Today’s Notable Young Professional is actress Tamara Duarte, whose passion for being on stage and giving a voice to the voiceless has allowed her to feel truly aligned with her everyday work. Here’s how she achieves a work-life balance and what she considers to be her biggest milestones so far…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m an actress. I tell stories through performance.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started in the industry a little later in life. Although I did my first commercial at the age of 13 and was always involved in drama programs in school and through the Portuguese community, it wasn’t until after high school at age 17 that I signed with my first agent. I didn’t know what inspired me. All I knew is that I loved making people laugh, cry, or just feel… and I loved being on stage. I realized the importance of storytelling and being the voice for the voiceless.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is working with incredible performers, meeting new people, travelling to new places, making words come to life, and that every day is different. The most challenging part is that it never feels like “work,” so I sometimes feel like I never do enough!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
My work to life ratio is off. No denying that. I have an insane work ethic that I’ve inherited from my father. I learned a very valuable lesson about balancing my life early on when my father had a stroke as a result of his working habits. It forced me to take a step back and see what is important in life. Now I listen to my body. I take the time I need to do the things I love like yoga, dancing, hiking, reading, and watching films.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Creating my own projects and having a family.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
We are living in a generation of instant gratification. You do something and you get rewarded.
For me the biggest challenge was enjoying the process and not looking for the end result but, instead, living in the moment.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success, to me, is being loved and loving others, having the courage to be yourself, and doing what you love to do for a greater purpose than yourself.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I received a touching email from a girl living in Washington, DC thanking me for helping her come out to her family. My role as Charlie on Degrassi helped her gain the courage she needed. This was confirmation for me that I was on the path I was meant to be on.
Another milestone was landing the role on the show I’m currently on, Hard Rock Medical, a television series about medicine in Northern Canada. On the show I play a half Italian, half native Indian, which has given me a deepened appreciation for the native culture.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you love, work hard, and ask a lot of questions.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Playa Cabana (I love Mexican food) and Soho House for great drinks.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Yoga, reading, writing, working out, walking my dog, Mosa, dancing, and hiking.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I loved Cambodia. I felt very connected to the people there.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Either ‘Born This Way’ by Lady Gaga or ‘I’m Every Woman’ by Whitney Houston.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I wanted to be a private investigator growing up, so probably that.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, I support several. One is Krama Yoga in Cambodia. It exists to support personal transformation and empowerment by offering yoga and life skills to children and adolescents who may be challenged by poverty, abuse, addictions, or lack of family support.
The second is a charity called Dogs Without Boarders where I foster animals and rescued my dog from.
What to you is notable?
To me, what’s notable is having the courage to be yourself; to show all parts, even the ugly ones, and allowing others to love all of you.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone!
#NOTABLE
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