We had the good fortune of connecting with Donna Gafford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, how does your business help the community?
As an actress, I love impactful, meaningful stories! Because of the last 3 years, film proved to be so very important! Movies connected us during very trying times! They provided us with laughter and tears and all the emotions in between! Movies entertained us while our country experienced hardships. So very beneficial to our society!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a business owner for almost my entire marriage, 46 years! When the acting bug hit, I knew that I needed a coach so I did that! I trained initially with Cathryn Hartt, Hartt and Soul Studios. I found the best, and not so good sites, for auditions. I discovered the best social media groups, college groups and professional sites for extra and background work to begin with.

This creative industry encourages lots of dishonesty. I made mistakes but learned quickly! I love sharing with others the best ways to get started. The first being is that nothing is personal! Having thick skin ranks at the top of needful traits as does perseverance!

I ‘hung onto” roles that I didn’t get when I started but the important advice of letting it go, is THE bit of advice that has grown stronger in me today! Acting is a “hunger games” profession… tribute is given daily in the submissions, the auditions and the “no’s”! But the “congrats, will you accept this role” comes with wonderful excitement that truly helps with all the other emotions!

Something that I’m just now getting after 4 years of acting is that I need to pour into all aspects of my life. I’m uber focused on my acting goals but I’ve got a great family who reminds me of the most important things in my life.

I love acting so very much! It’s exciting, it pushes me, it drives me outside of my comfort zone so often. As in owning my own business though, perseverance and determination along with continual education moves me to success! That’s my advice!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d plan a trip to the Big Bend area! I filmed there last year and literally cried over the beauty of the mountains! I experienced all of the very authentic Tex-mex restaurants. Hiking the national park and kayaking the river would be at the top of my list!

The housing there can be in desolate areas with the wildlife at your front door! The oldest biker bar is in Alpine, Tx. Very interesting with nice fare and drinks! Every person I met was friendly and helpful.
Watching the sunsets would most important and not easily missed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Greg encourages my career! He’s my sounding board when I’m indecisive regarding projects. He packs my car when I leave and he carries my bags into the house for me when I come home! I couldn’t spend the time traveling and working if I didn’t have his blessing!

My mentor, Gigi Erneta, advises me and answers ALL of my questions regarding this industry. My agent Katrina Fristoe, South West Artist Group, supports me in all of my endeavors, acting and in life! She’s a wonderful supportive agent!

I’m so very appreciative of my coach Glenn Morshower who has grown me daily with his direction. My class that uplifts and encourages in this wild industry!

I love my fellow actors and actresses who build up and make my world positive and fun! I believe that I’m in the exact place I’m meant to be this second: moving forward, looking forward and envisioning my very exciting future!

Instagram: instagram.com/donnagafford

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/donna-gafford-198b3a22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.m.gafford

Youtube: youtube.com/user/dongaff

Image Credits
Kelsey Edwards, Catchlight Studios

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.