We were lucky to catch up with Shoshanna Withers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shoshanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am truly happy as an artist/creative currently but it definitely took years of struggles, different side hustles and life resets to figure it all out.

Until around 2016 I wasn’t aware that I could make my own content, win awards and have my projects seen by millions of people if I really invested my time and energy. I thought that all films (features or shorts) were shot with big budgets through large studios. After diving into production life in 2016, I discovered ANYONE could do it, even with a small budget.

Once I learned this, my passion for creating films grew immensely. I became passionate about producing my own content. I invested in equipment, networked with other creatives & writers and I succeeded in producing many short films which won awards at several film festivals. I felt fulfilled!
That’s when I knew I wanted to do this full time.

During the pandemic, I made time to make content with friends. Over the years, I have worked many odd jobs just to survive. I had opportunities to do a lot of interesting cool jobs as well (like being a model for Victoria Secret Pink). These side hustles afforded me the time I needed to focus on my craft.

I did try once to have a full time regular corporate job but I ended up quitting 4 weeks into it because I wasn’t able to go to auditions or do anything creative and I was miserable. I vowed to never put myself through that again. I feel like I have a great balance now and I am truly happy with where I am currently and where I am going.

Shoshanna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started out as a dancer/performer at 2 years old. My grandmother was a Rockette in NYC and my grandfather was an actor/artist so I was exposed to the artist life at a very young age. They passed before I was a teenager. Soon there after at the age of 14, I began modeling (runway/print) and acting. I moved from NC to NYC right after college and pursued my dreams immediately. I started bartending at some of the hottest nightclubs and modeling part time to support my acting/filmmaking aspirations. A hustling mindset grew over the years so I have developed a beautiful balance of work & play. I do a lot of self-care and have a set intention at the beginning of each day, if not creatively at least something that will fulfill my life in some way. I currently am the executive producer and Lead Actress in a Sci-Fi Action film called “Love & Hatred in Megawave City”, Written & Directed by Emmy award winner, Eddie Lebron and Written & Produced by Leticia Buchanan!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe society, especially schools, need to push artists/creatives to make their own content and to learn how to wear the many hats needed in this field. Being a creative doesn’t necessarily mean million dollar movies or Network TV shows. Obviously that’s the ultimate goal but you can still thrive doing smaller more intimate and meaningful passion projects.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I had a horrible situation during the end of the pandemic where I broke my 5th metacarpal in my right hand and had to have metal pins put into it. I was out of work for 4 months and also couldn’t do much at all for myself since I am right handed. I began putting all of my energy and time into submitting myself for acting roles even though I didn’t know when I would be completely healed. I auditioned for 30+ roles a month, 2 of those months hiding my cast and hand behind my back for almost every audition. I ended up booking 2 leads in feature films and magically was healed by the time I began shooting/filming both movies!

This is proof to NEVER give up and do not let anything or anyone stop you from your dreams!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ShoshannaWithers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Shoshanna_Withers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoshannawithers
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshanna-withers-3167b416/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shoshannawithers
• Other: https://vimeo.com/shoshannawithers

Image Credits

Evan Davis Photography
Sydney Claire Photography
Quintin and Ron
SLP Studios
Actor Bestie (Denise Reed)