We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eleana Pena a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Eleana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Many of us have dreams and goals. Some dreams are big and some are small. As soon as I graduated college, I felt deep down inside me I had to take a life changing risk. That risk was to relocate to a major big city so I can explore both my creative and career opportunities. Taking a life changing risk can be overwhelming and scary, but I knew I had to leave my comfort zone and what I knew in order to grow and develop my career. Growth never happens when you stay in your comfort zone. You never will know what you’re made of until you step out the box. After graduating college and completing film school, I felt a nudge that it was time to take a risk. I relocated to a major big city which is New York. Before making a big decision, I prayed a lot for God’s direction to make sure this is the step He wants me to take. I started to see signs and doors started to close. This was my confirmation to go. When I took that leap of faith, I felt a shift in my life towards big changes and growth. That’s exactly what happened. I’ve learned so much as a creative and in my career. There is something so amazing that happens. I developed a drive inside of me I didn’t know existed. I even said to myself, “If things don’t work out, at least I am not the same person I was”. This is growth. However, that was my scared mindset speaking. I was still so scared that I took the risk that’s why I said that to myself. Taking risks also feels like a caterpillar coming out of their shell so they can turn into a butterfly. This is how I felt and why I spoke to myself scared. I was coming out of my shell to become a greater version of myself in every area of my life. Thankfully, with God on my side and holding on to God’s promise in Romans 8:28 that all things work together, everything worked out and I am still learning and growing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started to network and get to know people in the film/TV and mental health industries. I got to know a lot of amazing people and I made so many wonderful connections. I am passionate about film and television and seeing clients get the help they need to improve their mental health and overall become better in their lives. Through networking, I was able to land a good career opportunity in mental health, a few gigs in films and be in spaces that allows me to nurture my craft. As a creative, I have to constantly put myself in places where I know I am going to grow and learn something new. What sets me apart is that I am able to play certain characters and use my background in psychology to analyze the character I am playing so I can tell the story authentically. I am able to apply both creative and analytical skills together. I am so grateful to God that He gives me the opportunity to do both. It’s amazing to see how both come together. I am proud of everything I do and I give God all the glory. I celebrate every milestone whether it’s small or big. I want my audience, clients, followers and everyone to know that anything is possible when you put in the work. Taking bold steps of faith leads to so much positive change in your life. My work and the content I share on my social platforms, I want it to be inspiring and motivating to others. We were all created for a purpose in life. I pray my story inspires someone to take a leap of faith.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is seeing your audience and followers being impacted in a positive way by the story you’re telling. It’s so rewarding because this can be the catalyst to change in their lives. It can also bring healing in certain areas.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I’ve already had non-creatives tell me that the 9 to 5 is the best way for a “stable” career. Although, yes, I do agree in some aspects as far as pensions and retirement. However, the 9 to 5 lifestyle no matter how many years you have in, it is not stable. I’ve seen people who gave 5 or 10
or 20 plus years of their life to a company or an organization and get laid off like nothing. So why not go for your dreams and take the risk? When you put your faith and trust in God, He will lead the way and open the right doors. My words can’t express how grateful I am to be doing what I do. Being a creative entrepreneur has enlightened me is so many ways. I encourage anyone to take a leap of faith.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @eleana.pena
• Twitter: @itseleana