Meet Hilarie Grace | Actor & Model

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

Hi Hilarie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I have always struggled with making “big life decisions”. I was always afraid that a single choice would dictate the rest of my life-both personal and career. I spent quite a bit of time at the beginning of my acting career not making any decisions out of fear that a role would come back to haunt me or I would be blacklisted. However, I had a friend tell me that a risk is simply a calculated decision. The act of not taking a risk is in fact, taking a risk. If I was indecisive, the opportunity would go on to the next person. Taking a risk isn’t as scary if I view it as a move toward my dreams. In the entertainment industry especially, it’s all about taking risks. From auditioning choices, costuming, performance influences, I’m constantly putting myself out there and hoping it impacts someone. The very nature of my industry is a risk that I gladly embrace. It’s my calculated decision.

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 started my career as a theatre artist and lover; however, what I am most proud of lately is my modeling career. I fell into modeling on accident. I had a friend ask me to go with her to an open call for Denver Fashion Week. Being a plus size model, I didn’t anticipate anything coming of it. I was tracked down by Madelyn Hadel, designer of Rebellelion and haven’t stopped since. From that point, I have walked runways, shot for lifestyle brands, sfx artists and boudoir photographers. It’s a step I never could have seen for my career, but am incredibly grateful for. It’s never easy being a “nontypical” beauty standard, but I use the opportunities I have to show young girls that beauty is the standard you choose it to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first place I would go is breakfast at Four Friends Kitchen. They have incredible food and awesome drinks. You can’t come to the city without visiting Larimer St in Denver. There’s super cute shops and artwork. Speaking of artwork, I would follow Larimer with a Graffiti tour of Denver! There are so many incredible murals throughout the city-each by a different local artist. Follow all that up with a hike to and through Red Rocks Amphitheatre (If you can catch sunrise there, do it. It’s beautiful). Since you’re close by, drive up Lookout Mountain in the evening. You can see all of the city lights. As far as food and drinks are concerned, you cannot go wrong with any of the local brewery’s in Golden. If you have the chance, definitely check out New Terrain Brewery. They have rotating brews, different food trucks every night, and you can bring your pooch!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today if it was not for my high school speech and debate coaches, Leonard and Maggie Carabelos. They supported my approach to interp in a way that allowed my acting style to blossom. One of the most influential people in my career has been Kelly-Jo Eldredge. She believed in me when no one else did. She pushed me to be a better performer, but also a better person. I also can’t thank Cory Rowe of 5280 Film Company enough for being a continual support in this sometimes unkind industry. He’s a director I will always work with. Finally, Christine Reed and the rest of the Peak Squad. They challenge me to be at the top of my game with blunt honesty and care. I love working with them every week. This does not scrape the surface of the incredible people who have helped me throughout my career. Every single person deserves a shoutout and a cheer for pushing me, putting up with me, and encouraging me. So thank you all!

Website: hilarienelson@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilariegrace/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HilarieGrace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HilarieGraceNelson/

Other: https://www.imdb.me/hilariegrace

Image Credits
Chelsea Reynolds Artistry Adriane Leigh Photo Erin Ashley Photo Ciara Roze MUA Michael Collins Liz Boures MUA At Dawn and Dusk Reaping Rhiley