leading a student initiative, I rely on creativity to keep things fresh and impactful. One of the best ways to develop creativity is to stay curious, explore new interests, and learn from others who inspire you.
Finally, consistency has been key. There have been moments when I felt uncertain or discouraged, but continuing to show up and give my best effort made all the difference. Confidence and success build over time through steady progress. For anyone just getting started, my advice is to keep going even when things feel unclear. Every small step adds up.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The person who has been most helpful in overcoming challenges and developing the skills needed to succeed is my mom. She has always been my biggest supporter while also pushing me to grow. Whether facing self-doubt, learning to lead, or trying something new, she encouraged me to keep going and held me to high standards. One piece of advice she often shares is, “Do the best you can, not the least you can get away with.” That simple phrase has stayed with me and shaped how I approach everything I do. Through her guidance, I have learned the importance of showing up with purpose, staying true to myself, and believing in my potential even when things get tough. Much of my confidence and drive comes from her example of strength, patience, and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thatcontortiongirl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torirhunter?igsh=eTMzYnk1Yndpd2M3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16tUHXHoGQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-hunter-9a5179365?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thatcontortiongirl?si=33ufWz2QLG-1ZnSY
Image Credits
Cassandra Wallace- Bikini Designer
Chu Nyguen- Photographer
Laura Hunter- Photographer
House of Paradise- Runway Show
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
