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

Hi Lissa, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I like to say the best job I ever booked was becoming a mother. As an actor and CEO of AmbiguousMe Ent., the internal clock was never ticking for me, maybe because I didn’t want to screw that job up. HA. The most important thing I’ve done as a parent was sharing my thought process as an actor in this volatile industry. Which is, nothing is personal. I am able to process that in my everyday life since I’ve been in this business for years now. I tell my daughter Scarlet, when someone at school is rude or mean, that it has nothing to do with her. I give her examples when she has had a bad morning, that perhaps that is how they are feeling. To always use her voice and stand up for those that can’t for themselves. I want to raise a new generation of women. Girls supporting and uplifting one another. And this starts with me by being the example.

The best feeling is when I overhear Scarlet sharing these words, with her friends! I’m doing something right.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.I’m an actress and I was lucky to have studied with some of the best acting coaches in LA. I’ve been told by casting and my peers, what sets me apart from all the others is that, I’m loud and have a positive energy that catches the room. I’m very optimistic and work really hard to stay confident in my work no matter the outcome. My look is very unique, which gives me more creative opportunities. I’ve been casted as middle eastern, Pilipino, Latina and Polynesian are some of the few. I’m 67 percent Indigenous Native American and I was raised Mexican American. Hence, the reason for the name of my Corp, AmbiguousMe Entertainment. I’m most excited about my new project set to come out the end of this year called “Something From Tiffany’s”. It’s a feature film produced by Hello Sunshine. Love Reese Witherspoon! It will be airing on Amazon. That’s all I can say for now.

Perseverance as my thought process has kept me going. It was certainly not easy, cause I have a strong passion for my work and exploring these characters through me. The thing is when I pour my heart and soul into these characters and I don’t get the role, it hurts me. It leads me to question myself! This is when I have to remind myself that nothings personal in this business. So many things go into play when getting a “win”. There’s always something better around the corner if that job didn’t come through for me. I try not to get too invested on the outcome, because to get an audition is already an accomplishment in and out of itself. So it’s important to me to maintain these relationships with casting directors who continue to bring me back in. So it’s just a matter of time. What I want the world to know about me is that I was raised on a small ranch and I was very shy. I left town very young and said I was going to be in the public eye. I’m doing it and so can you. And to remember to praise yourself for your accomplishments. This can be a hard one for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This one is easy since I love to entertain. I would take my best friend out with a few of my other girlfriends. The more the merrier. First, we would start at Hotel Laguna for drinks, then we’d sit down for dinner with my husband Craig Strong, whom is a Michelin Star chef. He would design a menu specifically for us. Anyone that comes to visit is expecting to eat with him. The next day, we would head down to Thalia beach in Laguna. Go to the pantry at Sapphire and grab their delicious to go cocktails and salads. Then, that evening, hit Abba’s for a causal burger then walk over to a local speak easy called Helen’s. On Sundays, we like to have family BBQ. My husband loves to BBQ and I’m a closet mixologist. Monday, I would take her mountain biking, in the back hills near our neighborhood. We might see deer and rattle snakes. There’s a mountain lion on the loose so it will be an adventure! Dinner at Sapphire restaurant, their halibut is incredible. Tuesday we would have an authentic Mexican dinner that I would prepare. Wednesday, I’d take her to my friend’s spin class at Art of Fitness. Dinner at Broadway, they have a very creative cocktail list. Thursday, I’d take her to 242 Sushi Fusion, Chef Miki is very creative with her sauces. Of course, during all these visits we would people watch!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s not just one person. I’ve been very blessed and lucky to have a large support group. But to name a few, my husband Craig is very patient and supportive with my line of work. Shout outs to Robert, Erika, Natasa, My gym crew, my mom Mary, who drops everything to come watch her granddaughter. To all the casting directors who believe in me and continue to bring me in on projects. And to my team, Danita and Andy, you guys rock! 

Website: www.lissapallo.com

Instagram: @lissapallo

Twitter: @lissapallo

Facebook: @lissapallo

Other: I’m also a co-owner of Salsa Fuerte Hot Sauce. Chef driven and family business. You can purchase at www.salsafuerte.net

Image Credits
Exact Digital Photography

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