Influential Woman · Entertainment
Cara D'Adamo
SAG-AFTRA
Founder & CEO, Faith Over Fear Studio & Productions
Brooklyn, NY
Her Story
About Cara
I started performing when I was very young. Singing and dancing always held a special place in my heart, but I never truly believed it could become a career until I was scouted by a talent agent who encouraged me to pursue it. That opportunity opened doors I never imagined. It allowed me to develop my craft, build meaningful connections, and meet incredible people throughout the entertainment and music industry.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of working in television, theater, commercials, film, and music. It has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and discovery. Every experience has shaped me not only as an artist but also as a person.
When the pandemic hit, I was in the middle of a project that had been filming for a month when production suddenly shut down. Like so many creatives, I felt the uncertainty and heartbreak that came with that moment. It made me realize that there were countless artists facing the same challenges, and I began asking myself, "How can I help?"
That question led me to create Faith Over Fear Studio Productions. What started as a desire to support fellow creatives has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I love being a storyteller, but I also love mentoring others, encouraging artists to believe in themselves, and helping them find their own voice.
Being an artist is the greatest gift of my life. It has taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection. I truly believe that art has the ability to heal. When we tell a story and someone feels seen, understood, or inspired, something powerful happens.
At a time when the world often feels disconnected, we need more human connection, compassion, and understanding. Art brings people together. It reminds us of our shared humanity. If I can help even one life through my work, then I know I'm fulfilling my purpose. That's what it's all about, and that's how we change the world.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, perseverance, and a genuine love for what I do. My journey hasn't been easy, and there have been moments of rejection, uncertainty, and personal challenges. But I've never allowed those moments to define me.
I've always believed that growth comes from continuing to learn, staying humble, and showing up even when it's difficult. Every opportunity, every class, every audition, and every setback has taught me something that has made me a better artist and a stronger person.
I also believe success is built through kindness, integrity, and the relationships we cultivate. I'm grateful for the people who have believed in me, challenged me, and helped me grow.
For me, success isn't just about accomplishments, it's about having the courage to keep pursuing your purpose, staying true to who you are, and using your gifts to make a meaningful impact. That's what continues to inspire me every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to see rejection as redirection and to remember that there is only one unique you.
As an artist, rejection is part of the journey, but I've learned not to take it personally. Every "no" has the potential to lead me to the opportunity that's truly meant for me. Instead of seeing rejection as failure, I've learned to see it as guidance, redirecting me towards better opportunities and experiences.
The second piece of advice has stayed with me just as deeply: there is only one unique you in the world. My job isn't to compete with anyone else or try to be someone I'm not. It's to bring my own life experiences, perspective, and authenticity to every role and every opportunity.
Those two lessons have given me resilience, confidence, and the freedom to keep growing while staying true to who I am.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to know your worth and never settle for anything less than you deserve. Believe in your talent, trust your instincts, and don't let anyone make you feel like you have to compromise your values or your boundaries to succeed.
Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to how people make you feel. This industry is filled with incredible opportunities and wonderful people, but it's important to protect yourself, advocate for yourself, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth.
Most importantly, remember that there is only one unique you. Your authenticity is your greatest strength. Stay true to who you are, continue learning, and don't let rejection define you. Every experience is an opportunity to grow and move closer to the career that's meant for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the entertainment industry right now is the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and how it is changing the way stories are created and produced. While technology can be an incredible tool, it also raises important questions about protecting artists’ voices, creativity, likeness, and the human experiences that make storytelling meaningful.
At the same time, I believe AI and new technologies can create exciting opportunities. They can help artists expand their creativity, learn new skills, reach wider audiences, and find innovative ways to tell stories. However, I believe the heart of this industry will always come back to human connection. There is something unique about an actor bringing their own life experiences, emotions, and authenticity to a character that technology cannot replace.
The greatest opportunity we have as artists is to continue evolving while staying true to what makes us human: our imagination, our vulnerability, and our ability to connect with others through storytelling.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value that's most important to me, both in my work and in my personal life. I believe in being honest, keeping my word, and treating people with kindness and respect.
As an artist, integrity means staying true to who I am instead of trying to fit into someone else's expectations. It means showing up prepared, being professional, and giving my best effort in every opportunity. I want my work to reflect authenticity and purpose.
In my personal life, integrity means building relationships based on trust, consistency, and genuine care. I believe character is defined by the choices we make every day, and I strive to live in a way that aligns with my values.
At the end of the day, success is meaningful to me only if it's achieved with integrity.
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