Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Kaster.
Hi Carrie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Solana Beach (North County San Diego). I am a beach girl born and bred. I always had an interest in acting and modeled a little when I was a teenager. I had big dreams but did not know how to make them happen when I was young. I went away to college at Humboldt State University in Northern CA. to pursue my BA in fine art with an emphasis in Painting. While working on my degree, I joined the HSU women’s intercollegiate crew team and fell in love with the sport. After completing my degree, I decided to stay in school and get my MS in Exercise Physiology due to my growing interest in fitness and sports. After completing my second degree, I became a personal trainer as my career, detouring from my art. I got my first training job at the Pebble Beach Resort in Monterey, CA. I soon went out on my own and had my own personal training business where I would go to independent gyms and people’s homes to train them. For two years, I was a flight attendant for Jet Blue Airways (based out of NYC) and I would commute from Monterey to New York to work at both my jobs.
After six years, I sought more stability, so I decided to become a police officer. I worked for my dream department for four years (Monterey PD) and also worked at several other agencies. I have now been an officer for 11 years total. In 2010 I decided to re-open my dream of being an actor and model. I am now represented by two different agencies and a manager (Los Angeles and San Diego). In addition, over the last year, I have re-opened my creative dream, and I am now painting and selling my art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life has been interesting for sure. I have had some major dreams that I put on the back burner because I did not actually believe they were possible, and I did not know what tools to use. But they were! I would say the biggest struggle is thinking life had to be a struggle to achieve a goal. Now I look back and realize it did not have to be that way, but that is ok because I learned from all of it. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that just because I made a goal and I am good at making it happen, sometimes, they are not under my actual control and turn out differently than I envisioned or planned. The hardest part is letting go of the outcome yet still staying hopeful and focused on the dream. In the past few years, I have seen many synchronicities occur for me that I would never have been able to predict or created on my own accord.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a dual creative side to me. I currently work as an actress and model, and this is a form of creativity for me. I usually play the role of the police officer or public safety, which works well with what I also do as my full-time career.. In addition, I paint. I currently use the acrylic medium on paper and create abstract art. My art is usually about a feeling, emotion, or experience I am having at the time I am creating the piece. I usually like to use soft or more muted colors. Some have called them more feminine colors. In addition, I have also done some photography which also has these same soft colors. My photos have been mainly focused on landmarks in Los Angeles and my connection and love for what I would describe as old Hollywood.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have read all of Gabrielle Bernstein’s books. The Universe Has Your Back and Spirit Junkie is my favorite of hers. I use Pinterest for inspiration on my art creations, and I create my own vision boards using it. My favorite PodCast right now is Model Behavior, hosted and created by fellow model Michael G. Gabel. I love to hear about other model’s experiences and stories, and it came along just at the right time when I was looking for more information on this topic. I have also been exploring books on meditation and spirituality.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Carriekastercreative and carriekaster
Image Credits
Per Bernal. Un Plugged Marketing, ADT, Chevy On-Star.
Kathy Hogan
December 23, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Awesome Girl Carrie!
Love this expression, content and creative slant to it all.
Keep pursuing your dreams knowing God has this all under control and has blessed you tremendously.
Love You
Ronald A Hogan
December 24, 2020 at 2:09 am
My name is Ron Hogan, with my wife Kathy, Carrie is our treasured daughter. Carrie sometimes understates her accomplishments. But, that is typically her. Carrie has always put others before her. In high school, she was a peer counselor working to help her fellow students get off drugs and alcohol. In her first year at Humboldt State (HSU), the family was broken and it took a very strong young lady to maintain her balance and focus. Carrie from the day she was born has been a gift. The joy she has brought into our lives is not measurable by any standard other than she is God’s gift to us all. We now have a beautiful extended family and Carrie is so much loved by all. Rowing (HSU Crew) is not a sport for the weak. Anyone who has spent time rowing can attest to that. It takes dedication to launch a shell on Humboldt Bay at 6 in the AM. Row through the fog and dodge fishing boats. To do this, and earn two degrees, is a real statement of a persons focus and strength. It has not all been easy for this lovely lady. She is very strong, but like us all, has fragile moments when trust is betrayed. God has a plan for our lives on our journey home to Him. Carrie is on that journey. Thank you Lord for Carrie and the gifts you have given her. She is so loved and cherished by all who know her.