We had the good fortune of connecting with Kasandra Price and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kasandra, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In the whirlwind of modern life, mastering the elusive art of work-life balance can be a daunting task. This challenge is particularly pronounced for me, as I juggle the roles of an Engineer, Filmmaker, Actress, Author, and All-Around Creative—each demanding its share of attention, time, and creativity. The clock relentlessly ticks, and 24 hours in a day seem to vanish into thin air. As a multifaceted individual, I’ve embarked on a journey to strike that delicate equilibrium where my professional career coexists harmoniously with my creative passions.
With a demanding 9-to-5 corporate job, there’s only a precious sliver of time left to nurture artistic endeavors such as filmmaking, acting and writing. These pursuits thrive on meticulous attention and dedication, yet it always seemed impossible to carve out time without sacrificing one facet of my life for another. This left me feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, with a To-Do List longer than my arm.
However, I discovered that the answer lies in a meticulously crafted schedule that revolves around prioritization and discipline. The key to my work-life balance is setting specific days and times for each facet of my life. By allocating certain days exclusively to filmmaking, acting, and writing, I can fully immerse myself in these creative processes. These are the days when my Engineer hat rests on a hook, and I delve headfirst into storytelling or cinematic creation, undistracted by the corporate world’s demands.
Weekends are my sanctuary, offering the gift of uninterrupted, full-day focus on my craft. These are the moments when I can explore uncharted territories of storytelling, polish screenplay drafts, attend classes to hone my craft, or pen the next chapter of my literary journey. Weekends are not just days off but days on—a chance to transform my creative vision into tangible reality.
However, to truly embrace work-life balance, I had to realize that it is not only about dedicating time to my profession and passions but also cherishing personal connections. In my quest to balance these multiple worlds, I’ve learned to set aside specific days and times for friends and social activities. Quality time spent with loved ones and catching up with friends is not just a luxury; it’s an essential component of a balanced life.
In this intricate dance of time management and prioritization, I’ve discovered that the magic of work-life balance lies in recognizing the value of every moment. It’s about making each second count, whether I’m refining a screenplay, solving an engineering challenge, or sharing laughter with friends.
I’ve also learned to embrace moments of relaxation. I used to think that if I wasn’t working on something, I was wasting my time. However, I’ve come to appreciate the joy in the moments when I simply sit to scroll on social media for a little bit, turn on a TV show, or sleep in for an extra hour or two. By giving myself permission to take breaks, I found that my creativity is enhanced, and I become less frustrated if a project is not progressing at the pace I would like.
In conclusion, the pursuit of work-life balance is an ever-evolving journey. As an Engineer, Filmmaker, Actress, Author, and All-Around Creative, I’ve come to understand that it’s not about finding more hours in a day but about optimizing the hours I have.
By setting aside specific times for each facet of my life and embracing the power of weekends, I’ve managed to harmonize my passions with my profession. So, to all those who grapple with the challenge of balancing their multifaceted lives, remember this: with dedication, organization, and a dash of creativity, you can transform the relentless ticking of the clock into a harmonious symphony of your life’s passions.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? Tell us more about your art. What sets you apart from others, and what are you most proud of or excited about?
As a filmmaker and screenwriter, storytelling flows through my veins. I began screenwriting at a young age and by thirteen I began taking what was on paper and bringing it to life on screen. Having an engineering background, I embarked on a mission to redefine the essence of “Movie Magic” in my films through my screenwriting. What sets me apart from others is my imagination in storytelling but also my ceaseless devotion to challenging the boundaries of creativity. I take immense pride in my ability to capture the raw essence of human emotions and life experiences, wielding the camera lens as a paintbrush to create cinematic wonders that linger in the hearts and minds of viewers.
How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Navigating the intricate world of filmmaking as a Black Female has been both challenging and rewarding. There are a great deal of moving parts when crafting cinematic narratives and they require copious amounts of time, meticulous research, and unwavering focus. The path has certainly not been a walk in the park, but through persistence, a thirst for knowledge, prioritizing my time, and a deep passion for my craft, I’ve been able to continue to level up and hone my skills. And through my journey, I’ve learned that even if you’re confused, or unsure, it’s important to take action on your dreams because you’ll learn as you go. Although research is important, you Iearn more in the process of doing. And the act of taking action is what often sparks the flow of creative juices.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What I want the world to understand about me and my brand is that I am a jack of all trades, beyond the title of “filmmaker,” I also proudly bear the mantle of Engineer, Author, and Actress. And creativity holds firm as the foundation of my work across all platforms. In the words of Toni Morrison, “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been created yet, then you must write it.” This philosophy fuels all of my creative endeavors. Whether it’s an uncharted film concept, an unwritten story waiting for its’ moment on paper, or an invention that currently exists in the realm of my imagination, I embrace the challenge of bringing my ideas to life, one frame, one page, and one invention at a time.
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.
The perfect start to our adventure would begin with a leisurely bike ride along the scenic BeltLine, soaking in the beauty of the city. Along the way, we’d make pit stops at charming shops, such as the delightful Just Add Honey Tea Company. This would set the tone for a relaxed, yet engaging start to our trip.
Then we would explore Little Five Points, a haven for eclectic shops, street art, and vibrant culture. We’d spend the day shopping at the quirky boutiques and soaking in the artistic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for unique finds and capturing the essence of the city’s alternative scene.
Dining in Atlanta is an experience in itself so we’d embark on a culinary adventure, starting with a visit to renowned soul food/southern food establishments like Southern Gentlemen. Here, we’d savor authentic Southern cuisine.
As the sun sets, Atlanta’s nightlife comes to life. We’d venture into the city’s buzzing nightlife scene, enjoying live music at historic venues like the Tabernacle or catching a comedy show at The Punchline. It’s the perfect way to conclude our week of adventure.
Atlanta is a city that embraces creativity, culture, and cuisine, and I’d ensure my friend left with a deep appreciation for the richness it has to offer.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to give a big shout-out to God, because without him none of this is possible. I want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to my parents, Tandra Price and Bruce Price. They have been the steadfast pillars of my support system, always there to uplift and inspire me in my craft. Their unwavering belief in my abilities and constant encouragement has given me the strength to pursue my creative aspirations with determination and passion. Without their guidance and love, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to Silvia Mathis, a cherished supporter and friend on my creative journey. Silvia has consistently provided me with valuable tools to propel my work to the next level. Her support and shared vision have been valuable in shaping my path.
Website: https://www.kpstudios.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kp_productions__/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kpproductions9871/videos
My Recent Film | Homeless or Right at Home: https://tubitv.com/movies/678933/homeless-or-right-at-home