Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Harrison.
Sally, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a Los Angeles native, I left my hometown to pursue my passion. In my early twenties, I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to live with a good friend. My profession began at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. As a casino marketer, I spent four years networking and meeting a wide variety of people, back then interviews were conducted solely depending on personality. This was a great place to work. Being a self-made entrepreneur, I wanted a job that had creative opportunities and was well-paying, and this was it. At the end, I found myself wondering, ”What’s next?” After stepping away from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, I worked in nightclubs, hosting and promoting, and ended up working as a server at Benihana’s. Upon returning to Los Angeles, CA, I realized that every job I held allowed me to help others. Regardless of my title, it was a privilege to be there.
As of today, I am a Casting Associate Producer. I learned casting basics from my aunt, as she has over twenty years of experience casting. I got my first gig on MTV’s “Are You the One”. My network experience includes casting for BET, VH1, Fox, OWN, and Warner Brothers. I am thankful to my aunt for taking a chance on me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth for me. I was raised by my single mother along with two sisters and two brothers. It was tough for my mother to make ends meet. In those days, my mother often didn’t eat as there was only enough food to feed us, so I realized how different my life was. As a result, I wasn’t given any choice but success, and every day I remind myself that life is filled with obstacles, and it is during these times that we should focus on our faith.
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?
As a casting associate producer, you are the person who makes the initial contact when putting together a series. I am the one who discovers the talent. I have a significant influence on how well the show goes. I believe my biggest strengths are my trust in God and kindness; two qualities that contributed greatly to my success. Having been there, I understand what it takes, so sharing my experience is a blessing. My most proud accomplishment has been my contribution to my own ethnic group. As an African American woman doing well in Hollywood and as someone who grew up in the hood, my peers see me as an inspiration because of my background and culture.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Our reality-driven world has pushed television producers to produce better shows. The industry is growing. Real-life television shows present viewers with the opportunity to take part in events, as opposed to news or sitcoms. The future will see reality TV replacing traditional television, making it easier to gain fame, and being a part of it will be great.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Trubeauty__
Image Credits:
Sally Harrison
