Am I Officially a "REAL" Actor?

Captured by: Eve Gagne

Hey there, and welcome to The Glow Up Year! I'm Meg, an actress and a model, and your go-to guide for what it really takes to turn your big dreams into reality. After six years in the entertainment world—on camera, behind the scenes, and everything in between—I'm declaring this year my Glow Up Year. This blog is your front-row seat to my journey as I hustle, learn, and level up in real time. From auditions and photo shoots to script breakdowns and behind-the-scenes chaos, we're diving into the ups, the downs, and everything in between. If you're ready to chase your own dreams, fuel your passion, or see what it really takes to rise to the top, you're in the right place. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let's glow up together.


Welcome to The Glow Up Year

I have some exciting news, y'all. I’ve been acting professionally for six years, and this year I officially started my own business. My acting career is now an LLC—separate from me—which is so, so, so exciting. Even more exciting? Last year was the first year I made more money than I spent on acting, and I am so f*cking proud. You have no idea how many years I’ve spent spinning my wheels. But once I stopped self-sabotaging and let go of distractions, things started clicking.

So I started my first business in January 2025. I’m a goal-setting girly—I’m always focused on what’s next—so I wanted to share some of my goals for the year with you. Maybe they’ll help inspire your own glow-up.


My 2025 Goals:

  • Update my headshots and marketing materials. I want to love my portfolio. When you feel proud of your marketing materials, that’s when you know you’re in the right space. That’s the energy I want.

  • Book work. Of course, I want to book jobs. But since booking is ultimately out of my control, I’m shifting the focus to what is in my control: building my skills and doing consistent, active practice.

  • Attend Coco Rocha's Model Camp. Is it ridiculous for a 5’4" model? Maybe. But I’ve always dreamed of doing high-fashion, editorial shoots. So I’m going for the experience, for the fun, and to come home with killer digitals.


How to Tell if You Have Your BEST Headshot/Reel

I’m also planning to attend The Model Workshop with Anthony Grassetti. When I first signed with New England Models Group (my talent agency), I went through a list of recommended photographers, and Anthony’s work stood out to me. He offered a headshot development package, and I was brand new to modeling. That session with him? Game-changer.

I felt so good during the shoot, and when I got my photos back... I was blown away. Like, emotional-blown-away. I couldn’t believe it was me in those photos. It was the first time I truly felt like my materials reflected the artist I am. That’s when I realized:

You have to be proud of your marketing materials. They should make you say, "Holy sh*t, that’s ME."


Do your marketing materials make you proud? Join my monthly newsletter for tips on DIY Headshots and Reels!


The Model Workshop

So this year, as I was building my vision board, I went to Anthony’s website to grab his logo and pin it on my board. I was going to book another shoot later in the year. But then I saw he was hosting a model workshop—only 10 spots available. I kept checking the site obsessively for days.

By day four, I couldn’t take it anymore. My intuition was screaming at me: Do it. So I did. I didn’t technically have the budget, but I trusted the investment. I knew it would be good networking, good information, and amazing digitals. So I bought the ticket, chewed my nails a little, and then decided to just get excited about it. (My next entry will give you the full workshop recap—don’t miss it!)


Who Even Am I...?

Before all this, I went to AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in both NYC and LA. It was a great experience, but by the time I graduated, I knew I didn’t want to do musical theatre. I was way more interested in on-camera work.

Still, I was nervous. So instead of acting right away, I worked behind the scenes to get comfortable on set. For four years, I learned everything I could: started as a PA, moved up to 2nd AD, and even worked as a script supervisor. (That job taught me everything about continuity and blocking—SO useful for acting.)

Eventually, I moved into production coordinating—which I still do. It’s a great day job that keeps me connected to the industry, sharpens my logistical brain, and lets me learn from the inside. But my heart? My heart is in front of the camera.


This Year Is Different

This is my Glow Up Year, and I can feel it. I'm leaning fully into the creative work I love. I'm building a brand, investing in myself, and showing up consistently.

Hopefully soon, I can take fewer behind-the-scenes gigs and more creative ones. Stay tuned because ill tell you all about what happened at the model workshop—the looks, the shoots, the magic.

Thanks for reading my first entry of The Glow Up Year! This is just the beginning, and I’m so excited to have you along for the ride.

If you loved today’s entry, be sure to share it with someone chasing big dreams. Follow me on social media for even more behind-the-scenes moments, updates, and inspiration.

Your glow-up is just one brave step away. Until next time—keep hustling, keep dreaming, and let’s make big things happen together.

If you loved this blog entry and would like more information, I’ve got a full podcast episode just for you!

See you in the next post, homie.

 
 

Want more behind-the-scenes pep talks and updates? Come hang with me on Instagram and TikTok @MegSalisburyOfficial.

P.S.


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