Today’s Notable Young Professional is Edmonton-born actress Meghan Heffern, who we caught up with to find out where she loves to wine and dine in her adopted home, Toronto, and what advice she would share with others looking to break into her industry…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I play pretend in moving pictures.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
When I was 14 I desperately wanted to meet Hanson. I figured the only possible way was to become famous, so I convinced my mom to set me up with an Edmonton talent agent. As time went on, I fell more and more in love with acting and film, and the Hanson dream fell onto the back burner. I ended up meeting Hanson 12 years later on the Morning Show. #1 goal achieved.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Please see above.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Hopefully I’ll be doing a lot of the same things, just more often. That’s the great thing about this business. There’s always room to grow, and there’s never a dull moment. Things can change in a heartbeat. This time next year I could be in Switzerland shooting a TV series about a gang of chocolate dealers… you just never know what could happen.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Never stop learning. Practice, practice, practice your craft. I really do believe in the 10,000 hours concept. When I’m not working, I’m in class. Also, as a woman I found when I started writing and producing that I deferred a lot to others. I lost my voice and projects suffered. Stand by your vision, see it through, and speak up even when it’s hard.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
My pooch and I volunteer with the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I find there are challenges around every corner. It’s a challenge going into a room and being vulnerable in front of strangers and then getting rejected over and over. I have so much respect for every actor that is brave enough to walk into an audition room.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone brave enough to follow their dream, whatever that dream may be.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I’m on a bit of a tea tour through Toronto. I love The Walton so much. It has such a great atmosphere, and goes from cafe to cute little bar effortlessly. I’m also pretty obsessed with Kitten and The Bear. It’s the perfect place to sit with a friend, drink tea, and catch up. They also have amazing homemade jam and scones.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I visit Netflix a little too much, and I’ve become a serious “Belieber.”
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Daily Danger. Probably the most stylish/dramatic Frenchie on the internet.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I have a special place in my heart for Nicaragua; it’s where I met my dog, Lola. I’ll be heading to France this summer, and I’m pretty excited about that.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I surprisingly don’t have a lot of FOMO moments. I’m a bit of a hermit and I love staying home. Perhaps when my boyfriend orders pizza and I’m working. FOMO on pizza.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Nachos.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I spend too much money on coffee. I’ve only recently become an addict. I wish I spent more money on theatre.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success looks like being happy. It looks like me walking through High Park with my dog, with a coffee and a smile… and maybe a little money in my pocket.
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