Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Liza Van Deventer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Liza thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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.
I immigrated to the United States from South Africa to pursue a career in acting and yoga. I have left my whole family behind in South Africa. My husband and I moved to Los Angeles in June 2023 amidst the strikes. We started from scratch. I spent 6 years as a series regular on a South African tv show called “Skeem Saam”. Which is the 3rd most watch show in South Africa with a viewership of 9 million. I have left the comfort of a steady tv job and being known by South African casting directors to be a very small fish in the massive ocean of entertainment which is LA.
Recently I have also risked quitting my desk job to pursue my yoga business full time. I am now teaching at an addiction center (which is extremely fulfilling for me), different hotels and studios in LA. I am focusing on building my private yoga clientele and finishing my personal training certification.
Liza , 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 was born and raised in South Africa. I am an actress and yoga instructor. In 2016 I booked an audition for one of South Africa’s biggest tv shows called “Skeem Saam”. I spent 6 years working full time as an actress in the South African entertainment industry. The role changed my life. It made it possible for me to receive a greencard based on my film and television credits. During the process of applying for my greencard, I was also able to sign with an amazing manger in the US and I have had the opportunity to audition for major projects such as leads in pilots and feature films.
I was supposed to immigrate to the US right before the pandemic but then the entire world came to a stop and the USA banned greencards indefinitely, so I was stuck in limbo. I started teaching English online to students from around the world during the height of the pandemic. It was a wonderful way to connect with people as South Africa’s lockdown was extremely strict. I also met my now husband during the pandemic.
Yoga has been an integral part of taking care of my mental health and my healing journey . I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and really wanted to become a yoga instructor. During the pandemic I received my yoga teacher certification and started teaching yoga to all levels and ages.
In 2023 my husband and I immigrated to the US so I could expand my acting and yoga career. It has been a roller coaster ride but I am very thankful for the support and lessons I have learned
I am an extremely determined and ambitions but I am learning to appreciate the journey instead of being only fixated on the outcome. At the moment I am teaching yoga and meditation at an addiction center, hotels and a few studios in LA. I hope to expand my teaching schedule and private yoga clientele. I am also finishing up my personal training certification. I am very passionate about helping people heal and connect to their bodies and I hope to continue growing my skills with more education in psychology, trauma counseling and mindfulness practices
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is learning to embrace the uncertainty of a creative career, as well as being forced to live and appreciate the present moment. I love that yoga and acting both encourage us to be in the moment and to live in a state of gratitude and appreciation yet still not deny our own truth. Being an actress, I have had the permission to feel my feelings and give myself the space to process whatever it is I am going through. I have been supported and encouraged to lean into my vulnerability and authenticity. I love the aspect of being able to hold space for people with my acting and yoga. And giving people the permission to be themselves.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest goal in my acting career is to continue becoming a better actress, book a series regular role in the US and then use my voice and platform to inspire others to follow their dreams
As a yoga instructor I want to reach as many people as possible with the message that you can create safety in your body. You can use your body and breath as a tool to help you navigate difficult life events and emotions. Trauma is stored in our bodies and so yoga or any mindful movement is essential in the healing process. I want everyone to know that yoga is for every body and you don’t need fancy yoga pants, flexibility or a certain body type to practice yoga.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizavandeventer1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063517330202
- Other: Yoga insta https://www.instagram.com/lizavandeventer1/
Image Credits
All professional shots are by Zita Szaz including main picture and yoga photos
BTS picture on set for the feature film Peacock with director Jaco Minnaar and actress Tarryn Wyngaard.
B&W photo is for a campaign for Authentic Beauty Concept South Africa