Meet Ebbony Duran | Actress & Business Owner

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

Hi Ebbony, why did you pursue a creative career?
The simple answer is that it made me feel alive. I was doing the “right” thing for so long. Going to college, getting a degree in something that matters and just working to survive until I can get into my career. I was going to be a research scientist focusing on reducing plastic waste. It was a noble cause but I lacked passion. I was honestly truly afraid that I would never feel that intensity and love for something that I’ve heard other people have. For so long I thought something was wrong with me. Why aren’t I excited? Why don’t I feel happy? Is this it? These questions rattled me for years but I continued on, until I stepped onto my first movie set. I was an extra and I just remember being in complete awe. Like this is what people do for a living! They get paid to play pretend! I’ve always had a vivid imagination and I’ve repressed it for years to fit a more studious lifestyle. Acting gave me permission. Permission to be myself completely and discover new things about myself that I didn’t even know was there. It was a breath of fresh air. Then it felt like suddenly my life began to move, to breathe. I found myself taking risks, surprising myself and a thirst I had never felt before. A once shy girl was beginning to blossom and the more it happened the more I needed it. I used to be the type of person that would never finish what they started but even that began to change. I had to show up because I fell in love. The person I was before I found my art and the person I am today are two completely different people. My relationships are stronger, I love more deeply, and most importantly I don’t have to wear a mask anymore. I don’t have to pretend to be happy, I am. I don’t have to pretend that I care, I do. And the thing that excites me the most is that I know that this is just the beginning. There is still somewhere to go.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I remember my first improv that I’ve ever done at the start of my acting career. I was petrified. After my introduction to acting as an extra, I bought every book on acting at Barnes n Noble. Read them all, then figured the next step was to join an acting studio. I had an audit for one and completely freaked out. I had a panic attack because it was so out of my normal waters that I couldn’t handle it. It took me 3 months to try again. Thank goodness it did because I ended up finding the right acting studio for me. And that brings us back to my first improv on stage. I wasn’t a theatre kid in school or was one of those people that dreamed of being on stage/camera. I had no idea why I decided to pay so much money to be terrified or why I was even showing up. It was called the coming home scene. Simple enough, you’re coming home from somewhere and that’s when it starts. I walked through this makeshift door and all I can hear is my heartbeat loud in my ears. I drop my backpack, walk over to the couch and start to cry. The ugly cry normally saved for late nights alone in your room. Where was this coming from? How did it happen? How do I make it stop? I was horrified and embarrassed. That’s when my acting coach got up out of his seat, made me look him in the eyes and said with a huge smile on his face, “This is your superpower. Learn how to control it instead of it controlling you and you will be powerful.” It was a long two years of failure and growth. Unlearning and relearning. I cried a lot. When I first began, I didn’t believe in myself. I like to think I did but looking back I see how much doubt I had. I wasn’t pretty enough to be on camera, why would they want to book me or what if I can’t perform when it’s time. These thoughts were my biggest challenges. I fought myself every step of the way because how dare I find something that I love and go for it. It sounds silly now but back then it staggered my growth. Even when I booked my first feature film, Huyendo, I still doubted my ability, my talent. But with help of my growing artistic community I started to find grace for myself. Eventually, I allowed my mistakes and now I seek them. Now I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself or say the wrong thing or ugly cry. I learned that I am not just one thing, I am full of contradictions. I can be needy and powerful. Sweet and rude. Entitled and selfless. My art showed me my way and gave me confidence to try new things. I recently opened up a small business called Uniquely Mine. It’s a small boutique at the Country Antique Fair Mall in Santa Clarita, booth W3. I mostly sell unique clothing and small treasures! All I know is that this is just my beginning. I don’t know what is coming in the next month, week or year. But I do know I’m grateful for all of it and I will give my whole heart. Hopefully I can inspire others to do the same and be their crazy, silly and beautiful selfs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m the worst tour guide ever, I still haven’t done the Hollywood sign hike and I’ve lived here my entire life! Though of course we would have to check out Malibu and Venice. Venice is great for people watching while Malibu is great for sunbathing. The Bungalow in Santa Monica is a great place to have a drink and chit chat about life. If I’m wanting to stuff my face I would have to take them to Tacosway, absolutely delicious. Santa Clarita for some great hikes! And of course every thrift and antique mall I can find.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This one’s easy, my mom will always deserve all the credit. She showed me what it means to be a strong beautiful woman. How to fight for what you want and never take any less. It’s because of her that I know what I deserve and it’s because of her that I will never settle. From boys to a career, if I know my mom wouldn’t approve then it’s a no for me. She is my compass, my true north.

Instagram: @ebbonybee

Image Credits
20Gallons Film 420p Benjamin-Shalom Rodriguez