Meet Tema Sall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tema Sall.

Tema, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I started acting in plays at age seven. Entertaining people gave me a different charge, so I pursued theatre all throughout my elementary, high school, and college years. I discovered my comedic timing at age 12 during a 10-Minute Play Festival and found standup comedy my second-semester senior year of college at The Comedy Attic in Bloomington, Indiana.

After graduating from Indiana University in May 2009, I moved back to Los Angeles, threw myself into the standup comedy circuit and the TV & Film production world. To me, it felt more important to build a foundation in production versus pursuing a professional acting career. I pursued standup for the first 2.5 years but then took a break because I felt like I wasn’t good enough and then threw myself into work and my relationship. However, repressing my love for comedy and entertainment was unnatural and didn’t last long. The Art Director I worked with on “Kevin From Work” told me to drop the laundry basket I was carrying filled with other people’s problems and it helped change my attitude. He ignited a fire and inspired me to get back to my core essence: making people laugh. In August 2015, I made a conscious decision to leave the production world and tap back into my acting roots.

By March 2016, timing, on-set experience and knowing the right people led me to a full-time stand-in gig on Showtime’s “Roadies.” That experience led me to CBS’ “Life In Pieces,” my full-time home for three seasons, where I also booked three co-star roles: two voiceover roles & 1 on-camera role. I threw myself back into standup comedy in July 2016, have never felt happier in my life and have no plans of quitting. I got to where I am today through recognition of my self-worth, a strong sense of humor, practice, patience, persistence, perseverance, family, friends, balance, purpose, kindness, and passion.

Has it been a smooth road?
Pursuing an acting and comedy career while working a full-time job has been a challenge. Going to bed around 1 am after a night of comedy then waking up at 5am the next morning for a 7am call time can be brutal. Burning the candle from both ends will catch up to you. I got to a point where I recognized the importance of self-care & balance, so it forced me to hone in on my priorities and my time.

Another struggle has been appearance. I had an agent tell me I’d be more bookable if I lost 5-10 more pounds because it’ll reflect better in my face. I am who I am. I love my body. I’m not perfect, but I’m happy. I live a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, but my inner chubby kid loves pizza, french fries and donuts. That won’t ever change, so I just made it a part of my brand.

The biggest challenge for me this year has been adapting to change and working twice as hard to make ends meet. When I don’t have set work, I drive Uber/Lyft, deliver donuts, babysit, produce shows and other odd jobs. It’s easy to get discouraged especially when you’re overwhelmed with life stuff, but I’ve learned that no matter how hard or challenging the obstacle, you’ll figure out a way if you don’t give up. So thanks to Dori, I often chant in my head, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a “Jackie Of All Trades”: an actor, comedian, producer, writer, musician, entertainer, podcaster and artist. I’m grateful for the ability to create continuously and build projects for others to enjoy. From a personal stance, people feel comfortable opening up and talking to me because there’s no judgment. Part of my purpose in life is to inspire others to be the best version of themselves and I’m happy to provide that through artistry.

I just released my brand new podcast “Sall Good,” where my featured guests are friends, family members, co-workers from the entertainment industry and more. We discuss the balance between professional & personal life, achieving success and living our best lives. I’m proud because it feels personal and I’m excited because of where it’s going. “Sall Good” is now available on iTunes, Spotify and Laughable.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, so naturally it’s one of the best cities for what I do. If you’re looking to move to LA to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, set your intentions straight and be realistic about expectations. LA is a tough city to make it in, but if you’re clear about what path you’re pursuing, it will make the journey more effective and enjoyable. Start small and work your way up. Know that you’re going to do a lot of coffee runs and lunch pick-ups. Listen and learn. Keep working on your craft because one day, you might be in the right place at the right time for the opportunity of a lifetime. Stay ready. Our city is renown for horrible traffic, so always plan accordingly with work AKA “hurry up and wait!”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.temalouise.com
• Instagram: @temasall
• Facebook: @temasall
• Twitter: @temasall
• Podcast: @sallgoodpod

Image Credit:
Matt Misisco, Eddie Pozos, Jon Premosch, Aden Frank

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