Today we’d like to introduce you to BETTY GREEN.
Hi BETTY, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well I honestly I always start from the very beginning which truly starts with my folks. I was born the youngest and only daughter to Tongan immigrant parents. I was raised in the Catholic Church & been deeply rooted in the Tongan culture. I began to dance at 5 years old at the Kirkpatrick’s School of Dance located in San Mateo.
I dance ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, heels, and Polynesian dancing like Hula, Tahitian, Tongan, & Samoan. I was also in choir and took vocal lessons from 9 years – 16 years old both at School & at Church. I then began to take acting classes at 12 years old with the JRP Academy. I attended private school majority of my life from 1st Grade to Senior year in high school. My father use to DJ at events so I would tag along with him and keep the dance floor warm. Eventuality, I began messing around with his equipment and started to do gigs with him. Later on, I did not get accepted into any 4 year universities I had applied to. I moved to Los Angeles at 18 years old to attend school in East Hollywood. I did not have much money at such a young age and I also did not get selected for dormitory. I lived with different families, moved around, and ended up living in my car for the rest of my undergrad.
After receiving my Bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism from CSULA, I got hired with iHeart Radio 5 months later. I joined the largest labor union representing performers called SAG-AFTRA. I then returned to school to receive my Masters in Acting for Camera from Academy of Art University. From there, I landed a talent agent with ModelsIncTalent. Then just last year, I had joined the ABC7 family located in San Francisco.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish! Far from being a smooth road. If anything, this road got about 100 potholes, detours, & road construction. My last year in high school, my family & I were facing emotional & mental turmoil. One of my brothers was facing a hardship and it took a huge toll on my parents, my nieces & nephews, & my siblings. My youngest brother & I were being harassed by the San Mateo Police, especially my youngest brother. My father blamed himself for my brothers hardship so he drowned himself in alcohol & drugs. My mother was sick so she was trying to get healthy, same time she was heart broken over her son. Because of all the issues, I performed poorly in one of my classes, which was the reason why I did not get accepted into universities. I also won “The Worst Case of Senioritis” in my senior class. That is how bad it was for me. I had so much pain inside me.
When I moved to LA, I was fortunate and grateful enough to have relatives to stay with. I ended up getting a job, but then quit once I received my AA. While studying my undergrad, I had lived with 3 different families at that point. I decided on my own to be independent & live in my car until I get on my own 2 feet. I slept in my car. I kept all my clothes in the trunk and did my laundry at laundromats. I brush my teeth in public places like my school & any public bathroom either its a park or McDonalds. I also took showers at my school gym or I would go visit a friend or relative & ask if I can shower there. For food & for hygiene products, I stole from stores. Of course, I had my parents & brothers to poke at for money. But at that time, I needed to learn how to survive on my own so I can help them instead. So..did I struggle? You bet your ass! My life is the struggle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Yes! So Professionally, I broadcast for iHeart Radio & ABC7. I focus on traffic in the bay area. We focus majority on highways & freeways than city streets. I use to report on-air with KQED on the weekends. I basically let the audience and viewers know the 411 on the roads. I have only gone on-air on the radio, but I am aiming to hit on-air TV. I have been in radio for 7 long years so it was a blessing to finally transfer into TV.
I also audition for various gigs through my talent agent from acting, modeling, & voiceover. In 2020, I officially opened up my very 1st business which is my DJ/MC business.
I am super proud of myself to be honest. I remember all the times I was so scared & nervous to even be in front of people! I use to dread performing because of my nerves. But I am proud of my strength & of the tenacity I have on my dreams. I believe that is what sets me apart. I’m a dreamer living a dream while being awake.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I have such a long way to go!
As far as the companies & Agency I work for, I hope that I can make a huge impact on these rich establishments with my Godly gifted talents. I am for sure returning to the dance studios to continue working on my dance reel for audition purposes. I am also hoping in a few years you will see me on TV either reporting traffic or acting on a show/movie. I have been working on my health & weight loss for years now so that will for sure be a huge shift in my life. My DJ business has been pretty successful ever since I launched it back in 2020. I believe as time goes, I’ll gradually upgrade my equipment and add-ons.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phettieg96?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhettieG?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
