Via Quinn Dombrowski
We have definitely had some interesting and inspirational women in this series… and Kate Boyer is certainly one of them. This will be the first time that we have interviewed a stunt woman, so enjoy!
StilettoGal: What motivated you to start your business/career path?
Kate Boyer: When I was in the 8th grade, NAS’ “I Can” was released on his God’s Son album. The lyrics were,“I know I can be what I wanna be, if I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be.” I played that album on repeat until my CD player stopped working!
I’ve had to fight for everything I have, but what a blessing! It showed me how I didn’t want to live, and how I did. I saw so many things that needed to be talked about at such a young age. I realized I wanted to tell stories. I wanted to uplift, educate, and ignite people, and that’s where I discovered acting. Acting led me to discover stunt performing. I realized I wanted to perform and study both the arts of acting and action performing. I wanted to do 100% of my performances. What’s the fun in playing an action hero if you don’t get to do the action?
Through my work as a performer, I’ve been able to start the process of branding my own juice company. My dream one day is to open juice bars in Philadelphia and surrounding areas that don’t have access to organic food. I grew up eating corner store food and public school lunches. It affected me in ways I didn’t know until I discovered organic clean living through a family member who had cancer.
SG: What are three tips you can give to women who are deciding to start a business/career path?
KB:
1) Success doesn’t happen overnight, despite what social media says! Remember the blood and sweat that went behind the lens to make it look so effortless. Put in the work, which leads to my next tip: simplicity.
2) Create simple goals. I try to accomplish one simple goal a day. I do mine early so I start my day off right, feeling accomplished. What’s one goal I can do today to get closer to my bigger goal. By taking one step, you’ll be one closer tomorrow.
3) Most importantly- take care of yourself. Health brings wealth. Longevity in any business is key and without a healthy body and mind you won’t be able to keep up with the hundreds, maybe thousands of people trying to do the same thing you are. Eat well, exercise, and allow time for yourself- if even just five minutes to clear your mind and reset! You’ll be able to make what you do look effortless if you put some effort into yourself.
SG: What challenges have you had and how did you overcome them?
KB: My father passing one month into starting school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts was the toughest challenge for me. I went to audition for AADA saying to myself, I’m only going to go if I get their full scholarship, and they gave it to me. However, that scholarship kept me from missing days, so when my Dad became sick I couldn’t leave. My father couldn’t talk so he scribbled on a napkin “Kate School No” meaning that he wanted me to stay at AADA because of my scholarship, so I did. It was the hardest thing I ever did, but I respected my father. I stayed in school until I got the call that he was passing, and I flew home. Unless you’ve been in that situation and I hope you haven’t, it’s hard to understand why I had to stay for him. He waited for me and I had my goodbye. I’m lucky.
SG: What are some unique things you have done to promote your business/yourself?
KB: Acting and stunt performing is already pretty unique; there aren’t many of us.
SG: How do you define success?
KB: Waking up happy.
SG: What legacy would you like to leave?
KB: When someone posts my picture and you don’t need a caption to know who it is!
SG: What kind of shoe are you and why? (Note: This is not about what kind of shoes you like, but what shoe represents your personality)
KB: Ha! Since I was a little girl I used to tell my mom a person’s shoes tell their life story. Where they have been, and where they are going. I’m a dirty, muddy sneaker who’s soles are worn and laces are frayed, because I’ve lived my life and have so much more living to do. I have no need for a new pair. Save that pair for someone who might need them, and hopefully they get dirty too!
