Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Nolan.
Colleen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my journey in corporate America. I studied six sigma, process improvement, and change management. And then everything in my life changed. Through a series of illnesses and tragedies, I was led down a path of healing and self-fulfillment that not even I could have ever expected. I went through a total life transformation and now, I can call myself an actor, a model, a gluten-free health foodie, a self-care advocate and a lover of life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Mine has been a particularly bumpy road. In fact, I think parts of the road have been missing at times. Remember when the highway in Atlanta was burning? Kind of like that.
I had a journey of chronic illnesses that began when I was 17 years old. I have lost 3 organs along the way. At some point, you move into survival mode. I stayed focused on my career. I stayed focused on God. I had amazing parents who were there for me every step of the way. In 2006 and 2012, my mother, then father died of malpractice from the same hospital. The grief was indescribable. As I tried to dig out of that hole, I took a vacation to South Africa and was bit by a dog and caught an infectious disease.
It was then my whole life changed. God can take the biggest tragedies and trials and somehow turn them into the best thing that ever happened to you. Because of that dog bite, I wound up changing my whole life. I began seeing holistic doctors, changed my diet, started yoga and changed my thought processes. I started listening, really listening, to God, and removing noise and evaluating the people in my life. I practiced mindfulness and meditation. I started to shift my focus toward kindness. Am I being kind to myself? In the beginning, the answer was no. There are hundreds of moments in a day that you have an opportunity to be kind to yourself. Be kind, always.
This total transformation completely changed my life. Before that, I couldn’t have even dreamed of being an actor. It was all too far-fetched. I considered myself too far gone. But all of these things that have happened to me have made me the person I am. They have made me stronger and more resilient. I have adapted to things I could have never dreamed of. Pushed through things I couldn’t have imagined.
This transformation of mind, body, and soul made me into the person I was meant to be. The tragedies and the transformations have made me a better actor. And the growth in both areas is far from over.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Senior Business Process Manager (a.k.a. Internal consultant) at Cox Automotive by day and I focus on my Acting Career by night. I have been able to take my skills as an internal consultant and apply them to my acting career. I pride myself as being a person who can come up to speed quickly on any process, business or organization, identify areas for improvement and make a radical change within a company.
I have been able to take my skill sets as an internal consultant and apply that to my acting career. It begins with soaking up all of the knowledge you can. I dove headfirst into training to make up for lost years. I began with improv and the have gone as far as Meisner. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant in any field.
Finding great business partners and people who are invested in your success are critical in any industry. I have a great agent in Tonya Hensley from TDH Talent Unlimited. My acting coaches J. Michael Grey and Troy Rowland have helped me tremendously to understand the business and what it takes. They have helped identify areas that I need to improve and encourage me to get to the emotional and vulnerable places that it takes to be an actor. And in this process, I am finding my authentic self. An unexpected self that has surprised and delighted me. I am radically changing as a person because of it and becoming the actor I was always meant to be. I am so grateful for those who have helped me on this journey.
I have started delving into the world of storytelling. I am writing my first screenplay. It is a horror and one that I am very excited about. I am also writing a book with the working title “Finding Purpose in Suffering”. In it, I discuss my personal journey with illness, tragedy, pain, and the lessons I’ve learned. I would like the book to be a beacon of hope to those who need an anchor through their storm.
What were you like growing up? Personality-wise, interest wise, etc.
I grew up as the baby of 5 children. I was a “special surprise from heaven” to my parents who had me when they were 47. Most of my siblings were already in college as I was growing up so I had the added benefit of being like an only child. My parents retired when I was in high school so I got to spend a lot of extra time with them, which meant the world to me.
I loved sports, particularly softball and was on the New York State Championship team. I ventured into dance and was a part of the all-county choir. I was an extrovert who loved singing, dancing, and entertaining friends and family. I was in some plays, but never did I think that acting would become a reality. God is so great with the surprises that he give us in life. The truth is it is never too late.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colleenjnolan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
iamcolleennolan - Twitter: www.twitter.com/
iamcolleennolan - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
colleennolanactor
Image Credit:
Sneed Snapshots, Mark Daniel Mason Photography
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