Story & Lesson Highlights with Paula Parente

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paula Parente. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Paula, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
There are several people whom I am learning from at this time. Lately, I have been reading autobiographical books written by well-known celebrities, such as Martin Short, John Lithgow, Robert Wagner, and Cher. Each with their own stories of how they “made it” in the tough business of performing, along with their personal losses and struggles, have taught me that every one of us has uphill roads to climb and that everyone, no matter what their status and success in life, is still touched by difficulty, loss, and pain. Of course, there is a lot to be grateful for, and I know it’s a good idea to take some time every day to acknowledge and appreciate what you have.
I have also been learning from various spiritual and philosophical teachers from different traditions. I read books and watch YouTube videos, and while specific beliefs can differ, I like some of the messages that seem to run through all of them, such as finding peace within, when living in today’s chaotic world. And, maintaining a positive, hopeful attitude even when times are tough, acknowledging the love that exists in all of us, and learning to forgive ourselves and others. These are aspects I have been aware of but still need reminders to work on as a daily practice.
Lastly, I have also been learning from the people at my job. I work at a garden nursery, and new, interesting knowledge is coming my way about plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs, such as which ones require plenty of sunlight and which can live in shade, which can survive in northern Arizona winters, which are drought-tolerant, and which are resistant to the appetites of javelina, deer, and rabbits.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in Rhode Island, not far from the ocean and beaches, where I hold fond memories of walks along the sand with ocean waves crashing nearby or rolling in smoothly, the wind blowing through my hair, the sun shining brightly, all bringing me a sense of peace and freedom.
As for my studies, I attended college for nutrition and, after graduating, worked as a Food Service Supervisor in a nursing/rehabilitation home. I assisted people with their specific dietary needs, helped with menu planning, and supervised the kitchen staff. However, while working there, I witnessed the sadness and pain of how many of our lives come to an end. This led me to examine my passions and explore what I really wanted to do with my life, and I realized I wanted to work as an artist. I had enjoyed ballet when I was younger, dancing in a small company, and I will post a ballet picture from my younger days in this article. I decided, at this point, to go back to school. I took classes in art and also attended a two-year conservatory in theatre, studying acting, directing, and playwriting.
After working as a paste-up artist for a greeting card company, acting in some local theater around Rhode Island, and working on a couple of local commercials (I will include another photo of when I played the character of Juliet for a pasta commercial), I moved to New York City, alone, with just $1700 to pursue work as an actress. I found an apartment, but couldn’t find a job for two months. Finally, I answered an ad in the actors’ paper, “Backstage,” and got a job to pay my rent – bartending at the Broadway theaters. The bartending job was fun as I got to see many Broadway plays and musicals in between setting up and taking down the bar and concession area.
Meanwhile, I was also going on auditions, sending out pictures and resumes to casting directors and agents. I auditioned for a soap opera but didn’t get it; I landed a part in an Off-Off Broadway play about James Dean, where I played his love interest, Pier Angeli. In terms of filmmaking, my friends and I made a couple of movies together, guerrilla-style, meaning having no budget. One of them, which I wrote and acted in, is called “Tick Tock,” and I directed another titled “Hell’s Kitchen Rock ’n’ Roll Legend.” They were shown on cable TV and at a couple of film festivals.
However, the actors’ life is unstable, competitive, and rough; I was tired of the rat race and rushed pace that often is New York City, so my partner, Tim Young, and I moved to Arizona several years ago for a quieter, slower-paced life, finding other avenues for my artistic nature. I enjoy making collages, silk flower arrangements, and playing tambourine in our duo band. Tim and I play music at some of the wineries and tasting rooms around this area. I also write and recently published a book of flash fiction in the young adult genre, listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, titled “In A Flash: Flash Fiction.” I continue to seek out new writing and artistic projects.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was less serious-minded, a bit more free-flowing. I still like to have fun, but often struggle with the worries and pressures that come with adult life, including making a living and paying off bills.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I changed my mind about becoming an actress. I gave myself a five-year plan to make it work. I put in the effort I could, while still maintaining my apartment and being employed at a full-time flexible job, but after trying for those years in New York City, I realized the extreme difficulty of breaking in, getting an agent, and getting hired. I wouldn’t call it a complete failure. Yes, I never made my living as an actress, but I believe my life took a turn for the better when I stepped away from seeking what some might call “the trappings of success” and instead focused on my personal growth and healing, which I feel has been more important for me. “Know thyself,” as some would say.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
The belief I had, which I consider naive, is that the world can quickly find its way to peace. Conflict between countries, within a country, within communities, and within families has been happening for a long time. I still hope for peace, but realize we all have to find it in ourselves first, which can often be a huge and long-lasting undertaking. So I removed time limits from that prospect and accepted that everyone chooses to move forward at their own pace, or not. It’s everybody’s choice, and I am better at accepting “whatever will be.”

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am outside in nature, walking in the desert, or when I am by myself in silence, or when listening to peaceful music in the background. Or even just when I’m with my partner, enjoying the evening with some good food and a funny movie or TV show. Then I am most content.