Meet Cynthia D Hilaire | Actress & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia D Hilaire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia D, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

I am the youngest in my family. My siblings are 8 years older than I am. Being in that position, I always felt like I was on my own and had to validate and entertain myself. Most times, the younger ones are dismissed, not heard, and misunderstood. My feelings and frustrations were often labeled as “oh you’re just a child, stop being spoiled, nothing is really wrong”, etc. So I always felt like turning to my creative side was a way for me to talk and let out all my angst. The childhood trauma I experienced further fueled my curiosity to explore all things I was creative in and I found my joy in acting and writing.

Please tell us more about your career. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Well, I tell stories first and foremost. I love to escape into different characters and tell moving, reflective, and impactful stories. I really enjoy playing people with multiple layers and deep histories. Those characters are always a bit unpredictable and a bit of a joy ride. Sometimes I surprised myself on the journey I go through with these different characters. It’s exciting! I’ve always used to write growing up, but now I’m at a point where I want to marry the two. Mostly to create opportunities for myself and also because I think some stories have yet to be written. I am Haitian-American and I think there is a great opportunity to tell experiences and stories from that point of view. I know many Haitian-American peers who also feel the same way. I hope to contribute to pushing that needle of more diverse black stories and stories told by black women. My first project, A Sit Down With Cyn: Monoluges for Black Girls, is a book that compiles short monologues for the black Gen Z girl. I ended up filming some of these monologues and have a short film that’s a collection of them as well. I’m super excited to release it to the world.

I think I am still trying to reach for the same goal but in different ways. The journey has been hard, but I think the most important thing is that I have not quit. Each time that I failed, I have found a way to get back up. Trust me, there has been plenty of times that I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and sulk. I’ve doubted myself, I’ve had to redefine my purpose, I’ve had to fall in and out of love with the craft, and I’ve had to revaluate my plan. I think now more than ever that I realize that it’s going to be a marathon and slow and steady wins the race. When people hear about my name and art, I want people to know that I love black stories, those especially told through black voices and eyes. I hope to add to the collection of black storytellers out there, especially the stories told through black women’s voices. My experience as a black woman, living in intersectionality, is important to me. Going forward, I have the intention to pick/write projects that validate and respect the nuances that come with that experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’ve only been in LA for three years, and I still feel like I’m exploring the city and finding things that I like. I would probably visit some places with my friend that I’ve wanted to try. A week itinerary would probably look like this: Monday: A morning hike at Culver City Stairs. Just cause its vacation doesn’t mean we can’t exercise! And we’ll get one of those Acai bowls from a food truck! We can probably catch a movie at Cinemark or AMC during the late afternoon..the seats recline here! And finish with dinner at my house. Tuesday: We’ll take this day to explore downtown. I love it there. One of my favorite spots is The Last book store! I freaking love that place. And we’ll stop at one of my favorite restaurants nearby for lunch, Yuko Kitchen DTLA. I’ve always wanted to visit the Grammy Museum so I can add that to the list. Also Dinner at my house that night. Wednesday: Hike at Fryman Park. Afterward, we’ll get brunch as one of my favorite spots in the Valley: Bue Jam Cafe, Rodini Park, or the Federal Noho are good options! Later on, we can visit some historic neighborhoods like Leimart park! Thursday: Gotta take them downtown again! It’s black night at The Association soooo we can’t miss that! We’ll dip early to visit two of my most favorite bars/lounges downtown: The little easy and The wolves! Friday: We can visit Malibu for the day and pamper ourselves with massages, manicures, and pedicures. I’ve never been to Nobu so I would probably suggest it! Saturday: This would be a great day to visit the Getty Museum! I’ve always wanted to go. Afterward, we can get a bit Hollywood and go to one of the popular restaurants like Mama Shelter, Tao, Beauty & Essex, E.P&L.P, or visit a rooftop like Dream Hotel, or the Mondrian. Sunday: If we have time before the flight, I would love to go on a bike ride. We can explore Beverly Hills, Culver City, DTLA, or Noho. You’ll be busy with me!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could not have gotten here without a handful of people who have both entered and left my life. Each of them has served a purpose. My most gratitude to the women who saw the most vulnerable parts of me and for giving courage to the little girl who hid behind pain for so long. To the community black of women who continue to encourage me, create with me, talk with me, and do life with me. I learn so much from my creative friends and peers who write and act. They have really helped me to bring my projects and visions to life. My WLS community that has nurtured my skills for the last few years. Finally, the OG, my Mom! She has my whole heart.

Website: www.cynthiadhilaire.com
Instagram: @cynhilaire
Twitter: @cynhilaire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cynthiadhilaire

Image Credits
Film Grabs from Blue Light Melody and A Haitian’s Americans Guide To Disappointing Your Family