“Always be open for a change and take risks” with Actress Karin Brauns and Marco Derhy

By Marco Derhy

“Always be open for a change and take risks. If something doesn’t work be open to change it up, try something new. Listen to experienced people around you and soak in what they say. You have to be open to criticism.”

As part of my series about Inpiring “Exceptional Women,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Karin Brauns. Karin is a Los Angeles-based actress, originally from Sweden, who came by herself to the states 6 years ago in hopes of pursuing the ‘’Hollywood dream’’. Her creativity was shaped by her Scandinavian upbringing. The wilderness and the beauty of nature have always been a big influence in her life.

MD: Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your “backstory”?

KB: I always had a rich imagination, and ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of going places and putting myself in others’ shoes. As kids, all we do all day is play. We play with our toys pretending they are authentic, creating different scenarios, characters and telling stories. I used to love going to the theatre and watching movies on the big screen and then pretending to be one of the characters from the movie I just watched. I have always been curious about many things in life, and acting has allowed me to experience many lifetimes in one lifetime by taking on different roles. I guess I never want to stop playing or simply not grow up!

MD: Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you?

KB: Almost 2 years ago, I was hanging out with my friends and their kids in Orlando. The little girl wanted me to draw something for her, so I drew a white unicorn with a little princess in a purple dress and gave it to her. About six months later, I got cast to play a medieval girl chasing a unicorn in hopes of getting her wishes to come true. A few weeks later, when I was working on the set, I got a photo sent to me from them of the drawing I did. Just looking at the image made my hair stand on end. Because there I was in my purple dress next to my white unicorn, looking at my almost identical drawing. I was talking about crazy manifestation!

Maybe I should continue my little drawings and hope it will lead to another future dream role.

MD: What mistake do you always try to consciously avoid when on set?

KB: Forgetting that you’re wearing a mic or that the mic is switched off. Especially when you go for a bathroom break, always be aware of your mic when the camera isn’t rolling!

MD: What do you find most interesting as an actress?

KB: Being an actress, you never really know what will happen next! That’s what I kind of love about it. It can feel like a complete standstill sometimes, or other times it just flows…

MD: Are you working on any exciting projects now?

KB: I just had two feature movies released that I’m excited about. Right now, I’m focusing on auditions and working on my craft. I can’t say more. You will have to wait and see.

MD: Who is the most interesting person you have interacted with? Can you share a story?

KB: The most interesting person I’ve interacted with was Paul McCartney. I stayed at the Four Seasons in Vancouver and felt like going down to the gym in the afternoon. It was completely empty. While sitting on the leg press machine, a big bouncer walked in, behind him was Paul. He walked straight to the treadmill. I’m usually not good at recognizing famous people and always humble when I meet ‘’big named people,’’ but this one was something special. I texted my partner, who convinced me to walk up and talk to him.. so I did. I told him, ‘’Excuse me, Sir, I usually don’t talk to strangers but are you who I think you are? He susceptibly answered, ‘’who do you think I am darling?’’ me: ‘’ The legend himself, Sir Paul McCartney’’ he broke out in laughter, shaking my hand, and a very giving conversation started. He is a super nice guy.

MD: What advice can you give to upcoming/ aspiring actors and artists?

KB: Don’t take any shit from anyone. It can be hard not to compare yourself to others, and I don’t know how many times I’ve been rejected, all you hear is ‘’no, no no’’, ‘’You’re not good enough’’, ‘’You don’t have the right look’’ etc., etc… Don’t take no for an answer. One day, eventually, it will happen. You own everything to yourself and be brave enough to expose it to the world and be yourself. Trust that you are good ASIS. Own it. Believe it and don’t lose focus. Perhaps, “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle’’ movement :P

MD: If you have the power to create a TV show, what would it be, and why?

KB: Oh, I don’t know… If I created one, it would blend all the global environmental topics and animal rights, free love, and me too movement, all combined into one! These are topics that interest me and need to be heard.

MD: What are your “secrets for success?” Would you please share with me and our readers a story or example for each?

KB:

1. To be patient and stay strong. As an actor, we live in a world where we are judged on how we look, what we sound like and how believable we are in a given role. Indeed this can be draining. Even if we interact with the constant ‘’Smiling happy faces’’, we will find out that depression and signs of anxiety are common for many actors and artists.
2. Always learn, stay focused, keep sharp, develop additional skills, and stay current. Be open to taking elective classes or seminars. Training never ends.
3. Always be open to change and take risks. If something doesn’t work, be open to changing it up, try something new. Listen to experienced people around you and soak in what they say. You have to be open to criticism.
4. Engage and support others in the industry. Whether you’re searching for jobs or friends, building a support system is one of the cornerstones of success.

MD: Do you have a favorite ‘life lesson’ quote that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?

KB: “Find what you love and let it kill you. Let it drain from you your system. Let it cling onto your back and weigh you down into eventual nothingness. Let it kill you, and let it devour your remains. For all things will kill you, both slowly and fastly, but it’s much better to be killed by a lover.”

This quote might sound pretty deep, but things get deep sometimes when it comes to being an artist. It reflects on how many things in life can weigh you down. You don’t know what tomorrow will look like or how and when you’re going to die, so do what you love, surround yourself with people who put a natural smile on your face, do things you’re passionate about, and make you feel alive. Don’t end your days regretting what you didn’t achieve or do.

MD: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

KB: My Mom Liliana. Both of my parents are the sweetest easy going humans alive. I left Sweden when I was only 18 years old. I went off to Greece and then moved to England, New Zeeland, Australia, to end up in the United States eventually. It’s never easy to leave your family and your roots. Sometimes I look back on my life and thinking ‘’how the heck did I do that?’’ I guess when you’re young and hungry and starting from zero, everything is possible. My mother never tried to hold me back or tried to make me fit in with the rest, never gave me any guilt for leaving. She always supported me (except when I was playing rugby and constantly returned home with concussions and a severe broken collar bone in the end). I do understand why now and thank God for that. Until this day, no matter where I am on this planet, she’s the first one I call when I need advice. Every time I see my parents, it feels like Christmas. Luckily that happens at least twice a year.

MD: Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

KB: Oh, I would need to host a supper big breakfast buffet to invite all the big names I’d love to meet. There are so many incredible motivational Americans out there that have truly inspired me, but If it has to be one, I wouldn’t mind grabbing a coffee with Steven Spielberg. His life story and work are very inspiring. I would like to know more about what’s going on in his head.

MD: How can our readers follow you on social media or perhaps a website?

KB: Of course! Instagram is the platform I use the most. Also, please follow my website, and Here.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!