Hannah Wilhoite of Tonopah on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Hannah Wilhoite shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I always find myself lost in the moment whenever I’m on the back of a horse. My horseback riding lessons are something I look forward to every week, and something that I always feel a little sad about when each lesson is finished. There’s something soothing in the actions of putting a saddle on a horse and getting on for a ride. I always feel more relaxed and in tune with myself after a horseback ride.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Hannah Wilhoite. I am an actress and model, currently in my senior year of high school. I started modeling when I was nine years old and the acting seed sprouted from there. It was something I had always shown interest in, and once I started it, I never stopped. Recently, I’ve worked with big names such as Blake Shelton in a music video titled “Stay Country or Die Tryin” which is out on YouTube now.
I am currently working on two different projects that are in production. “The Adventures of Nevada Brown” in which I have the title role, and “Stage Fright” where I’ve been cast as mean girl Jessica.
On my down time I love to express myself by with makeup which I share on TikTok.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
She’s someone I’ve known for a while now. My photographer, manager, modeling coach, friend, mentor but most importantly family. Her name is Erika. I met her in 2017 when I was preparing for a fashion show. I started taking lessons from her and our relationship flourished. She took me under her wing and has taught me so much about modeling and acting. She’s taught me that you have to work for what you want in life. That things don’t always come easy. She the person I can go too if I need someone, other than my mom, to talk to or go to for help. I am so honored that she came into my life.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Whenever I was sad or scared as a kid, I would lay down on my floor and play music. This is something I still do sometimes. Music has always been a calming thing for me. Being able to lay on the cool floor, and look up at my ceiling (which is covered in glow-in-the-dark stars) while having music playing helped me relax and release stress. I also find that when I play piano I can express my self through playing music.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe the public version of me is the real me. My mom, when talking about me, always says: “what you see, is what you get.” I feel I am a very real person when it comes to my public image. I am kind, honest, and always try to go out of my way to include others. I believe there is always room for more kindness in this world. Generosity and compassion cost nothing to give.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think I could, if not for someone else then I would do it for myself. In the end, praise is not the most important thing in the world. If I know I did something to the best of my ability then, that’s all it takes. If you do something solely for praise from another person, then that thing might not be worth doing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_olivia10?igsh=ZWxoZG1xcTIxNmcw&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Photography: @azpetphotography, Erika Chin

Horse: Jessie Keller