Life and Work with Taylor Alexa Frank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Alexa Frank.

Taylor Alexa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Michigan, I have been acting & modeling since I was about 15. I always knew that I wanted to be in this crazy industry. My Mom and Dad used to tell me I should be on SNL. They used to call me Grace, like Debra Messing from Will and Grace. I worked on a few small films in Michigan, but moved to LA about 2 years ago to pursue acting and modeling on a more serious level, there are just more opportunities out here. I didn’t want to regret not pursuing my passion, and what I knew was the only path for me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As smooth as a road in Michigan in the spring… which is mainly potholes. There are always struggles in anything but I wouldn’t change that. Rejection and the way you handle it makes you stronger in this industry. As a model that is 5’6, I have to work harder to prove myself. Even with my experience, and portfolio I can walk into any agency in LA and all they see is my height. I have been rejected more times than I can count based on something that I can do nothing about. But that hasn’t stopped me, it motivates me more. It is nice to see the modeling world changing slowly, but it is still hard to be taken seriously as a model being “short”. In acting, it is different rejection is good, because it means that at least you got an audition, at least you were seen by a casting director, producer or director. Getting an audition or call back is like getting a gold star! The struggle with acting is finding that audition. There are so many amazing talented people here that just getting an audition is a major struggle. I am on casting sites daily submitting myself to tons of jobs only to hear back from one or two or sometimes none. My advice to other women is to be realistic, set goals, listen and be true to yourself. Because in order to get something that you want you have to be in it, you have to want it, and be willing to hustle. In a city like LA I feel like it is important to surround yourself with people that are as driven as you and have your back. As strong as you think you are having a support system is more helpful than you will know. I would not be surviving out here without my boyfriend and constant face-timeing with my family.

Please tell us about your business.
I am an actress & model. I am not known for anything yet really, but hopefully will be one day. My brand is myself, so I guess what I am most proud of is that I made it to Los Angeles. I am proud of the fact that my work is getting better and that I am learning a lot here. I think what really sets me apart is my personality. I am awkward in every situation and I always say the wrong thing, if I say anything but I am always myself.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Barriers? Women are killing it! Honestly, though in the entertainment industry I think what holds women back is our inability to wholeheartedly support other women. It is a real problem, we compare ourselves to other women so much that we start to hate them before we even meet them. We are all guilty of it on some level.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://tayloralexa43.wixsite.com/taylor
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayloralexafrank/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayloralexafrank/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
Michael Julius, Laur Nash, Irida Mete

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