Hi, I’m Sequoia…and I’m a start-o-haulic. Yes, I admit it. I get off on starting new things…and sometimes, I don’t finish what I start….like the tax prep course I took in 2013 when I just knew that tax preparation would be my new side hustle or setting up my in-home recording studio. But I started them…and that should be worth something, right?
I’m regularly met with the rolling eyes of my boyfriend and my best friend and rehearsed “oh, that should be nice” of my parents (all of whom are on the Board of Directors for the Sequoia Houston fan club lol) when I tell them about a new adventure I’m planning. I get it. My “lifestyle” might not be conventional….and it’s not right for everyone…but it makes me happy. And contrary to popular belief, it actually makes sense. I’m an actress. I want to make a living selling living the experiences of others. What better way to do that than have experiences of my own in a plethora of different activities? In fact, Henry David Thoreau said, “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” Would the same thing not apply to acting?
Now I know you “Jack of all trades, master of none” folks are chomping at the bit to tell me that I couldn’t possibly be good at so many different things. That may be true…but consider this: My goal is not to be a superstar tax preparer and though I look forward to taking a couple of clothing design courses, I have no plans for my clothes to rip the runway. I simply want to experience what it’s like to live the life of someone who prepares taxes…or sells houses…or runs a Chick-fil-A and/or printing press…. (all relatively recent things on my new adventures list)…and I don’t see the trouble with that.
Furthermore, as a human being…WHY NOT explore all that this planet has to offer? In the short time I’ve taken up residence on this big blue and green dot I’ve been:
-a retail sales associate
-an intern at the Veterans Services Office
-a brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger
-a Mary Kay Independent Sales Consultant
-an Independent Sales Consultant for The Body Shop
-an elementary school teacher (locally and internationally)
-a college professor (I prefer elementary kids)
-a human resources generalist
-a marketing generalist and marketing manager
-a script supervisor
-a production assistant
-an extras casting director
I could go on, but I think you get the point….and those are just the paid gigs that I remember! All of these adventures have shaped who I am as a person and contribute greatly to me being a superstar actress. Vincent Van Gogh said “The best way to know life is to love many things” and I plan on not only knowing life, but loving it. When I graduate from life, I want my headstone to say “Sequoia…a woman who left no stone unturned” and truly mean it.
Though it’s the longest thing you’ll ever do, life is so short. I encourage you to go out and explore. Enjoy new journeys and adventures and stay open to new opportunities and possibilities, whether they be career related or simply for your own pleasure. Most importantly, despite what anyone tells you, don’t stop til you get enough!
-Much love,