Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dorly Jean-Louis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dorly, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My interest in the performing arts began when I was 7 years old. As a child I was fascinated and in awe of the cinematography of silver screen classics. To me the filmmaking process was so magical. I was excited to see Hollywood starlets who looked like me in big budget productions. I used to pretend I was the heroine of the film reenacting the scene. I was also enchanted by the glamorous costumes, set decor, vocals and dance routines of musicals. I kept quiet about my dream until I graduated from high school. I worked two jobs, seven days a week one summer to save enough money to register at the Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy. From then, I continued my postgraduate studies in creative fields; broadcast journalism and acting. Passion and action propelled me to where I am today, living my dream of working in film, television and fashion industries in Hollywood North.

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

I love to bring main characters to life on screen. My career as an actor means everything to me. It’s my passion and I’m committed to my craft. I love to work. I love to create. I’m open to working internationally as well. My first language is French so I found a niche working on French productions in Montreal and Toronto. I would love to explore film projects internationally as well. It’s not just a business, it’s my lifestyle. This journey has been filled with twists, turns, rejections, roadblocks and exclusions. Despite that, I’m manifesting working on a variety of film and television series from a passion I had as a child.

I’m credited for appearing in a number of award-winning films and television series including; The Umbrella Academy, 12 Monkeys, Mayor of Kingstown and Salvation. I enjoy working on set with a production team and experiencing firsthand how a project comes to life from script to its premiere. My appearance on camera also extends to television commercials. Major brands I’ve worked with include: Neutrogena, Visa, Vichy, Wachovia, Verizon, Samsung, P&G, and Johnson & Johnson, to name a few. From film sets to the runway, I’ve modeled designer clothing at Fashion Week as well as several bridal runway shows. As a fashion stylist, I advise clients on flattering clothing options, top fashion trends and wardrobe building catered to their lifestyle. In short, I’m a creative and visual storyteller whether I’m in front of the camera or helping someone else to look their best as the main character.

I’m also dedicated to producing digital content that inspires and informs. I use my platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion and self-empowerment. As a multi-disciplinary artist I’m grateful to earn a living in fields I love. What I want followers, producers, directors and clients to know about me is that I’m a master at reinventing myself. I’m talented, resourceful, and I’m enough.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Breaking down barriers and proving my talent is an ongoing mission. I train, I hone my craft and I’m eager to learn new skills. I aim to consistently show up on set or to industry events as the best version of myself. I’m excited for the work projects I’m receiving this year. I’ll be able to expand on that at a future date. There’s still much more I want to accomplish and experience. I’m where I am professionally because I don’t quit. In good or bad times I keep going, doing, improving and learning.

In this digital age, there are countless opportunities for artists locally and abroad. However fair access to them can be blocked by nepotism, colorism, racism, sexism, classism and any other isms that exist. I’m fully aware that any of the latter may be the reason I don’t book a gig. So I stopped giving a damn about ‘rejection’ in the form of “we went another direction”. I do my best and f**k the rest. That’s how I stay resilient. Film and television are impactful creative mediums. Therefore the decision-makers sitting at the table; writers, producers, directors and talent should accurately reflect the scripted characters and the crew producing the story. When key players fail to embrace or advocate for inclusion we all lose.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2010 I took a hiatus from acting. So many projects in the film industry, at the time, had been archived or put on hold. The industry was still reeling from the writer’s strike. To top it off there was a harsh recession building up as well. So while casting opportunities became scarce, I put acting on hold while I concentrated on how to make a living. I decided to open a designer boutique. The timing was perfect because everything I needed for this project was at my disposition and just fell right into place. Despite having very little management training, I renovated and transformed a run-down convenience store into a beautiful European-style boutique. Binging on HGTV reno shows really came in handy I tell ya! Hence my career as a fashion designer, stylist and creative director was born. I was officially the owner of a brick and mortar business. Another dream of mine that came true. I pivoted for my survival and the money was rolling in. I especially enjoyed the perks and notoriety of being a sole proprietor collaborating and spearheading various initiatives with shop owners within our local business community.

Looking back at that time in my life, I’m so proud that I had the confidence and courage to go for it. I coordinated all aspects of this fixer upper; sourced out store fixtures, labels, shelving, hangers, flooring, paint, decor etc., and scheduled the retrofits to be completed by trades and electricians. This was by far one of my most proud accomplishments. Once my designer label was established, I expanded with an online shop. Three years later I shifted once again. I was missing working on set. However I couldn’t devote my full-time attention to both careers. So I closed the boutique for good to refocus on acting. Luckily for me, the film industry was returning to its former glory. I signed with a new agent and completed advanced scenes study classes. I came back to acting with renewed energy, a business mindset I didn’t previously have, thick skin and newfound confidence to take my acting career to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dorlyjeanlouis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorlyjeanlouis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DorlyJeanLouis
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dorlyjeanlouis
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorlyjeanlouis
  IMDb: https://www.imdb.me/dorly

Image Credits

Twelve Pence Photography
Jonathan Levy Photography
Wayne McDonald Photography
Cosplay Fashion Photography
Big Tall Mike Photography