We were lucky to catch up with Akari Endo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Akari thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I started my acting journey in musical theater and later transitioned to film and TV. I also ventured into the music industry and gained experience in commercial work and voiceover. Making a full-time living as an actor has always been my ultimate goal. However, despite having seemingly consistent work throughout my 15-year career, I haven’t achieved this milestone yet. Along this journey, I have encountered self-doubt and impostor syndrome more times than I can count. Surprisingly, I now find myself grateful for those challenges. They have compelled me to broaden my skills and expand my mindset. I have come to understand the importance of having multiple income sources, which not only provides financial freedom in the long run but also adds excitement to life by defying societal expectations of success in just one field.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Akari Endo, and I am an actor and entrepreneur. I have always been driven by my heart, which led me to pursue acting as a means of expressing my inner emotional world and practicing active empathy through the lives of the characters I portray.

As an actor, my goal is to bring characters to life and allow the audience to see themselves reflected in their stories. I recognize the power of storytelling in fostering connection, bringing light and comfort to those going through similar experiences.

I’ve often felt like a stranger in both the Latino and Asian communities. Initially, I viewed my ambiguous look and accent as weaknesses that needed to be overcome or changed. However, I have come to embrace and celebrate them. I represent those who feel like they don’t belong anywhere, as I have often felt. In today’s world, the mixed-race community is growing rapidly, and I am proud to be part of this community.

Among my various projects, there are a few that hold a special place in my heart. The podcast “Sisters of The Underground,” the film “Cristo Rey,” and the musicals “Legally Blonde” and “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar” have brought immense joy, growth, and personal and professional knowledge. These experiences have shaped me and enriched my journey as an artist.

I have exciting projects in the pipeline that I hope to announce soon. You can also find me on my Life Coaching account, Light Within, where I share my healing journey and help fellow actors and conscious creatives find clarity and purpose. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, connection, and embracing our unique identities!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The loss of my brother, Genji, tested my resilience and transformed my journey. We ventured into the entertainment industry together, supporting each other every step of the way. Genji’s guidance and belief in my abilities led us to our first acting roles in a musical back in 2008. We shared a journey filled with consistent work in musical theater productions, but we also had the desire to explore new avenues. Together, we produced and hosted a TV show focused on health for young adults, showcasing our shared passion for making a positive impact.

When Genji passed away in 2011, my world came crashing down. I was left with a profound sense of loss and confusion. Without my brother, my best friend and mentor, I questioned who I was and what I truly wanted. How could I continue pursuing my dreams without him by my side? Strangely, his passing occurred during one of the busiest times of my life. I was simultaneously working on two musicals and maintaining a job as a teacher. In retrospect, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Through my performances, I was able to channel much of my grief and find comfort on stage.

However, when those projects ended, I fell into a deep depression and struggled with my identity. It was through meditation and spirituality that I gradually regained a sense of self. Over time, I discovered who I truly was as an individual and an artist. While the road ahead may still be challenging without Genji’s physical presence, I draw strength from the resilience I developed through the process of grieving. In the face of any new obstacle, nothing compares to having lost him. If I could bring myself back up from losing him, I can overcome anything.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The move to LA represented a significant pivot in my life, both personally and professionally.

Back in 2015, I found myself at a crossroads in my life. I felt stuck and frustrated with the limited opportunities I was receiving. Local casting directors and producers seemed to have certain expectations and requirements that I didn’t fit into. They believed I didn’t look “Dominican enough” or lacked popularity and a significant following to book me in their projects. This feedback made me realize that I needed to explore new avenues and open myself up to more opportunities beyond my home country.

With the goal of pursuing acting, I made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles in 2017. It was a scary endeavor, filled with uncertainty and financial challenges. I tapped into my savings and relied on the support of my mom to make this transition possible. I knew that it was time for me to expand my horizons. While the journey was undoubtedly intimidating, it was also filled with hope, determination, and tremendous personal and professional growth.

Looking back, I am so grateful I did it! The decision to pivot and move to Los Angeles opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to embrace my true potential as a creative professional while also continuing to work in the entertainment industry in the Dominican Republic. And an awesome bonus: I met the love of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.akariendo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akari.endo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@akariendo