INDIA EVERETT | CP Magazine

• What does being entrepreneurialmean to you? Being entrepreneurialmeans that you’re in charge of yourwork, end-to-end. You decide how hardand long you work, what you do, and you’re responsible for yourown successes and failings.

• What was yourmotivation to become an entrepreneur? In many ways, I don’t think of acting as entrepreneurial, but at its core it is. At the end of the day, I’m my own boss, securing my own jobs and reaping my own rewards. It’s a lot of pressure to work hard, but it’s very rewarding.

• What were the biggest difficulties as a woman youencountered in this job? I think ifyou follow the media you can see a lot ofthe difficulties that many women in this industry are facing. An industry full ofbeautiful women eager for success is ripe for manipulation and trouble from powerful, predatory men. It happens at every single level, and it’s a tough world for a woman to navigate. I’m personally relieved to see the progress that is being made in mitigating this terrible issue.

• There will be those who think you are very lucky, so tell usalso about the difficult times you have lived until you gethere. This job is glamorous but HARD! You get told No a million times more than you’re told Yes, but you still have to get back up and out to the next audition or meeting. You have to look your best, all the time, be the hardest working person in the room, and still be likable to work with. It’s a 24/7job, truly.

• You commented a while ago that you would like to inspire people, make them believe in the success of the irideas and projects. Don’t you think that, somehow, you are doing it with yourown example? Ifmy breaking the mold and leaving a traditional job and lifestyle to pursue a careerin the movies doesn’t encourage otherpeople to take a risk for their dreams, I don’t know what will! I hope that people see that even unlikely things are possible with hard work, grit, and perseverance.

• You neverthought about abandoning it? Of course I have! Are you really in the entertainment industry if you don’t regularly flirt with the idea of walking away? This is a hard job, it’s really hardto keep pushing yourselfsometimes.

• What is the most sacrificed to fulfill your dr eams? I gave up a comfortable lifestyle with a comfortable job and salary to move alone to LA, not knowing when I would make a paycheck, living in a shared house in a bunk bed, sharing my room with anywhere from 3- 5 other girls in bunks. Zero personal space, zero closet space, zero privacy. There was no glamourwhatsoeverin that kind oflife.

• Could you give us a definition of what you understand bysuccess? I think success is embodied by anyone who can create their own happiness and live a life that fulfills them without regret. Success looks different for everyone and I think that’s the beauty of it.

• What advice would you give to women ent repreneurs, entrepreneurs or those who wa nt to become? You can absolutely do this. Step up to the plate and show these guys that we’re here, with great ideas and great work ethic and lots to offer, too. I’m so excited that women are changing the landscape — across all career fields — and stepping into positions of leadership. Start today. What an excellent time to be a woman.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Thank you to all the strong women who have been my role models, inspired me, cheered me on, and let me call at all hours of the day; Especially Linda, Chelsea, Lizzy, Becky and Sandy for being such amazing examples. Thank you to my agents, manager, and PR representative for making this crazy life possible. And a special thank you to my boyfriend, Dan, for being the most supportive partner anyone could possibly ask for.