Today we’d like to introduce you to Parker Abbott.
Hi Parker, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story begins as a college student at the University of Alabama. I was studying Criminal Justice with the intention of working in law enforcement after graduation. At the time, the most exciting things going on in my life involved my sorority and occasionally going out on campus. Although I was enjoying my normal college routine, I was experiencing anxiety about the future. I felt as if I wanted to do something different than the average college student getting a 9 to 5 job upon graduation.
One day, one of my sorority sisters mentioned that her favorite reality show was casting and suggested I should apply. This was an intriguing fork in the road moment. I spent the next hour submitting pictures and profiles. A week later, I received a call back from a casting director. Serendipitously, I did not get selected.
However, this rejection actually sparked an overwhelming hunger; I was more motivated now than ever. And then, I discovered an open call for Netflix’s “The Circle.” After seemingly the longest whirlwind audition process, I found myself staring out the window of an Airbus 380 Jumbo Jet on the way to Manchester, England to begin a new chapter in my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think one of the biggest struggles I have had to deal with is the fear of rejection. In all things, this is something we all need to deal with. I have realized now, more than ever, that this is something I have to face on a daily basis, especially in the entertainment industry. Every post or story I make now is seen by thousands in an instant and each person will have an opinion. Everything I apply for, every brand I reach out to, and every opportunity I seek will have the possibility of rejection. However, I’ve come to realize that the fear of rejection should never stop anyone from taking a leap of faith. I would not be where I am today if I had not faced that fear.
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?
Above all, I consider myself an entertainer! Whether that be posting on my social media, posing for photoshoots, walking runways, or being on a reality tv show. I truly love what I am doing and cannot wait to see what the future holds!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Lessons have come since way before I got the call for “The Circle” and will continue to come as I continue my career.
Before all of this, I interned at myLumasol and began to the importance of hard work. Working late nights struggling to find the perfect product & the perfect branding and raising money for the launch was definitely difficult. However, the satisfaction of completion & success made it all worth it. Entrepreneurialism is not as easy as is shown on Social Media like Instagram and TikTok. The whole concept of “Come up with an idea and within a short period of time you are making millions and famous overnight” is not as simple as many believe.
Even in my time after the show, I’ve learned that nothing great comes easily. Something that not everybody knows is that while my team and I are actively trying to grow my career in entertainment, I am still pursuing my degree in Criminal Justice. My team and I work daily to grow my career. Recently, I even had the opportunity to walk in Miami Swim Week. While that may seem simple, it meant many nights walking up and down hallways practicing my walk & pose. And trust me when I say this: The hard work is only beginning.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/parkerabbott
- Other: tiktok.com/@parkerrrabbott
Image Credits
Photographer: Jorge A. Escobar Mata – JAEM.Media | www.instagram.com/jaem.media | www.jaem-media.com Outfit: Sensual Sinsations | www.instagram.com/sensualsinsations | www.sensualsinsations.com | Code: PARKER15 Jewelry: GLD | www.instagram.com/shopgld | www.thegldshop.com | Code: ABBOTT
