Meet Natashka Havins | Actress, Model, and Ballroom Dancer

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

Hi Natashka, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I started out in the entertainment business when I was about 10 years old and now I am 17. I have had the privilege to do acting, modeling and various types of dance. I spend a long time working on my craft and it has definitely matured me growing up in this industry. Balance for me is so difficult because I’m passionate about so many things. I’ve always been told to cut down on some of the things I do, but I’ve found that with proper planning and organization, a strong will, and learning to rest, it’s possible to do everything I want to do! I’m so grateful to get to do so much; sometimes I stress myself out, but I really do love everything I do and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I first started out acting in theater. My first ever show was The Lion King and I fell in love with acting immediately after that! Not long after doing theater I started acting, modeling, and dance classes. I attended IMTA with an agency and won 10 awards there! And I was even invited to train with the New York Film Academy there, and I did for a little while! I was also very focused on my training before I started working. I’ve trained with the Alley Theater, Inspiration Stage, several high school theaters, several acting schools and agencies around Houston, and I’m currently working on a course with Margie Haber Studios. For dance I’ve done Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, a bit of Hip-Hop but then I started Latin Ballroom at Rhythm Inc. Studios which is my pride and joy and is what I currently do. I’ve done many shows and gotten 1st place awards at competitions and will compete more next Spring! I did a lot of modeling jobs over the years and worked for designers and brands like Chloe Dao, Party City, House of Barretti and more. My favorite jobs have been walking in New York Fashion Week! I got the opportunity to not only meet influencers and people that I’ve seen on TV but to also work with them! I have now done NYFW twice. For acting, I felt disappointed that I didnt work jobs beforehand, as it has only been somewhat recently where I’ve gotten more into film and television. The reason for it was I think the acting industry seemed a bit more complicated for me at an early age and though I took pretty much every acting class possible I never really learnt about the business. That all changed as I have grown up and now I’ve been working on short films, a feature film, promotional work, student films, a music video, web-series, and I have several upcoming projects! I feel like I’ve had a tough time in this industry, I’ve booked so many jobs that didn’t work out, encountered many unkind people and have received lots of criticism. Its so hard to keep going sometimes, but it helps to never forget my passion. I have a lot of faith too and I know God has a perfect plan for me and his timing is perfect. I hope I can inspire others to do what they love and build a life they can’t wait to wake up to! Fear stops creativity and holds us back. I also want others to know that no ones life is picture perfect. I am so blessed and grateful that I get to pursue my passions, but I do not have a perfect life. I’ve had a lot of personal hardships and struggles. Never ever compare yourself because you will never know the full picture of someones life. Block out the negativity you receive from others and seek for truth and understanding. You do not need to be the best, you have to do your best. Every single person is unique, has value, and has something to offer to the world. If you work hard, be patient, consistent and keep learning and growing, you will be successful! Take everything one step at a time and go live your hearts greatest desires.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would go to with my best friend is the El Gato Coffee house. It’s a cafe in downtown Houston full of cats! They also have great food and drinks! Cats are my favorite animal and this place is like Heaven on Earth to me. Another one of my favorite places is Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. They have the worlds best ice cream in my opinion! Houston also has some really good theaters. I love going to see plays, musicals, and Ballet performances; I would definitely take my best friend to a show! Galveston is also another place I love to go to with my friends. I love the beach, all the history, restaurants, and the amusement park Pleasure Pier! Lastly, I would probably have a girls night in. Some of the best times I’ve spent with my friends have just been having a sleepover, watching movies, and having girl talks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people to thank, but I am especially thankful to my dad. He always pushes me and has been supportive of what I wanted to do. Between waiting long hours during my classes/jobs, driving me everywhere or traveling, he has always been there behind the scenes. He has especially helped me with learning the “business side of things” with networking, connecting, and marketing. I’m so glad to have a dad like him. Success is never just the job of one person.

Website: natashkahavins.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashka.havins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079811221316

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmR1Xb6VRytpB54gJM0yrXw

Image Credits
Paul Earnest Navarro (picture #1) Gilded Sun Photography (picture #2)