Meet Sarah Gardner Antista | Actor, Creative, Humanitarian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Gardner Antista and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, is there something you believe many others might not?
I really love the phrase “slow and steady wins the race”. While I do agree with the sentiment that good things do generally take time to build up towards, you may never “win” the “race”. I think we all have different definitions of what winning looks like for us, and the truth is, we may never attain that picture of success. So, what do we do? What I am learning is to ask myself different questions: Do I love this? Do I believe in it? Does it inspire and motivate? If I gave this up tomorrow, would I regret it? I’m learning to let love and belief in my artistic pursuits be enough, so whether or not I get the outcome I desire, I can be content.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I didn’t start out as an actor. I grew up doing ballet, then, after graduating high school, I worked with a non-profit for a few years, 3 of those years living in the Middle East and aiding in the Syrian refugee crisis, among other work. This experience profoundly changed the way I see art and its purpose. Not only are stories instrumental in encouraging and uplifting others, they also change mindsets and save lives.

After working in the Middle East, I moved to New York City to pursue acting full-time. I attend a two year conservatory, then was thrust out into the world! While I am so thankful for my time in conservatory, I have learned so much more while on the job. It has been so much harder than I thought it would be, but also so much more fulfilling. The people I have met along the way have been incredible and a true highlight of working as an actor for me.

I aim to approach any role I receive or any project I get to help produce as a learning experience. I use my experience as a non-profit worker to help shape the stories I tell with heart, empathy, and understanding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone were coming to visit me in Los Angeles, here are a few places I would absolutely take them, say, for example, on day trip:

-Morning coffee stop at Joans on Third and the best donuts ever at Fonuts
-Driving to Malibu up and down the Pacific Coast Highway: it is simply a must and so beautiful.
-Make a stop at the Getty Villa
-Back to Santa Monica and a stop at Holy Guacamole, best tamales!
-Afternoon pick me up at Ideology Coffee
-Dinner at Mirate (if we are in the mood for something nicer) or Monty’s Good Burger (if we are in the mood for something more chill).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend, Stephanie. She is the anchor to my sailboat, truly.

Instagram: @sarahgardnerantista

Image Credits
Miranda Kay Photography (just for two photos of myself in pink