We’re looking forward to introducing you to Autumn Perez. Check out our conversation below.
Autumn, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I have felt a stirring in my soul to slow down and allow myself to rest in the present moment. As a creative, the expectation is that you are always “on the grind” or working on something new. However, over the last 2-3 months, I have never felt more grounded in my work and creativity. I truly believe it is because I have intentionally set up guard rails in my life to ensure that I am never in a hurry and that I am interruptible. The interruptions I would have never had time for before are the times I feel most inspired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I am Autumn Perez and I am a creative based in Nashville. I am a Media and Entertainment student at Belmont University, and I am loving every second! My primary focuses are digital & social media and performance (singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer). One unique aspect of my story is that I originally became immersed in the creative world through theater. I have performed in regional and local theater from the age of 8, and after moving to Nashville, I have started to discover what the arts can look like off the theatrical stage.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Like most children, I sought out validation from those around me. I wanted to know that other people cared about me, thought I was doing a good job, etc. I carried this desire into my first year of college and quickly realized that I could not rely on the feelings or opinions of other people. I think a healthy amount of affirmation is necessary and good, but over-worrying about other people hinders my ability to be effective and productive with my work.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I used to have the hardest time asking for help. I felt like asking for help would display that I was incapable, uncertain, or somehow inferior. However, I never thought this about someone else. It was not until I had a season of time when I felt completely burnt out and frequently unhappy with the way I was performing that I sat down with my small group leader at the time and finally expressed all of my thoughts and concerns. It was hard to be transparent with someone, but she was able to walk with me through that season after that simply because I took that first step. Not knowing everything is not a weakness, it is part of being human. I now ask questions and put myself in positions to learn intentionally and frequently.
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. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
The most important thing to me is my faith. It is the foundation and purpose behind everything in my life. I believe in loving others well and deeply. I believe in celebrating every season of life in both its beauty and mundanity. I strive to be intentional about the way I spend my time, spend my money, and who I surround myself with. I am also a huge advocate for chasing after new experiences. As long as I remember who and what I have my trust in, I can live freer, more generous, and with more hope.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I would regret not doing everything I want to do because of comparing myself to other people. There are so many things that I want to try and experience that I would miss out on if I allowed myself to be cultivated by comparison. I believe that we were created to be different and unique, and I would miss out on all the world has to offer if I tried to look or be like everyone else. My life and career are not going to look like everyone else’s and that is exactly how it is supposed to be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: autumnpperez
Image Credits
Kat Oliveira
Art to Life ATL
Patrick Douglas
