#131 From Acting to Producing: Karina Michel's Journey Through Entertainment

What does it truly take to build a thriving career in Hollywood? Emmy award-winning actress and producer Karina Michel pulls back the curtain on the entertainment industry in this captivating conversation about resilience, authenticity, and creative evolution.

Karina's remarkable journey began far from the bright lights of Hollywood—in a small town in England where, at just three years old, she declared to her parents she wanted to be an actress. Through twists of fate, including being discovered by a photographer at an Ohio mall, she built a career spanning over 100 projects, including appearances in Dexter, Entourage, CSI: New York, and Transformers 2.

What makes Karina's story particularly compelling is her ability to evolve with changing circumstances. When a writers' strike halted her acting work, she pivoted to producing at a time when female producers were rare. This transition coincided with motherhood, allowing her the flexibility to remain in entertainment while being present for her children. Beyond acting and producing, she has expanded her creative portfolio as a writer for Rolling Stone and Authority Magazine, as well as the host of her podcast, "Coffee with Karina: Entertainment Unfiltered."

Throughout our conversation, Karina shares invaluable wisdom for aspiring entertainment professionals. She emphasizes the critical importance of networking, the need to begin local and build experience, and the power of embracing imperfection rather than waiting for ideal conditions. Her definition of boldness—"not giving in to fear in any way"—serves as both her philosophy and her message to listeners hesitant to pursue their creative dreams.

Discover why authenticity remains the cornerstone of creative success and how facing your fears might open doors to worlds you never imagined possible. Whether you're pursuing a career in entertainment or seeking inspiration to take a bold step in any field, Karina's insights offer both practical guidance and motivational fuel to move forward with courage.

Resources:
Podcast Coffee with Karina
Karina on LinkedIn

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to To Be Bolder
• 1:55 Karina's Journey into Entertainment
• 3:52 Transitioning from Acting to Producing
• 5:45 Advice for Aspiring Women
• 9:22 Building a Brand Across Media
• 17:08 Being Bold and Finding Inspiration
• 20:34 Podcast and Final Thoughts