Meet Natasha Lloyd | Host & Speaker

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

Hi Natasha, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Being able to define what makes you unique- making it as specific as possible- and really leaning into that. For example, I would never say that I am the best, or even one of the best actors out there. But I may very well be one of the best at taking complicated language and delivering it in a digestible way straight to camera. This led me to pursue hosting, public speaking, and spokesperson work as a focused point of interest. And within those niches I’ve found my greatest success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After graduating college with my BFA in acting, I knew it would be impossible to only work artistically fulfilling jobs, but I made it my mission to “never wait a table.” I think I believed that guaranteed income would stop me from hustling, so for 10 years I pursued every creative avenue available, as long as it paid the rent and wouldn’t come back to haunt me later in life. I sometimes failed that second part. But I learned a lot- namely the beauty of a good agent and the horror of the phrase “in perpetuity.”

I really found my stride in the commercial industry, booking over 100 National spots and ultimately landing some fantastic spokesperson jobs. Those are always my favorite because you get to really build a relationship with the clients and ad agencies. I also really love voice work. All of the radio spots that came along with being a spokesperson were sometimes just as fun as being on camera. And the video games- most recently Dark Deception and Monsters and Mortals. Let me tell you, you haven’t put your BFA to work until you’ve voiced an evil zombie nun.

When it comes to film- I’ve been extremely lucky to work internationally, shooting a few movies in China and some other projects in Malaysia and Japan. Every time I travel for work, I extend the trip as long as possible to see the country. Being in a new place by myself is one of the greatest feelings in the world. If I could get paid to just travel and write, I would, but no one’s offered to pay me for that yet. Wishful thinking?

Believe it or not, freestyle rap actually opened the door to many of my opportunities. I know it’s unconventional, but I’ve always taken it quite seriously, competing in battles and even signing a record deal at one point as M.C. Goldiloxx. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked to come up with a flow in auditions or professional settings, and now I end most of my corporate presentations with a “rap up.” I know it sets me apart, and for every person who thinks “what the heck is this girl doing?” there are 10 more who are vibing with me. It’s also a great tool for comedy and landed me on the main stages of the best venues. Even my first video game booking was an evil rapping chicken. And when Goldiloxx made an appearance in “Epic Rap Battles of History”, I don’t wanna give away who won, but I’ll say it was a highlight for me.

Next up? More speaking, more hosting, and more learning how to be a Mom. And now that my first book is nearly finished- it’s clear that writing will always have a place on my professional path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Karaoke. All day. Every day. LA has incredible Karaoke spots and some of the most talented, or at the very least, shameless performers in the world. I met my agents 12 years ago doing karaoke at Gas Lite in Santa Monica, and yes, I was freestyle rapping. Brass Monkey, Boardwalk 11, Paoli’s in Woodland Hills. All fantastic spots where I’ve made some of my favorite memories with friends. I swear I even met my husband doing karaoke in Hollywood.

The best Bloody Mary you’ll ever have is at Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks and the best latte is at Jones in Pasadena. I’ll leave food recommendations to someone more qualified since I tend to eat everything drenched in hot sauce.

I’d also add in a Lakers game, especially if Lebron comes back again next season. Fingers crossed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Can I say two? My friend Tatiana for giving me a place to stay when I first moved to LA. If I hadn’t been able to fully focus on building my career, I don’t know where I would be today. And my Father, James Lloyd, for teaching me the importance of publicly sharing your failures. It turns out they make better stories!

Website: www.NatashaLloyd.com

Instagram: @TashInAwe

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-lloyd-63202412

Twitter: @TashInAwe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashalloyd

Youtube: @TheNatashaLloyd