Community Highlights: Meet Christine Solomon of Muze Consultancy / Hill Weiser Publishing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Solomon

Hi Christine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was fairly small when I made my stage debut. I had an amazing experience. I followed my drama teacher’s advice and pursued professional theatre school. Theater school was fantastic. I learned a lot about the world, about myself, and about the craft itself.

I began working and traveling after theater school, which opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I’m the type of person that likes to prepare things in advance. I had a plan early in life for my profession and the path I intended to take, and I started implementing it right away.

Then, in 2010, I founded Muze Consultancy, my own acting career consultancy, since I wanted to support and mentor people in the entertainment industry. Make the proper connections for them and assist them in avoiding con artists. In addition, we offer assistance and direction to individuals seeking an O-1 and EB-1 A visas.

In 2021, I launched my publishing company, Hill Weiser Publishing, to follow my passion for authoring books, daily planners, and notebooks.

Right now, I’m developing my skincare brand. The skincare line is intended for all people, although it focuses especially on those with sensitive skin.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It wasn’t a smooth road for me. There were too many struggles and too many no’s.

First of all, I knew no one in this industry. Even though I was a young actor with a small resume at the time, several prestigious talent agencies in Montreal only represented performers who had attended theater school. Therefore, in order for me to advance in this field, I had to have that degree.

Secondly, at that age, I didn’t know much about the business of acting. During theatre school, we didn’t have the privilege that many theatre students have nowadays. Back then, theatre school merely focused on the business of acting and solely focused on the craft. We didn’t really have any instruction on how to contact agencies or the ins and outs of this industry. I founded Muze Consultancy, an acting career consulting business, in part because of this.

My theatre school was very selective and not for the faint of heart. I witnessed a great deal of my student friends being let go. At times, it felt like being on American Idol. You didn’t know who’s going to go next; and that made me work much harder. This is why some of the most talented Canadian actors are graduates of Dawson College Theatre Program. Being a part of this incredible school and an alumnus makes me incredibly proud.

Too many challenges followed theater school. I could write a book on it, really. There are too many for me to address in one interview. I took too many risks which led me to work full time as an actor. Making this happen required me to explore working internationally and in a variety of media in different languages; concentrating solely on TV and films would have restricted me. Instead, I wanted to also pursue theater, voiceovers, commercials, video games, and other projects.

Life is challenging; it demands perseverance, flexibility in planning, and self-confidence. I learned very quickly not to make the same mistake twice and think strategically instead. Switching up and exploring alternative goals was what worked for me. Despite struggles, I never wanted to give up. I needed to reevaluate approaches and make changes when it was necessary.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I launched my business, Muze Consultancy, a full-service acting career consultancy boutique in order to provide expert advice and creative assistance for both aspiring and working actors.

Having worked in the industry for years, I’ve noticed there was a gap in the professional training of actors, and that’s how this “business” truly works. Actors had several crucial questions, among them where how to get work, how to start, and how to avoid scams.

We have recently expanded the service to assist those requesting O-1 and EB-1A visas in addition to entertainment industry professionals. Moreover, my acting career consultancy business, Muze Consultancy, will be having an online course entitled “Preparing for your O-1 and EB-1A Visa Course.

The course will cover everything on both types of visas including tips on how to get things done that are more challenging than others, and how to assemble a visa package while working on an O-1 and EB-1A visa with a lawyer. The course will provide them with downloadable materials, sample letters, checklists, and presentation slides that will help them visually understand how this process works. Everything from the process of writing their letters of recommendation to the acquisition of deal memos and sponsorships. To learn more and to register, visit https://christinesolomon.com/classes.

I think our unique catered business is what makes us stand out. To me, integrity is paramount. There may not be another consulting firm like mine. We assist people from start to finish and put them in touch with trustworthy individuals.

I love to write, so in addition to Muze, I founded my own publishing company, Hill Weiser (www.hillweiser.com). A few notebooks, planners, and a children’s book called Odd Ed—illustrated by the extremely talented Anastasia Balobanova—that I’ve already launched have received positive reviews and have been featured on Lady Gaga’s Channel Kindness foundation website (https://www.channelkindness.org/teach-children-to-celebrate).

My second children’s book, Wishing Upon A New Moon, illustrated by Nataliia Mazepa (yes, she has two i’s in her name), has also received fantastic reviews, and we had an excellent event runs. Working with Nataliia was a delight because she is such a creative force.

Both books can be found at a number of local and international bookstores, and online at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Hill Weiser, among other websites.

I am currently writing my third book while auditioning, working as an actor and business owner.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Keep exploring and discovering what works and what doesn’t for you. Be open minded to things you are reluctant to try. Keep planning and stay organized. Reach out to your community. Don’t be afraid to ask. I think it’s important to keep trying because if we quit too soon, we’ll never know if we were really that close to realizing our goals. Therefore the best advice I can give is to always follow your heart and never give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christinesolomon.com
• Instagram: @christinesolomon
• Facebook: @ActorChristineSolomon
• Twitter: @MsChrisSolomon
• Youtube: @christinesolomon
• Other: www.MuzeConsultancy.com | www.HillWeiser.com | www.imdb.com/name/nm2555010

Image Credits
George Schizas Photography, Efren Beltran Photography, Camille Fadl Photography, Ben Wilson Photography, Courtesy of WAFilms