We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mengeh Windlander a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mengeh 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 think taking risks is the backbone of this career. You are constantly putting yourself out there to be seen and judged, hoping to connect and make an impact. It can be terrifying at times-being so vulnerable and open to the public eye, not always knowing how it will be received or perceived, but to constantly take risks and at the same time, being so passionate about something that you love is what truly makes it so beautiful and worth it in the end. Moving to America leaving everything I knew behind to pursue a career here, not knowing whether I would be successful or not has been a huge risk, but an extremely rewarding one filled with life lessons, character development and beautiful connections. I am forever grateful for the people and experiences made through it all. Pursuing a career in dance and theater has been a life-long dream of mine and the opportunities to do so are better for what I specifically want over here in America. This is where it is happening. Following your dreams comes with risks, sacrifices, hard work and staying strong, which is something I’ve been battling through each day, but with the right support system and reminding myself what I’m fighting for, those battles becomes a little easier.
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 always had a feeling this is what I wanted to do in life – it was something that really made me happy. I started dancing from a young age, but perusing it professionally, started in High School – College where I fully began improving and broaden my craft and vision for myself in this industry. It is also where I branched out into acting and film and found a passion for that as well. Over the past year since graduating, I’ve been trying to put my stamp on the commercial world. I have starred and supported in a variety of features, commercials, music videos, live shows & performances and film & stage projects. As of now I’m excited and eager to further improve myself as an artist and seek more opportunities that will help me reach my goals and full potential. Very excited what this new year has to offer.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I think my resilience is visible by the way I show up/ or have shown up for things, whether it’s been for rehearsals, school, jobs, loved ones or life in general. I never give up, no matter how hard or challenging it turns out to be. I always try to find a way because I know I’m not only fighting for myself but the people who believe in me and want to see me succeed as well.
I believe my resilience comes from my beautiful mother – she is the strongest woman I know, even after everything she’s had to endure throughout her life. She is and will forever be my biggest supporter. It’s people like her, friends, family and the community that help me keep going even through the darkest times of the mental health struggles, financial struggles and injuries that I have fought through these past years, not knowing if was strong enough to do it, let alone graduate and stay in the country to continue pursuing this career. The fact that I’m here today, still fighting for my dreams after all the ups and downs speaks for itself and my resilience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The freedom of expressing myself in a way that feels safe and makes sense to me while simultaneously being an outlet that others can connect and relate to. Your artistic and creative journey can feel so isolating and lonely at times but the moment you share and people actually can relate and connect to your work is such a special and rewarding moment and is a big why in choosing to create – to be understood and accepted in your own unique way.
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Image Credits
Vince Trupsin
Jocelyn Campbell
Yancy Perez