Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Baker.
Hi Shannon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m an actor, producer, writer, and content creator. I’m Dakelh Dene (Native American/ First Nations), and I am originally from the Stellat’en First Nation, which is a Native reserve in Canada. I got into the creative space years ago. My twin sister and I were one of the first Indigenous creators to become viral on the internet. From there we were interviewed by Tyra Banks and went on television shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Blue Mountain State and Smallville. Collectively we are known as The Baker Twins. We also have been known to be the “Killpop Twins” since we starred in a Slipknot music video. Being a Baker Twin and being one of the first Indigenous creators introduced me to a lot of opportunities that I’m not sure I would have been able to experience otherwise. Some of which being able to travel. I’m fortunate that I get to make a living being a creative. I have over 1.5 million followers combined online. I also am now a TV/Film producer, so being able to storytell has been a dream come true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth. I grew up on a small reserve, and by small, I mean a reserve of about 200 people. It was a culture shock when I moved away. I was extremely homesick. I first moved to a small city for college, then to Vancouver, and then to L.A.
I think the biggest struggle was being away from my family. When you decide to move to L.A. to chase a dream, a lot of people don’t talk about what you have to give up for that dream. My family is very close. So, I felt like I missed out on a lot.
For me to go back home it’s a big journey. A flight from L.A. to Vancouver, another flight from Vancouver to a small city called Prince George, and then someone has to drive 2 hours to pick me up (dependent on if the winter conditions are okay).
When I first moved to L.A. my story was very similar to most actors/writers that moved here. Move to L.A., become a waiter/server/bartender, train (acting), train some more, go to a gazillion auditions, get rejected, and go to some more auditions, get rejected some more, train, and then book some roles.
Somewhere along the way, I learned that my large social media following can lead to sponsorships. I’m very grateful that I get to work with brands that I love and do content creation. I get to choose my own hours, wake up and create, and have fun.
I now get to focus on producing, content creation, and writing full-time.
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 actor, writer, content creator, and producer.
This past year I have co-starred in a movie that is currently available on Amazon Prime called “Mixed Baggage”. I’m also in a movie & T.V. series called “Bones of Crows”.
I think that what I’m the most proud of is realizing that you can create your own opportunities. I’m currently creating a T.V. series and producing three feature films. I’m very grateful to work in a career that is entirely creative.
I think what sets me apart from others is my background. I grew up pretty poor to say the least. I believe the way I grew up gave me a unique perspective on how I view the world. I had a young mother who had twin daughters. I was very fortunate that I was raised by my grandmother, mother, and aunts. My grandmother, Emma Baker, is fluent in our Dakelh language and is 87 years old. I’m very lucky to know a bit about my Indigenous heritage, some of our legends, and history.
As an Indigenous woman, I feel fortunate to be alive. Not very many Indigenous woman where I am from are so lucky. I grew up in a place called the Highway of Tears, where we have MMIW. (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). There is an epidemic happening where thousands of Indigenous woman are either missing or have been found murdered on that stretch of highway. The highway goes right through my reservation.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wish someone had told you that you are the one who has to create your own opportunities. Most people won’t believe in you. If you have an idea, write it down and create it! No one believes in you more than yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shanonbaker.blog
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shannonbaker
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonLouiseBaker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realshannonbaker/
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ShannonBaker
- Youtube: http://ww.w.youtube.com/shannonbakerblog
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=imFplt3fHRh4jlFoVOUrlA
- Other: http://www.neechiclan.com
Image Credits
The First photo is Andrew Gerard
The Second photo is Gordan Dumka
