Meet Suless Burton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suless Burton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suless below.

Hi Suless , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I was never afraid being the only person in the room; instead, it helped me learn how to be authentic. I constantly maintain an optimistic attitude and welcome any opportunity or challenge that presents itself. I won’t lie; there have been many difficult circumstances and obstacles to overcome. However, part of being successful and productive is maintaining my commitment to my values and exercising patience, kindness, and gratitude.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an actress and director, I began by doing extra work on Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, and Empire. I was excited to start on the big screen after years of being an extra and going to classes, but that didn’t happen. I went to a lot of auditions for shows like Power, The Chi, Chicago PD, Megan Goode tale, Keisha Cole story, BMF, and popular commercials, but I was never able to land a part. So, I followed my agent advice and started working instead of waiting for a call. When Does it Stop, the most well-liked independent film to come out of Chicago in 2021, went viral on TUBI television and is the film in which I directed and starred. Inspired by the 1988 film Lean on me, my second film, which I directed and acted in, is titled Hope Westside High and will premiere on TUBI in 2024. When Does it Stop part II: The revenge is the title of my third movie, which I’m both directing and acting in. It will go into production in the fall of 2024.

I absolutely my work. I love working with the kids, teens, and young adults in staying upbeat and learning about this industry. It also helps them stay busy throughout the summer and away from the violence that occurs on Chicago’s streets.

You may find the books for my movies on Amazon as well.

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?
My three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are: Consistency, dedication and having lots of patience. As long as you have these qualities, you’ll go far in your journey also be kind and grateful at all times.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I speak with God and pray. When I’m feeling stressed, I also inhale deeply and go for a walk in the fresh air. Never overwork yourself or sleep less; instead, be hydrated, take your time, and take breaks as needed. I find that when I get a good night’s sleep and don’t rush my work, I am more productive.

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