We recently had the chance to connect with Paola Proctor and have shared our conversation below.
Paola, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve been making it a point to create more content of me singing without any production or studio work. I know it may be silly but I’m actually really shy when it comes to my voice and self promotion. It’s something I’m working on, I’m actively trying to step outside of my comfort zone and post more videos of me singing covers completely acoustically.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paola Proctor.
I’m half Mexican, half American; I moved around a lot because of my Dad’s job, including living overseas in Europe and the Middle East. I studied Music Business at the University of Miami and my internship in Los Angeles made me realize I want to own my own music company. I write music in English and in Spanish and really enjoy performing in the latin genre.
Now I am also in Sales and still keeping up with my music projects and juggling two businesses at the same time. My hobbies include Mixed Martial Arts and traveling.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I grew up watching my parents work so hard to create and provide an extraordinary life for my brother and I. My parents are the epitome of “I’m not stopping until the work is finished.”
Growing up in that environment really defined what hard work and dedication looks like for me. I also grew up playing sports so learning how to persevere through challenges and most importantly losses.
I grew up swimming and playing softball in the off season; after high school I started training in Mixed Martial Arts and have been obsessed with it ever since. It is such a useful sport and taught me to always keep calm under stressful situations. Getting punched in the face during sparring sessions will make all your other problems seem very irrelevant and it forces me to stay in the present moment.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
This too shall pass. I have always been very hard on myself, to the point where its debilitating and self-deprecating. I wish I knew that worry wouldn’t change the future but only harm my present moment. I wish I learned earlier in life to only focus on the things I can control and not let the things that are out of my control affect me emotionally.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I’m a HUGE fan of Ronda Rousey. Forget about the fact that she is the reason women are now in the UFC and was the first American to win a medal in Judo in the Olympics. In addition to all of her accomplishments, what I really admire is her unapologetic personality. She showed people that you can be an absolute bada** and still be beautiful. She helped shape what made women beautiful and strong and savage can be sexy and gorgeous.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Ideally overthinking. I love this quote: Worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace.
I’ve been working on my anxiety and depression and most of the issues I have dealt with were never as serious as I made them out to be in my mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paolaproctor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolaproctor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paolaproctormusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQo5ENolQIhwZoJm30BgKQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MdDES3OwSeS7KVW0FhGHO?si=3kDKDJ0WTtibh5UxHXtyQw
Image Credits
Robbie Hall
