Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Kauer.
Hi Camille, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started when I was a child, I was obsessed with Diana Ross and would always perform at family functions (comedy routines, dances). As an only child in a large family, I had to find ways to get attention and boy did I. I was notorious for my pranks and my dramatic antics. Becoming an actress seemed like the logical next step. I was raised in a film family, my father is award-winning producer Dwight Williams, and my mom, Olivia Gatewood, is a retired stunt woman, artist, and actor. I wanted stability so after graduating with my BA in Sociology, I pursued becoming a makeup artist and went to Esthetics school. I fell in love with working in Spas, I worked at Kate Sommerville’s Skin Clinic in West Hollywood and was the Assistant Spa Director at Equinox in Century City. After years in the esthetics industry and even working as a makeup artist, then severe carpel tunnel ended my career. I went on to find other ways to stay busy and went back to acting. I was a co-star on Dawson’s Creek in college and worked on several films, tv pilots, and print jobs. It was an easy transition to return to my previous agent and get back to commercial work. I have done a ton of commercials for furniture brands, technology, banks, and many more. When the pandemic hit and all filming canceled, I pivoted and started my own podcast/show, ‘The E-Spot with Camille.’ I’m now three seasons in and looking forward to recording season 4 in 2022.
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?
Absolutely not, starting your own business during a pandemic with so much uncertainty was a huge challenge. Plus, I wasn’t very tech-savvy nor had any idea what equipment I needed to start my own show. After several classes from SAG-Aftra and completing my certificate in Digital Marketing at George Washington University’s Business School, I felt confident about my skills and my home studio setup.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The E-Spot with Camille, Show/Podcast?
‘The E-Spot with Camille’ started during my radio days. The “E” was for entertainment then it just exploded in so many directions. I am loving interviewing people that have become successful in entertainment, arts, beauty, design and so much more. I tend to stick in my lane by interviewing about topics I am well versed in but I love learning new interests. I’ve had a few interesting guests, Roger Floyd (George Floyd’s uncle), Robert Kool (Kool and the Gang), Kim Fields ( Upshaws), Laila Odom (Salt-n Pepa film), Tyler Leplay ( Harlem & P- Valley), R. Keith Harris ( TWD & Dopesick), Call her 6 ( We’re Here), Chris Goddard (Design Stars) and so many up-and-coming designers involved with The Kaleidoscope Project. That’s what separates my show from other podcasts about entertainment is that I grew up with the privileges of being behind the camera with my parents’ career, my career, and from a genuine fan of the TV,film, beauty, and design industries.
I approach guests that I want to learn more about and they share stories beyond the traditional pitching of their latest projects. I get to find out how they navigated the industry to where they are now and they give suggestions for others to get into the industry. I also get their take on current events and how it reflects in their art. I always feel so inspired after each interview. I interview from a place of what would I want my younger self to know about the business to be successful and use that as my guide.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am a Capricorn, so taking calculated risks is in my nature. I’ve been able to expand my show to TV, which was my ultimate goal! Every Saturday, The E-Spot with Camille is now on The Connect Network, a Talk Show that airs in Austin/ West Texas, on The CW network. I am in talks to expand to other markets, so stay tuned! Another big risk was changing the format for season 3, instead of being “live” I had to pre-record most of the season with my guests from The Kaleidoscope Project and was able to meet them all at Dallas Market for Design Week. It was the best decision! Not only did I grow my audience in Texas, I also made friends for life and was able to showcase BIPOC talent that is normally overlooked in the Design Industry.
Contact Info:
- Email: theespotcamille@gmail.com
- Website: https://camillekauer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcamillekauer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealcamillekauer
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ckonair1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/camillekauer
- SoundCloud: https://anchor.fm/camillekauer
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-e-spot-with-camille/id1525604734
Image Credits
All professional photos by Terrence Jones https://clientgallery.terrencejonesphoto.com The Kaleidoscope Project at Dallas Market Center photo courtesy of Danny Russo.
