Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaya Shellhammer.
Hi Kaya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started as a dancer at the age of 4! It was my whole life growing up. I started theatre in high school as a dancer but was to scared to speak on stage. Finally, in my senior year, I spoke up, and it went so well that I decided to go to college for it. It truly lit my soul on fire in a way that words cannot encapsulate. After a year at school, I took a year off due to some unforeseen circumstances. In that year off, I dipped my toes in film, and it’s entirely created a kaleidoscope of love, joy, and creativity in my life. I have so much gratitude for everything and everyone that has helped me on this journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have faced adversity with my mental health. It is so important as actors and humans that we take care of ourselves and the people around us. It’s not just our responsibility to ourselves to be our best, it’s also our responsibility to show up for the community that supports us. That being said, it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to crumble and sink below rock bottom. There’s only so far you can go down there though. The only direction left to go is up!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a film and stage actress and dancer! I truly just love the art of performing in all mediums. Recently though, I’ve been more focused on films and have had the blessing of working on many sets with so many incredible people. I am proud of how far I’ve come despite what was against me, and I can’t wait to keep looking up and forward to continue growing and doing what I love. I believe we are all unique in our own ways as artists, we all have our own beauty. It’s hard to say what sets me apart as we all have so many things to offer, but what I can say is that I’m always giving my 110% heart and soul into what I do. I fight to make artistic visions come to life, and love every second of it. This job has never felt like work a day in my life.
What’s next?
I plan to continue to foster my community, grow as a human and an actor, and go where life takes me! I’d love to check out a different major city for work eventually, but right now Austin, Texas is right where I want to be!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Henry Huey
