Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Kelly.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At seven years old, I was in the upstairs loft of my home (Arizona) doing a fashion show for my mom when the phone rang. It was an acting and modeling school about 40 minutes away who received an “anonymous call” about me, wanting to know if I’d like to join the school. Fast forward a year, LA agents would come to our showcases and pick a select few they wanted to sign. I and one other girl were chosen to move to LA and pursue an acting career. My mom and I packed our bags, leaving the rest of our family behind to give it a shot! At an early age, I knew I was extremely independent and needed to pursue this journey alone. We moved home after about six months and since that day (15 years) it was my plan to move back here alone and give it everything I have.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey has been anything but smooth. One day you’re on top of the world and within 12 hours you think you’ve hit rock bottom. This industry and this city is so unpredictable, but that’s what makes it so appealing. I’ve been involved in huge movie scams, sexually harassed by my representation, slept on couches, negative in my bank accounts and told “no” more times than I can count.
Advice: Do not stop. I have so many friends who tried for a year and moved back home. Do some people book their first audition and rise to the top? Of course! But it is extremely rare. One of my favorite acting teachers told us it takes at least ten years to make a name for yourself in this industry, so enjoy the ride! Don’t take things to heart. If you don’t book a job or someone tells you no, it is not because you aren’t good enough, you just weren’t what they were looking for in that specific role. This is a business, and the quicker you accept that the easier your journey will be.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and that is my number one focus. Both fortunately and unfortunately, you cannot just “be an actor” anymore. Surviving out here is its own beast and you have to get creative. My entire life I’ve loved the arts. Painting, drawing, singing, theatre, photography, anything, and everything! I knew to pursue this career, I couldn’t have a typical day job that would let me leave for last minute auditions so I thought outside of the box. I saved my pennies, bought an expensive camera, taught myself how to use it and worked my way up. I started taking headshots here and there for my friends and 15 months later I was the sole content creator for the #1 fitness studio in Hollywood. I work too much and I’m exhausted, but I’m so damn proud of myself. It took me two and a half years to be financially stable and have 100% flexibility. What sets me apart from others is my persistence. I have never feared failure and I will keep going until I get where I want to be.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
My favorite book right now is “The Art of Not Giving a F*CK*! It sounds so cliche but it really was a game changer for me. In my opinion, what kills people the most out here is caring too much. Do you forget your lines in an audition? Learn from it and move on. Your acting coach gives you tough criticism? Learn from it and use it to your advantage.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tarynkelly7
Image Credit:
Bjoern Kommerell
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