Meet Alison

Original article: canvasrebel.com

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alison Chace . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alison below.

Alison , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Here’s the thing: I firmly believe everything happens exactly when it’s supposed to. Whether you start your career sooner or later, what matters is that you embrace the journey and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. So, my advice is: trust in divine timing and focus on taking inspired action in the present moment. Don’t dwell on what could have been or what might be in the future. Instead, channel your energy into making the most of where you are right now. That’s where the magic happens.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Well, hello there, lovely souls! My name is Alison Chace, and I am beyond thrilled to share a piece of my journey with you all. Let me take you back to the beginning: a small town in Cincinnati called Mariemont, where a young girl found solace in TV shows like Happy Days, The Jeffersons, and All in the Family. They fueled my imagination and ignited a fire for acting in me.

Beyond the screen, I had some rather eclectic childhood obsessions. Picture this unlikely trio: Carol Burnett, Barbara Walters, and Helen Gurley Brown. They were my idols. I admired Carol’s uproarious antics and Barbara’s journalistic prowess and Helen’s fierce attitude towards love and life. And I devoured every self-help book I could get my hands on — the first inklings of my current fascination with self-improvement — especially those about love, dating, and being popular.

My mother recognized my passion and enrolled me in acting classes at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Those classes became the cornerstone of my journey, as I honed my skills and discovered my love for the stage.

My first taste of the spotlight came at age 12, auditioning for Kentucky Fried Chicken with the iconic line, “Plus the Colonel’s new and tasty coleslaw!” I must have recited it a hundred times, but alas, it wasn’t the springboard I had hoped for. Yet I refused to be deterred. From crafting comedy skits with my cousins to landing roles in school plays, I was determined to pursue my passion against all odds.

Fast forward through college, where I majored in English at UCLA, and became a proud mom to two incredible sons, Callum and Finn. Balancing motherhood with my acting aspirations led me to focus on mom-friendly gigs – commercials, voiceovers, hosting – anything that allowed me to be there for my boys while still pursuing my dreams.

And then, a turning point came when I discovered The Barrow Group Theater, my creative home. It was there, at the ripe age of 48, that I truly found my voice as an actress.

Since then, I’ve landed roles in TV and film, with credits in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Succession,” “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” “Dear Edward,” and “Law & Order.” Each role has been a stepping stone in my journey, reminding me of the power of perseverance.

And I recently jumped on an opportunity to start my own production company, LMC Productions. Modeled after Hello Sunshine, LMC Productions is a beacon of empowerment and creativity. We’re all about fostering a community to listen to and celebrate each other, and creating a space where artists can come together to collaborate, inspire, and uplift one another.

Amidst these ventures, I founded The Dinger, a comedy enterprise where I brought together up-and-coming comedic talent to create hilarious videos and pilots. I also launched Pink Wisdom, an online sanctuary for women seeking inspiration and connection. And I directed an award-winning documentary, “Under The Same Sky,” a heartfelt exploration of the wisdom of women from around the globe, touching on topics from self-doubt to race to love. I wholeheartedly believe in never waiting for opportunities to come knocking, but in constantly creating my own work and making my own magic happen.

And now, with three successive bookings under my belt, in “Rancho Humilde’s Cosa de la Clika,” “Continental Split,” and “The Gringo Hunters,” I am proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes! I never saw myself as someone solely focused on a career. My sights were always set on being a wife, mom, and maybe exploring acting on the side. When the kids were at school, I’d slip away to acting classes — I think I hit every studio in town. When my kids grew up and the opportunity to shift gears presented itself, it felt like a natural progression to a new chapter filled with boundless opportunities.

It’s important for kids to see their mothers pursuing their passions and dreams, showing them that women can indeed do it all, although perhaps not all at the same time. Each woman must decide what balance feels best for herself, honoring her own aspirations and desires while nurturing her family. This journey has taught me the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life and finding fulfillment in the unique path I’ve chosen.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Alright, let’s delve into the abundant pool of self-help resources that have influenced my journey and have the potential to transform yours as well. I’ve been an avid self-growth seeker for as long as I can recall.

Barbara Walters’ “How to Talk To Practically Anyone About Practically Anything” and Helen Gurley Brown’s “Having It All,” have served as guiding lights for me. And let’s not overlook the treasures tailored to my acting pursuits, such as Michael Shurtleff’s “Audition: A Comprehensive Guide for Actors” and Brian O’Neil’s “Acting as a Business: Winning Strategies.”

As an actress, I’ve gleaned immense value from immersing myself in the journeys of fellow performers. Most recently, Henry Winkler’s sincere memoir and Jenna Fischer’s pragmatic counsel in “The Actor’s Life: Strategies for Survival” have provided invaluable insights into the ebbs and flows of the industry. And Michael Caine’s “Acting in Film” is a masterclass in its own right. I have a penchant for biographies detailing the journeys of people who pursued their dreams against all odds. One notable recommendation is “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead” by Jerry Weintraub, a captivating account of the resilient Hollywood dealmaker who rose from the streets of Brooklyn to prominence.

I’ve elevated my passion for self-help through Pink Wisdom, where I’ve had the privilege to converse with numerous women who are life coaches, authors, and visionaries. It’s been an extraordinary joy connecting with these women and imbibing their wisdom.

When it comes to podcasts, I’ve gained insight from Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway’s conversations on “The Pivot” and Mel Robbins’ empowering discussions on personal growth. And “The Business” with Kim Masters offers illuminating behind-the-scenes glimpses into the entertainment realm.

Rhonda Byrne’s “The Magic” and Louise Hay’s “You Can Heal Your Life” have been transformative for me. I regularly listen to Toni Jones’ “Affirmations for the Grown Woman” for a boost of motivation on my way to SoulCycle. Plus, for a simple yet potent gratitude cultivation tool, “The Five Minute Journal” is indispensable.

Here’s a pearl of wisdom from me to you: establish a daily “3 daily gratitudes” text circle. Surround yourself with dreamers, believers, and achievers – people who inspire you to reach your fullest potential. Find your tribe of supporters, those who propel you to chase your dreams relentlessly and never settle for less than you deserve, and share positivity with each other every day.

If there’s a parting thought I can leave you with, it’s to never fear rejection or the unknown. Approach life with a salesman’s mentality: embrace rejection as fuel to work harder and smarter, knowing that each “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” Perseverance is the cornerstone of success.

So here’s to embracing the journey, to resilience, and to the power of never giving up. The best is yet to come, my friends – let’s make our own magic happen!