Today we’d like to introduce you to Kseniia Bessonova.
Hi Kseniia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
When I was little, my mom used to play a guitar and piano and sing her songs to me, and I learned them quickly, sang them with her, and learned how to accompany her on the piano as well, so we even played together. I always was surrounded by art and creativity and absorbed the need to present my talents to people. I think later when I grew up. I got into a university (I wanted to become a Veterinarian); there was an opportunity for me to perform in a scene like a theatre- Choir, Dance team, Theater, and Art and Decoration team. I joined them all! I loved every second of it and for 6 years was the happiest person – I still was studying Veterinary Medicine (graduated with honor) and was performing on the scene with other students (we made a bunch of colorful and fun concerts for about 1.5hours each). When I graduated, I had to move to a bigger city to get my career going, but I missed the joy of being on the scene, and after 2 years of doing only a DVM job, I got into a dance studio (a style called The Hustle). Also, I got an opportunity to move to the US, and only with my family’s support did I decide to learn the basics of acting and modeling business in America. Here in Florida, I joined John Casablancas’s Acting and modeling program and graduated about 7 mo ago. During the last 3 years, I have been actively working with different brands, photographers, actors, performers, and directors to get more experience and connections in the industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road of any kind is never smooth, I believe. In Russia, people think you are wasting your time if you are an actress, model, or artistic person. They say it is for kids, and you can’t live an adult life or pay your bills if you don’t have “a real job.” To some point, I was listening to the adults (in school, around my family). Still, my mom usually didn’t mind me having such hobbies as musical school. I learned how to play the piano and art classes. I didn’t stay there long; dance classes only started at university because I thought the dance was not for me, even though I wanted to learn. Origami classes (! Yes, I know it gets boring). Choir (singing). My family moved a lot from country to country, from town to town, and usually, if I was going to some class, I couldn’t continue it for long enough. I had to look for another one close to a new home location or change the type of class I was taking. My mom had to work a lot, so that I couldn’t get help there, and I looked and signed up for all classes on my own. If I needed money, I had to work for it (my mom tried to help me as much as she could, but still, if I wanted to participate in classes, I needed to make some extra money on my own). And all that from I was 7 until I turned 17 y.o. When I got to the university, it went smoother because it was all a part of student life. I moved to another city – away from family, but I’ve got all resources I needed to start performing. After that great time, it was a huge struggle to tell people I moved to the US and wanted to be a model (at my 24 y.o). A lot of people didn’t understand and didn’t support it. And, of course, I didn’t know a thing about American show business and where to start. I didn’t know where to get information, roles, job, or what were the rules of that industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Though I’m just beginning this career, I am happy to share that my work as an actress is to tell stories of other people in a way that will be interesting to be heard by others. As a model, I show other people’s work (they also dedicated their lives to it, which is very important to remember) at fashion shows and photo studios. I didn’t realize before how much work needs to be done to present a new dress in a journal or online so we all can picture ourselves wearing it. I’m proud of presenting new brands to the world and playing the main role in a short movie we finished earlier this year. I’ve learned a lot about myself during that shooting, and glad I could present/express the emotions of every person going through “a growing up process.” That is a movie about a girl who didn’t think she was beautiful and who was bullied at college. I believe many girls can picture themselves in this character’s shoes. People I’ve worked with know me as a professional actress and model; They know they can count on my punctuality. They learned I’m a reliable person and always think ahead to get the project done to both our advantage.
What would you say has been one of your most important lessons?
To be successful in what you like doing is not enough to like it and want it. It’s important to do at least one little thing but every day. You must stay persistent and expect to hear a lot of ‘no’ on castings. I learned not to take it personally- the casting agents always know what/who they are looking for, and being not that type does not mean I’m not good enough for that job. It only means they are picturing another type in this role/fashion show. That is a thing you will hear a lot in this industry, but you need to learn from experience to know what it feels like to hear no and not get upset.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actress_ksu/
Image Credits
Jack Parasio Burak Angunes Kseniya Vasileva
