Meet Talia Sadé | Actor and Makeup Artist

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

Hi Talia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Quite honestly, it all started when I was a toddler. I’ve always been in love with both music and acting, and from the very beginning, I was putting on little shows for my mom and abuelita (grandma in Spanish) in our living room using whatever I found useful in the house for my props/costumes.

I believe being artistic and creative is simply who I am. Therefore, my career had to have some kind of creative element to it, otherwise I wouldn’t be happy or excited about what I do, and I knew I couldn’t spend my life living that way.

Being artistic opens your mind to so many opportunities. You can picture almost anything in your mind first, and then use your art (whatever form it may be) to make it come to life. That’s one of the best, if not the best, parts about life to me – is that everyone’s unique and creative thoughts become different forms of creative artwork, then blend together so beautifully. Like the saying goes, “the earth without art is just ‘eh’”.

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 never had a set niche and for awhile I beat myself up about it because I noticed so many others do. I kept telling myself that I needed to pick one so I could “make that my brand” and then be known for it. But after awhile, I realized that being myself is my brand. Not having a set niche is my brand. Some days I want to dress like I came straight out of the 70s in bold and bright patterns and colors and other days I want to wear all black and it’s okay to like both. I like so many different things and I don’t want to give up a part of myself to fit into a box.

A lot of my makeup looks are also based on music. My creative juices start flowing every time I’m listening to music, so I let it have an influence on me and basically decide how I’m going to do my makeup or dress based on the genre I’m listening to that day. It allows for creative freedom and expression which is all I can really ask for.

When it comes to theatre, I adore musicals and have been performing in them since I was 6. Again, music just speaks to my soul and I’m able to make such a strong connection with the songs while singing them. As for the plays I’m in without music, they need to be thought provoking. Everything I work on must encourage its audience to have a thought or feeling.

It hasn’t been easy. All creatives know that working freelance as an actor/makeup artist/etc is not only hard work, but it’s definitely underpaid as well. Unless you’re working on movie sets or broadway, you’re going to have to hustle to get food on your own table. But to me, it’s always worth it. I’d much rather allow myself that creative expression and opportunity to give back to my community over anything else.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s not a visit to San Diego without a visit to the beach. That’s a must. All of the beaches here are fun but my favorite is Ocean Beach (OB). You can find all walks of life there and that’s what I love about it – it’s unique! There are so many cool shops and yummy restaurants, and they also have a theatre there that I’ve actually performed at.

I’d also take them hiking. There are so many great hikes here in San Diego – whether it be at Iron Mountain (my favorite), Cowl’s Mountain, Mission Gorge, etc. Hiking is great because not only is it beneficial for the body but it’s great for the mind. I think it’s a nice way to get out of your head and just focus on the present moment. Plus the views are always worth the climb.

Third Avenue in Chula Vista is awesome – they always have live music and taco trucks which have the best food. OnStage Playhouse is located there as well (which I’ve also performed at), and they put on wonderful shows.

Bowlero is one of my favorite spots because not only do they have bowling, but they have a huge arcade and billiards. Plus their food and drinks are honestly top notch!!

These are some of my favorites, though I’m sure there are many more I can’t think of at the moment. It’s truly the best city to live in and everyday I thank my lucky stars for the opportunity to be here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom is such a huge part of why I am the way I am. She always encouraged me to live authentically as myself – even though I was (and still am) a huge weirdo who would crack random jokes and had a zany sense of style. Every year on the first day of school, she would take a picture of me and my sister and one year, I wore extremely bright colors, a tutu over jeans and handmade bracelets up my forearms, and she fully supported me.

She used to always say, “as long as it doesn’t emotionally hurt or physically harm anyone, including yourself, then why not?” Because of her, I felt like I could be myself and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought. Just think about it – at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to spend the most time with yourself. So, as long as you like yourself, nobody else’s opinion is worth listening to.

Thank you for giving me the safe space to be me, and for loving me all the more for it. I love you mama.

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