Persist in doing all the things that you enjoy the most. It is this persistence that will allow you to grow yourself and to achieve your goals.
Ms. Kamilla Bjorlin was born in Sweden on December 31, 1974. She moved to the United States as a teenager. Her career began quickly. She starred in dozens of theatrical productions, that began at age seven. Some of the lead theater roles to her name include Speed the Plow, A Chorus Line, Merry Wives of Windsor, and Visit From Wild Man.
Over the years she has worked both in the United States and in Sweden. She has been on the radio and lent her voice to 100s of characters. As a talented actress of stage, screen, and voice, Kamilla Bjorlin has worked hard to be versatile. She enjoys taking on roles that challenge her skills and develop her further in her career. This includes working hard to master numerous languages, dance styles, and unique approaches to each character.
You can find Kamilla’s work in numerous major film productions. To her credit, you can see her in Princess Diaries 2, Raising Helen, Devil’s Knight, Miss Castaway, and the Last Marshall. Several of her major network accolades include Days of our Lives, Maximum Bob, The Hugh Hefner Story, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Beginning in 1993, Kamilla Bjorlin served as both a singer and choreographer for the female group Touch. This led her into new venues and new opportunities such as appearing in the Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, the Hollywood Bowl in the Universal Amphitheater, Greek Theater, Boston City Hall located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States and at the closing of Boston Garden.
When Kamilla Bjorlin is not actively working on a new project, this gifted actor enjoys staying busy. Kamilla Bjorlin spends time with her large family at every opening. When she’s not enjoying downtime with her family, she’s rollerblading, mountain biking, horseback riding, dancing, ice skating or any number of other hobbies.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
It is something that was just as fun as a child. I realized after I had done this for many years on the stage and eventually television, that I wanted to do more. This is when I began auditioning for major films. When I landed my first job, I knew I was right where I belonged. When everything you do is just fun, it is very easy to get up and go to work every day. I’m so blessed to be able to do it.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
If I have a project I’m acting for, I’m up early and reading hours before I’m due on set. When I am on set, I stay on task, pay attention to the direction of the director and offer feedback where the opportunities allow.
At the end of every workday, I take the time to determine when I will be needed again and what I will be going over so I can prepare.
On the days I am not actively working on a given project, I have a different schedule. I wake early, exercise, and set my schedule for auditions. Once I have the schedule determined, I prepare for the task at hand.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I discuss the thoughts with friends and those who could be involved. Once we have validated the idea, then I move onto the creation of an action plan. And, as you would expect from a term like an action plan, I follow the plan up with action.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Oh! That’s a great question. I love how there are now some online screenings and auditions. I also love how the internet has made it possible for any independent creator to design, write, and develop an original production that can be shared with the world on a level that no one else could imagine. It has really opened the way for creativity and created new opportunities for actors.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
It’s important to have a schedule. By setting up a schedule you are able to ensure that everything you need to get done is done. That’s been my key to accomplishing anything productively.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would say that it is good to pick parts that inspire you to do more. I would also tell myself to audition more for a variety of tasks. I love doing what I do and there’s no measurement for how much I enjoy it. Waking every single day to do amazing things is an immeasurable joy.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I would say that it is good to pick parts that inspire you to do more. I would also tell myself to audition more for a variety of tasks. I love doing what I do and there’s no measurement for how much I enjoy it. Waking every single day to do amazing things is an immeasurable joy.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I really suggest that everyone stays physically fit. Exercise, through whatever means you enjoy, is critical to success and happiness. You need to be healthy to enjoy your life to the fullest possible extent and exercise extends to every aspect of your life.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
For me, it’s all about being persistent. Persist in doing all the things that you enjoy the most. It is this persistence that will allow you to grow yourself and to achieve your goals. It doesn’t matter if that goal is rooted in the growth of your business or your own growth. You have to be persistent.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
That’s a tough question. I guess it’s no secret that creative people need a lot of help with organization. I wasn’t really good at tracking my expenses and assorted incomes effectively. My accountant wasn’t thrilled with filing taxes for me until I got into a systematic routine.
Now, I put all receipts in a folder for a given month. I then put all the months into a single file container for taxes for the given year. I also include my bank statements with each month and my income receipts. I often have to be reminded to include the donations and charity work I do as well, but that is in part because I don’t want to ‘rewarded’ for doing good. The act itself is enough. This gives my accountant everything she needs to do the job and keeps me organized effectively. It’s become the kind of habit that I feel off when it doesn’t come together.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I would strongly suggest finding something you love and going with that. I think there are many gifted shows on YouTube and Twitch streaming platforms. I enjoy a lot of the independent creations. There are so many sites besides YouTube that will actually pay you for what you create as a contributor to their site. This includes any form of content.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I’ve spent was taking my sisters to dinner a little while back. We don’t get enough time together and being able to slow life down long enough to enjoy a meal together is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
My calendar is amazing for me. It’s on every device I use and I’m able to create my schedule with it. I’m able to get a reminder and the information I need to complete the given task when the reminder comes in. I love that.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Becoming by Michelle Obama is an amazing book. I would strongly suggest that everyone picks up this book. I know I read it cover to cover in a few days. It’s full of inspirational insights, and informational perspectives that helped me see the world around me a little differently.
What is your favorite quote?
“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
That’s from Michelle Obama. I hope that once I have accomplished all the things I love, I will be able to extend that reach to others in a way that inspires.
Key Learnings:
- Creativity is the goal and spice of life.
- Opportunities are always around us, and we can create it.
- Giving from the heart makes more happiness than anything else.
Connect:
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.