We recently connected with Helena Geraci and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Helena thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In 2021 I created L.A. Creative Circle, a community to empower actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Through this project I am supporting creatives on their artistic journey by providing useful resources that help actors to grow professionally.

I organize monthly webinars and workshops with top-notch coaches and experts in the industry and quarterly meetups in various locations in Los Angeles. Whether we foster networking, group discussions, and accountability partnerships, I want to help my acting community to thrive and grow.

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

I’m a professional actress originally from Catania, Italy, with a background in Marketing and Brand Management. For over 8 years, I worked in corporate and creative agencies across Europe and the US. In 2018, I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Project Management. While in that field, I decided to rekindle my passion for acting by taking classes. In my early ’20s, I played in theater in Italy, but acting remained just a dream.

However, upon arriving in Los Angeles, that artistic calling resurfaced, inspiring me to explore acting further. I’m grateful I answered that call.

In 2020, I earned a Certificate in Acting from UCLA Extension and studied at various institutions, including The Actor’s Lab, Ivana Chubbuck, and I am currently a member of the Anthony Gilardi Acting Studio. Since 2020 I have been actively working in the independent film industry, playing lead roles in various independent and short films by acclaimed directors. In addition to my US representation, I have also recently signed with a very good talent agency in Italy, a goal that I set for myself 2 years ago and that is finally happening!

What I’m most proud of today is the immense effort I’ve invested to reach this point, especially considering I come from another country. I take pride in having four languages in my pocket – French, Spanish, English, and Italian – and a theater background that provided me with a solid foundation. It hasn’t been an easy journey; I’ve encountered numerous challenges, such as acting in a second language, managing my immigration status, and essentially starting a new life across the ocean. Building fresh personal and professional relationships from the ground up was no small feat either. Yet, I’ve embraced the art of overcoming obstacles, and it’s yielded remarkable results.

In 2021, I founded ‘L.A. Creative Circle’ a community dedicated to empowering and supporting artists on their creative journeys. We host regular gatherings at different locations in LA. Additionally, I initiated a monthly webinar series featuring guest speakers who share insights on various topics related to navigating the entertainment industry, such as self-tapes, auditions, goal-setting, mindfulness, branding and financial management. I have an exciting lineup of guests for 2023 and 2024!

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to transform imagination into reality and create stories. It’s the power to convey emotions, tell stories, provoke thoughts, and inspire others through various forms of expression, whether it’s through painting, music, writing, acting, or any other creative medium.

Additionally, the creative process itself can be deeply fulfilling. The journey of ideation, experimentation, and the pursuit of perfection often leads to personal growth and self-discovery. It allows artists to connect with their innermost thoughts and feelings, exploring the depths of their creativity.

Furthermore, the impact on the audience is incredibly gratifying. When a work of art resonates with someone, it can evoke strong emotions, offer solace, or provoke positive change. Knowing that your creativity has touched others in a meaningful way is a source of immense satisfaction for artists and creatives.

In essence, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to leave a lasting impression on the world, sharing a piece of oneself and contributing to a cultural and emotional impact on society.

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

Four years ago, I found myself at a significant crossroads in my career. For years, I had pursued a path in marketing and project management, steadily climbing the corporate ladder and achieving notable milestones. It was a stable and well-established career, but something was amiss.

It was during a quiet moment of self-reflection that I had a profound realization: my true calling lay in the realm of artistry. I had always been drawn to the creative process, the power of storytelling, and the creation of vivid characters. The allure of crafting narratives and breathing life into my imagination had been calling to me, subtly at first, but with increasing urgency.

This realization marked the beginning of a pivotal moment in my life. I decided to take a leap of faith and pivot my career towards the path of an artist and a freelancer. It was a decision that required a substantial shift in perspective and lifestyle. I was venturing into uncharted territory, one where I would be responsible for my time, my projects, and my creative journey.

I harnessed all the skills and knowledge I had acquired in marketing and project management and redirected them towards my newfound passion. I embraced the challenge of learning the intricacies of the art world, honing my craft, and developing my unique voice as a storyteller.

The transition was not without its challenges. Freelancing brought with it a degree of uncertainty and unpredictability that I had not experienced in my previous career. Yet, every obstacle and setback served as a valuable lesson and a stepping stone towards my artistic aspirations.

As the years passed, I found myself fully immersed in the world of storytelling. I created characters that felt like old friends, wove narratives that stirred emotions, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery that was both exhilarating and deeply fulfilling. Each day allowed me to fully utilize my resources and skills to bring my artistic vision to life.

Looking back on that pivotal moment, I am grateful for the courage to embrace my true calling. It was a journey of self-realization, self-expression, and self-fulfillment. Today, I am not just a freelancer; I am a creator of stories, a weaver of characters, and a steward of my artistic path, I am an actor. The decision to pivot my career has allowed me to live authentically and passionately, dedicating my time and talents to the artistry that fuels my soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.helenageraci.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenofsicily/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.geraci
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenageraci/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbeAHN_xtMi_D0KGflcpPcc0FEKyYAElY

Image Credits
Jackson Davis Photography