Today we’d like to introduce you to Fara Montgomery.
Fara Montgomery (born Laura F. Montgomery) was born in Asunción, Paraguay. She moved to Miami when she was six years old. She began acting, dancing, and singing when she was accepted into the highly competitive “Star Magnet” program (2005) – a nationally recognized and awarded Academy by the Magnet Schools of America at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School, where she graduated with honors (2009). She later earned her Associate in Arts Degree in Performing Arts at Miami-Dade College (2014). Fara also trained at Teatro Prometeo (2014): the only accredited acting conservatory in Spanish in America, where she developed skills such as voice-over acting/commercials, accents, and dialects. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media & Society at the University of Florida (2019) – The #1 Online Program in the US, and currently pursues a Master’s Degree in Social Media at UF.
Her constant struggle with obesity kept her from pursuing her acting career, so she rejected all TV/media opportunities that came her way because of her fear to be in front of the cameras. In 2012, after she was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), she began her natural weight loss journey. She lost 147 lbs with the Ketogenic Diet and an exercise routine. She regained and lost 40 lbs each time she tried to reach her ideal weight; this process of losing and regaining 40 lbs was repeated four times. Therefore, in 2014, she decided to get gastric sleeve (weight loss) surgery. She finally reached her ideal weight until she had to go through emergency surgery for a gallbladder removal due to gallstones (a common effect of weight loss surgery). A few months later, she developed another complication from her previous weight loss surgery that lead to peritonitis. Her heart stopped in the operating room and doctors managed to resuscitate her. The doctor performed a gastric bypass to recover the remaining healthy parts of her stomach. She spent one week in ICU and one month at the hospital. All of these surgeries affected her grades at the University of Florida in 2019, but she managed to finish her work at the hospital during her stay. She lost a total of 170 lbs and maintained her weight for six years now.
In 2020, after her medical ordeal, she decided that she would ignore her fears to be in front of a camera and decided to go to castings and apply for television jobs; she also released her first music album, “Efectos” containing six Latin songs that are all available in the digital platforms. She was chosen for a role in the last episode of “El Regreso de las Sombras,” the Paraguayan TV series with the highest ratings in Paraguayan television history. She was given the “Premio República” award; an award was given by the Congress of Paraguay to people who help spread culture in Paraguay.
She now helps women who struggle with obesity. She has three new songs coming up with different Latin artists. She wrote the script for her music videos and will be directing the videos as well. She is in the process of producing/recording a Wellness TV program for Educanal (an educational channel) in Paraguay, She is also planning to launch a new Blogsite from her website: www.faramontgomery.com – to allow women to chat and discuss their thoughts and wellness plans in order to practice self-care every day.
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?
It has never been a smooth road. Especially when it comes to self-love. My experience has blurred the definition of “self-esteem” for me. I always thought I believed in myself, but when started to notice that I had trouble going outside to have real contact with real people, I realized that I felt like a monster all along. I couldn’t see myself as an attractive young woman, and this affected the way I perceived my work and creativity. I started to think that everything I did had no value. Even when I had lost all the extra pounds, I still had trouble looking at myself in the mirror. I realized that no amount of visits to the psychologist can help more than you can help yourself. I had never been bullied, yet I didn’t accept myself. “Obesity is also associated with the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide,” so I am grateful for this experience. It leads me to believe that I can overcome my insecurities because my insecurities are not as real as my extra pounds were.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself to be an actress more than anything. I am currently recording songs, developing educational TV programs, directing music videos, and participating in movies.
I am most proud of the “Premio República” award I was given in 2020 by the Congress of Paraguay. My father always told me that it is hard to be accepted in your own country, especially in South American cultures. I am proud of being part of the University of Florida. My professors shaped my ideas about life, the world, kindness, and opportunities. They gave me all the tools to flourish in any environment and I will always be grateful for that.
What sets me apart from others is my idea of working with others and helping others. I like to contribute and work with others instead of being self-reliant. I also love to help others shine and be themselves when they are around me.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the music and film industry growing in ways that will allow people with fewer resources to develop great, high-quality content.
Contact Info:
- Email: fara@usa.com
- Website: www.faramontgomery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faramontgomery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaraMontgomery
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaraMontgomery
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/6Rp0BBdFkYS0ixXDNhVbiM?si=Ba_6uAtfTtSOjnYE1neJzA&nd=1
