Meet Paola Lendof

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Lendof.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Santo Domingo, the city of Dominican Republic. I found love in all kinds of art at an early age, seven years. Since then, I’ve been training to develop my skills in different areas of art such as direction, choreography, ballet, hip-hop, singing, modeling, playing instruments, and my greatest passion, acting.

During my attendance at school, and years in High School, I was involved in every dance, play, and activities that involved art. When I graduated from High School, I had to decide what to do. It was a year of struggle. Acting is not viewed as a serious career (for the majority of people, especially those back in my country), so it was terrifying to express those thoughts to anybody. The only two people that truly knew about my current situation was my mom, Sheila Romero, although she had no idea of the functions in the art world. Also my uncle, Polibio Rodriguez. His hobby consisted of being a musician but unfortunately, he died that year.

A year passed and I had to step up my game with my life. Along these lines, I decided to go to PUCMM, the college that certified the nearest degree to acting “Social Community Focus in Audiovisual Projects”. I was enrolled there for a year, taking nine subjects during each semester with the end goal to graduate quicker. My plan was to get that degree and after that complete a Masters in Acting.

The universe/God had different plans for me. The New York Film Academy was holding auditions in Santo Domingo for people who wanted a scholarship to study abroad in their institutions. This was one of those open doors that only come once in a lifetime, and you have to take it while it’s present. I got to the audition with no expectations. This decision changed the course of my life. I was accepted in the school, and I also earned a scholarship. From that point forward, I never doubted or questioned my purpose. I told my parents and they supported me all the way.

A few months later, I was on my way to NYC to complete an Associates in Acting. This was mind-blowing; new culture, new language, new lifestyle to take in and embrace. It was easy to get accustomed to New York, but don’t get me wrong, there were still challenges in the way.

The following year, it was time for me to change the city. I wanted to complete my Bachelor of Fine Arts, thus in order to accomplish it, I had to move to Los Angeles, my third home. After two more years, I’m here in LA with a degree. I’ve accomplished so many things in those years and I cannot wait to share it with all of you.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everything in life is full of good and bad times. I previously pointed my rough year back in the Dominican Republic; where I spent a year lost in my thoughts, wondering about my next step in my professional path, but yet still, I didn’t allow that to put me down.

I began to work in a European Fashion Company named Bershka, where I learned a lot about fashion. Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out my next move. I enrolled in an acting workshop in a new school in the Dominican Republic, Actors Development, where I was introduced to the Meisner Technique for the first time, by the soap opera actor Sebastian Ligarde along his better half, Jorge Lopez Lira.

I fell in love immediately with that technique which helped me to concentrate all my energy towards my acting and possible future solutions. Additionally, when I finished my Associates in New York, there were only two options. I remember our graduation was on a Saturday night and next Monday we would have our first class for our Bachelors Degree. (This was the first option for two more years nonstop). Or taking a semester off. It was insane and overwhelming but the circumstances pushed me to take a semester off. I went to the Dominican Republic which it felt amazing to be back. I re-charged all my energy for my new upcoming journey. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to work in a feature film titled SAMBÁ, as a camera assistant. The first Dominican film that made it to the Tribeca Film Festival along with other Film Festivals.

After I made it to Los Angeles, I experienced a difficult situation with my classmates. I had to take another semester off which delayed my graduation date. I went back to the Dominican Republic, and over there I met a person who inspired me for my recent short film “Love For Gold”, and other projects that I’m working on.

I am a believer that in every difficult experience there is something to learn. Through all these examples, I’ve learned to embrace every situation that I encounter in life because it will give me an experience or teach me something from it.

As a human being, we have a tendency to get attached to everything; people, places, goals, and so many other things that exist in life, so whenever we see something different than our plans, we tend to see it in a negative point of view. When we learn to see things differently, our lives change significantly for the better, with no resistance at all.

“Our rough path” will become new open doors. You will grow and become a better version of yourself.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am an actress, producer, writer, influencer, and model. I haven’t spoken about my work as an influencer so how about we begin there!

Around a year ago, I became an influencer. it was difficult during the early stages but it was well worth it. I have worked with amazing brands like Reebok, Marc Jacobs, L’oreal, Laura Mercier, Vera Wang, and tons of other brands. (You can check it out on my Instagram page @paolendof).

I love to keep myself busy so right now I have a lot of projects under development. One of my recent projects is “Love for Gold”, a short film that I wrote, produced and played the lead character. It took place in the Dominican Republic.

There are two cuts from this projects. The first one is 5:30 minutes which was screened in Warner Bros Entertainment. My crew and I are still working on final details for the 13 minutes cut. Furthermore, I’m developing a Tv show script based on this short film and a Documentary that will be shoot in 2020. It would be a trilogy.

Right now, I’m producing a short film called “DAC”, that will be shot in November of this year. Also, I have a web series coming up next year. I’m truly excited about it!

I believe that what sets me apart from others is my background; how dedicated I am. My positive energy inserted in all my projects. My passion, and how hungry I am for creating quality content.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I want the best for the people around me. I use to waste my energy attempting to persuade people to make moves, to be fearless as I am. I wanted to convince them to go out there and take risks or to create something for themselves. I feel the need to be accompanied by others through my path.

I’ve learned that you should make your own decisions without waiting for others, and during your path, you will find people that will join you without pushing too much. It’s scary to be alone sometimes, but I’ve learned how to appreciate my own company.

I’ve also learned not to be so hard on myself and to push myself to do better. You will find people as hard-working, passionate, and goal-driven like you. I use this mindset in all my projects. Throughout life, I’ve learned other things as well. I’ve learned how to trust myself even more. I learned to follow my heart and instincts. I learned to listen to myself – to not give up. I earned to adapt to every situation I find myself in.

I think I wouldn’t have learned these lessons if I would have done things differently. That’s why I’m constantly and endlessly thankful for everything that has ever happened in my life. Those things made me the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/paolendof/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaolaLendofR/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/paolendof

Image Credit:
Danny Galvan, Kelly Bermeo, Fernando del Vill, Jazmin Hamilton, Emanuel Dargin

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