Meet Hannah Fletcher

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

Hi Hannah, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has definitely been complicated since the pandemic. I am blessed to bed able to do what I love, which is not revolving around a typical 9-5 structure involving clocking in and out. It’s also tricky because I can work from anywhere. I can work at home doing emails, but often times my car rides are taken up by phone calls and coordinating with others-not listening to the latest Sabrina Carpenter hits, unfortunately.

With interviewing, I’m often at events, carpets, screenings-coming home at late hours most of the time. I try to craft a schedule as much as possible, but the biggest piece of advice that I have been given, is to set boundaries.

My boundary currently involves: not accepting phone calls after 7PM that could involve work. I’m trying to actively work on not checking emails past 7 too, but….baby steps. This is certainly easier said than done, but this year has been monumental in my boundary creation, and really implementing the ideas of sticking to my boundaries. I also make sure that when given free time, I strive to consume content that is entertaining to me. If I want to watch celebs be interviewed by Jimmy Fallon on YouTube, I’ll tell myself that I’m not studying the dynamic between Jimmy and his guests- I am going to sit on my couch with a snack and my cat and just take the conversation for what it’s worth. If I want to watch a movie or TV show that I’ve seen countless times, I let myself.

It’s important to have a good work life balance no matter what career you have. Creating boundaries will create respect. However, creating boundaries also means that there’s a learning curve for those around you, so don’t be upset if someone still makes that phone call past the hour you deem acceptable. Allow for those you work with to adjust, but remain firm and use your best judgement.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, I am an only child, who has had consistent family support throughout every step of my journey. Since I was three years old, I’ve entertained. I was encouraged to pursue my love of the arts throughout my entire life, and even for my college career choice. I hold a BFA in Acting, and honestly, getting to where I am today has not been easy. However, I have enjoyed this journey so much, and I have been open and receptive to God and His grace as He’s led me through.

I want people to take away the idea of pursuing a passion, and how it’s not impossible. If you have something within you that is special, if you have a skill that you’ve for some reason always received compliments on- that just may be your calling.

I recall growing up that I was consistently told two things. The first- that I was different. That I stood apart from the crowd. I didn’t even mean to, honestly, I just did somehow. The second- that I was an exceptional speaker. I can recall giving speeches running for student body office positions and parents would constantly go to my parents and rant and rave about how I spoke. I participated in pageants, answering questions via interviews and speaking on stage- same exact thing. I have to be honest in saying that I was always so grateful for the compliment, but I later realized how much of a blessing it was to be able to receive that compliment regarding speaking, over and over again. I am astonished and proud to have taken these compliments as feedback, and craft a career out of them.

I’ve learned that knowing your goals and dreams- it’s a blessing. But just because you know what you want, that does NOT mean that you also know your timeline and your path. I knew that I wanted an entertainment career- but I had no idea that this is the way that it would transpire.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to strategize, follow your gut instincts, and yet, go with the flow. I moved to LA with the idea of being in a TV series or in films. I knew that networking was important because they say (whoever “they” happens to be) that who you know is everything. Honestly… it’s a pretty accurate statement. I knew that I had to get in front of people and talk to them, meet them, take interest in them. Little did I know that red carpets would be the medium of networking, and landing me my own talk show.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Alright! Here’s the deal…

First of all, I’m going all out- washing the car, cleaning the apartment, trimming the cat’s nails- it’s all about YOU! I’ll pick you up from the airport with your favorite snack and we will get the party started!

I would suggest that we go at least somewhere neat, per day. I’m a fan of Yardbird, so we will head there for lunch at some point, most definitely. For dinner one night- we have to go to Granville for a proper dinner. I will get the cucumber martini and the UpTown Mac n Cheese, and whatever you get, you will LOVE too! And hey…I’m not opposed to doubling up a night with heading to my fave comedy spot- the Comedy Store.

At some point during the trip, we have to get away from LA (because I never wander out of the city by myself) and we will make a day trip over to Joshua Tree! Pack your bandana, your sneakers, and get ready to have NO reception! It’s the perfect day trip to reset and unplug.

By the end of our time together, we will also have to go to Malibu, via the PCH. The last order of business, while we’re over that way, is heading to my favorite wine spot- Cornell Winery. It’s adorable, it’s hidden, there are peacocks roaming around- it’s such a vibe and you have to get your pics to show everyone back home.

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?
I would like to shoutout my mom, my dad, and Chuck, my stepdad. Without these three (and God), I would not be in the blessed position of being so supported while pursuing my dreams in LA.

Also, I have to shoutout my friends and family in my hometown of Winchester, VA. If it weren’t for all of the love and support that emanates from each and every friend and family member back home, I would feel so incomplete. Thank you to all of you as well. My heart is with you all, always, despite the distance.

Instagram: @hannahrfletcher and @thehannahfletchershow

Image Credits
White Dress Photo- Sheryda Taylor Black dress step and repeat- Michael Sandoval Brown shirt blue background- Melissa Brownell Brown jacket photo- Angelique Foster