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

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I remember myself as a kid, how much I loved watching movies and going to the cinema. I was always looking forward to the scenes at the end, those videos of the cast behind the scenes. Seeing how everything came together and how much fun the cast was having creating the movie was so exciting. I remember thinking to myself how amazing it would be to be a part of that magic. Acting lets you live multiple lives at the same time, stepping into different experiences and exploring emotions and perspectives you might never encounter otherwise. I’ve found my first creative expression through writing fairytales and sketching. Slowly, I fell in love with storytelling. Through the art of acting, stories are not just told but experienced, allowing for a profound connection between the audience and the story being portrayed. When I realised how powerful acting was as a form of creative expression for me, I knew that I wanted to become an actress.

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

I was born and raised in Greece, where I spent my childhood exploring various forms of self-expression such as painting, singing, and collages. However, as I grew older, acting began to captivate me. I participated in improvisation workshops for young artists and was actively involved in my school’s singing choir, as well as taking dance classes. As I matured, I experimented with different paths, including studying economics for a few years and working as a bartender. Despite these experiences, my passion for acting never wavered. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a period of profound self-reflection and personal growth, reinforcing my love for acting and the fulfillment it brought me.It was during this time that I realized my true calling was in acting, and I set my sights on studying and working in New York. To make this dream a reality, I worked two jobs totaling over 70 hours a week to fund my studies. I began my acting journey at the New York Acting Studio in Athens before finally being accepted into the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. Studying at Lee Strasberg was a transformative experience. I had the privilege of learning from incredibly talented and experienced teachers who not only helped me hone my craft but also deepened my connection with myself and the stage. Their guidance and mentorship reignited my passion for acting, both on stage and in front of the camera. After completing my studies, I acquired my OPT and entered the workforce. In February, a group of friends and I collaborated on writing and filming a short film, which was accepted into the prestigious Lee Strasberg Annual Short Film Festival. This experience allowed me to explore the creative process from a writer’s perspective as well, which was both challenging and rewarding.I also had the opportunity to be part of the cast for the satirical play “A Sketch of New York,” which was a delightful departure from my previous theatrical experiences. The satirical nature of the play brought a new level of excitement and enjoyment to my acting endeavors.In addition to my work in film and theatre, I slowly ventured into the world of modeling and recently , I had the opportunity of walking my very first runway. I am at the beginning of my acting journey, and it’s an incredibly thrilling experience. I truly believe that acting chose me, and I cannot envision myself pursuing any other path. With each project I undertake, I immerse myself completely, striving to tell my character’s story with the utmost respect and authenticity. There is no greater joy than connecting with an audience on a deep level, evoking emotions and thoughts they may have never experienced before.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I have to be honest with you: reading books wasn’t my strong suit before coming to New York. I started reading a bit a few years before I moved here, but it quickly became an integral part of my life once I settled in. Books became my companions.
Two books, in particular, had a profound impact on me. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz made me rethink many things. It taught me that we often fall into the trap of overthinking situations and words. As individuals, we tend to place ourselves at the center of our lives, but this is true for everyone. Learning the art of not taking everything personally is a powerful tool that can help you enjoy life more. The second book, “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael A. Singer, helped me explore the mind’s inner workings and find lasting inner peace through self-discovery.
As an over-thinker, it was incredibly helpful to hear these insights. The book guided me on a journey of observing my inner emotions and thoughts and, ultimately, managing my reactions to life’s challenges.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Growing up, I always believed that independence and self-reliance were essential, and I took pride in handling everything on my own. I thought that showing vulnerability or seeking assistance would make me appear incapable or less competent.
However, this mindset began to change when I embarked on my journey to become an actress. While studying and working three jobs to save up for my move to New York, I reached a point where I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. The pressure to manage everything alone started taking a toll on my mental and physical health. During this time, I encountered incredibly supportive family, friends, and teachers. They encouraged me to share my struggles and seek guidance when needed. I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a strength that fosters growth and collaboration. Unlearning the idea that asking for help is a weakness allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It taught me that seeking assistance and collaborating with others can lead to greater achievements and a more fulfilling journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariakoron.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mariakoron?utm_source=qr