Meet Ella Kweku

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Kweku.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ella. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my professional career as a model in Spain when I was sixteen. I participated in a few local and national beauty pageantries there and I was also 4th runner up in Spain’s Next Top Model. At that time, there was very little opportunity in Spain for people of color so I decided to leave my birth country and test my luck in the United States. In order to get a visa, I studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, California. At my graduation showcase, I got scouted by Laura Bowman, an incredible talent agent at the Brady Brannon and Rich agency, better known as BBR. It’s been important for me to stay true to myself and not compromise my integrity. This city is a jungle and there are so many predators out there.

I arrived quite young and innocent, with no family or friends. All I had was a suitcase and a big dream that I believe could conquer the world and make it a better place. I have so many horror stories in my pocket of friends I made who fell into really ugly traps. Some of these traps you never get out of. I decided very soon this was not a sprint for me but a marathon. I realized I needed to find the tools so I couldn’t be disposed of. I wrote that on a piece of paper that I still keep till this day.

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?
After I filmed “Ismael” my first feature as a lead for Sony Pictures Spain, I suffered a really big setback. I had an accident and damaged my cervical spine. At the moment it happened nobody noticed how bad it was so I continued with life like nothing had happened. I came back to LA by myself but I very slowly and progressively started to lose my cognition, motor skills and life became really hard to cope with. I was unable to problem solve and build my dream like before. All of a sudden I couldn’t understand a lot of things but I didn’t know why. I started to lose my confidence. I also felt like my intelligence was diminishing.

Every time I tried to ask for help and explain, nobody really understood. It’s very hard to explain a problem when there’s no physical evidence to the naked eye. I felt completely alone and Isolated, the world became alien to me. It felt like I was trapped in time and all I could do was observe. I learnt a lot during this period and became very intuitive and compassionate. I think it forced me to become a better person… or at least that’s how I like to look at it.

I remember a few years later on the 7th of July 2019, I woke up one morning and I was unable to move my hands, my legs or speak. I had a stroke due to the lack of electrical firing to the brain. It was the scariest moment of my life. I don’t wish it upon my worst enemy. After seeing many specialists and burning my savings, we discovered the root of the problem. I Immediately started a recovery plan which included brain scans every month to make sure there was no brain leakage or tumors forming, as they tried to align each vertebra back into place with physical therapy every other day. It very traumatic.

I was devastated cos I had lost six years of my life but on the flip side, I was also excited cos 1) I had been given another chance and 2) I realized… I had never given up… there was a voice inside me, The Dreamer, that never stopped believing.

My biggest struggle has been my injury. Overcoming that was physically painful and mentally devastating. By the time I found out what was happening, I had already lost so much confidence and self-esteem… you need that to succeed in this business. As soon as I felt comfortable moving my body, I started training Wushu, martial arts. It’s not a high impact sport but requires focus. I knew I needed to discipline myself in order to not drawn and rebuild myself. It was either that or going back home to Spain, the latter one wasn’t an option so my choice was made.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a storyteller. I love both acting for the camera and being on stage, exchanging energy with the public. I love to make them feel, elevating their emotional thermostat for the time being. I focus mainly on commercial and film but would love the opportunity to be on a TV Show and finally find my acting family. Los Angeles can be such a lonely city.

I must say I have modeled for great brands. I love fashion and I’m very grateful that it has always payed the bills. I have worked in front and behind the cameras, creating advertising campaigns for very big fashion brands.

I have also written and sold songs as a ghostwriter. As I said, I’m a storyteller and I always find the way to do exactly that.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck anymore. I believe in creating opportunities and being prepared to take them if they appear.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ella_kweku

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