Rising Stars: Meet Sienna Golden of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sienna Golden

Hi Sienna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Kansas City, Kansas and I started modeling when I was 16 years old, mostly doing collaborative work with photographers locally!
Some were way out there/very aesthetic, and then a few photographers did studio work with me and I think at the time, that was where I learned the most!

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to go to an acting college to learn about the craft.
I moved to New York, started my life there, and lived there for 4 years!
But, I have always wanted to move to LA since I was six years old for acting.
And since the beginning of this year, I am finally here! I moved in January! 😊 super fresh.

I auditioned for a small role for a movie by Francis Ford Coppola in 2022 and we wrapped in 2023. That set overall was such a good experience and I’m so grateful for that. I learned so much and made so many friends.

In May of this year, I was asked to be an assistant on a music video set, for a director I met here in LA, and the video is starring John Stamos. I wanted to learn behind the scenes aspects, and the director Richard was so kind to invite me to be apart of it. John was a sweetheart and I’m so thankful to have met him. 😁

I recently got to experience my first movie premiere at the Chinese Theaters in Hollywood as well!

As far as my modeling career goes, I have walked for Kansas City Fashion Week, the Spring and Fall seasons several times for lots of different designers. That is such a fun experience as well.

I was asked to wear multiple Designer garments in Mexico and in the Bahamas to get professional photos for their clothing and websites. That was a blast! I was also asked to wear a Designers garment on a live News channel in Kansas City and promote the dress that she specifically designed for me to model and walk in that current season.

I am so beyond grateful for everything I’ve had the chance to be apart of and there’s so much more to come 😊

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think everyone can agree that when you have a passion for the arts, whether it’s acting, modeling, singing, dancing, etc. You will always be faced with a financial battle.
Its not easy and it takes a lot of time to move states, shoot what you want to shoot, classes, and so many other aspects when it comes to choosing an art.
I think time and finances have been the most tricky thing for me.
I have a lot of supportive friends, and family around me which makes it all worth while.
You need to have supportive people in your corner, or you will be discouraged. Everyone has it in them to be who they want to be, you just have to execute it! Even if it takes 10 years, at least you can say you did it and you put all of your effort into it.
Passion, effort, and motivation are three things I always say you need to have when wanting to pursue an art of any kind.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in modeling and acting.
I’m unfortunately not a dancer or a singer haha.
I think I am most proud of moving to all the places I have moved, and thriving in each place, despite multiple hardships!
I am originally born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas.
I have moved to, New York City, Florida, Atlanta, around Kansas City, and Los Angeles!
In New York alone, I moved a total of eight times in a four year period. It taught me that you have to minimalize your lifestyle.
I am one to over pack, but now I have to live light because of how often I move.
I plan on staying in LA for a very long time. This was the place I always wanted to end up. I feel so at home here.
I have so many opportunities here that I’ve never had before, and I am so grateful. I cannot wait to talk about them when I can 😁

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice is, trust your gut ALWAYS!
It knows better than you think it does haha.
When something doesn’t feel right, it’s because it’s not.
I have met so many lovely people, but I have also met a lot of people who do not have your best interest at heart. It’s good to determine the two and make sure the person you’re talking to, is working with and for you, not against you in any way.

I think something I wish I knew was the red flags in the industry. A big one is, agents and managers do not get money from you, unless you make money or book a job. Anyone saying there’s an application fee, or a sign up fee, run far far away. They are scamming you.
Once you sign with an agent or manager and they help you book a job, on average, they will take 15-20% of the total you make on a job. That’s due to them putting in the word for you, finding you the job, asking all of the questions that need to be asked for you, etc.
That is the only time they make money; if you do!
It’s good to know that because not a lot of people do! There’s a lot of empty promises out there, and I get sad to hear scamming stories.

Another side note, especially for modeling. Collab with your local photographers! As much as you’re trying to build your portfolio, they are as well!
Come to them with a specific idea and reference photos and show them you are confident about your work.
More times than not, it is that easy to book a shoot when the timing is right.
Confidence is key, and show it off 🙂

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siennagolden/