Daily Inspiration: Meet Shadia Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadia Martin.

Hi Shadia, 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 actually got into acting later than most people I know. I always loved watching movies and admired all the actors I looked up to, but I never genuinely considered it to be something I could do. But then I took a leap of faith and moved to NYC to study theatre after high school.

I listened to that little gut feeling hidden beneath all the fear and uncertainty and fell in love with the magic of performing. I moved to LA shortly after graduating and have been here pursuing my career ever since.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a bumpy road, but I’ve had a few fun detours along the way. The main struggle is trying to get your footing in a place where there are so many of us doing the same thing. Especially when you come out with little to no connections, it feels like you’re yelling into the dark for someone to notice you! Slowly but surely, I’m finding my way working on whatever I can get my hands on and trying to become the best artist I can be while meeting other awesome artists. And most importantly – staying on the road no matter what life throws at me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actress and I’d say I specialize in drama. I’ve always been drawn to it and I feel most at home delving into the darkest parts of the human condition. I recently had the pleasure of playing one of the most emotionally rich characters I could think of – Hamlet. It was one of my proudest moments simply because it was something I never thought I could do! I was proud just to have been able to go through with it and it will forever be a cherished memory in my career no matter where life takes me. I tend to play characters that are a little off the beaten path – people who have a lot hidden underneath the surface but stand strong in the face of adversity. And sometimes they’re a little eccentric, but those are my absolute favorite. I believe what sets me apart from others is simply that I am me and there is no one else that can be me. There will always be someone who is more talented or funnier or what have you, but if you can find a way to embrace every part of you and never apologize for it, that will set you apart. That will be your shining light. And that will be what people connect with more than anything else.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Patience and self-acceptance. Everyone speaks of it, but man it is hard to practice. I feel life has taught me patience in so many ways. Not just in the pursuit of my career, but in learning to become my best self. It’s easy to get frustrated that you’re not where you want to be or you haven’t progressed enough, but that’s all a part of it. I’m constantly learning to be patient with who I’m becoming while still being proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished so far, no matter how seemingly small. Because at the end of the day, all I want to do is inspire people. Make them feel like they’re less alone. And how can I do that if I don’t even inspire myself? Accepting who I am wholeheartedly is quite the journey but one that I know will be the best investment I can make for my art.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shadiamartin.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shadia.png
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8539967/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons

Image Credits
Carlos Parada