Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalya Michelle.
Natalya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Two years ago I was still taking acting classes, and not booking any work My agent was not getting me any work either, and everyone was telling me that the reason why I was not “making it” was because of my height, age, experience, etc.
I was not growing any closer to being an Oscar-winning actress, and not even getting any paid work. Everyone around me at the studio was having the same problems as well, and if they even booked work, they couldn’t do it because of there side job. I realized that this 9 to 5 job would hold me down when I turn 16 and eligible to work. Other factors such as school, time, money were the real reasons of why many were not getting paid work and mine were the fake excuses. I was driven to prove everyone wrong and change this before I fell into society’s trap, and once in it, it would be hard to get out of.
I left the studio and stopped communicating with those around me who didn’t have a drive to be successful. I eliminated items in my life that were holding me back such as time, money, transportation, and opportunities. I took to independent study, singing on the streets in hopes to get exposure and working as a Brand Ambassador since they were easy shifts that you can pick up. I was saving that money for a car but took the bus instead or Uber to get where I needed to go. I found opportunities by joining Facebook groups that introduced me to the San Diego Film Community that casted for local funded projects all the time.
I kept limiting myself and taking time and energy into concepts that did not matter. I tried to maintain my high GPA and was taking every advance class possible with the thought of college in mind. I also limited myself with my talents and networking abilities taking up jobs that weren’t valuable to me because I wanted to do everything. I relied on my agent thinking that that was the KEY to breaking through the industry.
I stopped caring about things and people that didn’t matter. I stuck to who I was and valued my self worth when it came to bookings. I finally now am a full time paid actress working with Disney, The Travel channel etc, on local news and booking gigs constantly. I have been attending many red carpet premiers and as well invited to a few well known large award shows in Los Angeles.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some struggles I had were the following:
1. I grew up in low-income housing within a domestic violence household. It was not easy and I remember never getting along with my parents and going against many social standards. I didn’t have my parents driving me to gigs because they worked a 9 to 5 job. Here I am having to take the bus to any audition I came across.
2. I got bullied a lot and never really had any close friends. Many of my peers and even mentors growing up were always pushing me towards a traditional route.
3. Sexual assault within the film industry, and how it sucks being so young and many do not take you seriously. I have gone through many uncomfortable situations in which sucks because all you want to do is tell stories that change people. That is it
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in acting and directing. I have done many films all over the San Diego and Los Angeles County. I have worked with big named companies such as TLC the Travel Channel and Disney.
I also have gone to many red carpet events and award shows like the Movie Guide awards, and am going to the Oscars next year as well.
My young age has set me apart since I have accomplished so much that people in there 30s haven’t accomplished yet.
With social media, I help others get a grasp at it like how I did with mine that contributed to my success.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity and culture. There is so much to do and not enough time to do it. I also really like the beaches and how each one has its own personality.
The one and only thing that I dislike about San Diego is the lack of funding they have when it comes to our artistic climate, more specifically the film industry.
Pricing:
- Consulting – $25 per hour
- Social media marketing – $50 a month or more
- Targeting marketing – $70 a month or more
- Crew work (depending on position) – $100 a day or more
- Acting work (depending on position) -$100 a day or more
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6197012000
- Email: mgnatalya@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/natalya_michelle
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7287866/
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