Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Ballin.
Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up as a bar kid, the kind you see out and question the parenting choices of the adults who brought them there. This formed me into being adaptable, sociable and good at communicating with people of all ages and walks of life. It also drove me to be creative in unexpected places. For instance I’ve always loved bathrooms and found them to be a porthole into my imagination. In there I would spend time making potions, pretending to be the bathroom attendant while my parents dined or fix a strangers hair where the most genuine girl time truly happens. It makes sense to me because I’ve always been inventive and loved intimate human connection.
Drawn to arts and entertainment and a performer at heart, it wasn’t until I found stand up comedy that I felt most at home.
People commend comics for what a “hard job” it is, and it definitely isn’t easy, but it has by far been the most natural thing I’ve ever done.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been very fortunate that my career in comedy grew organically. Most of the opportunities I have had evolved just by showing up, working hard and being kind. I’m a strong believer in nurturing relationships as well as putting in the hours and never expecting anything from anyone. Luckily for me I was never really trying to do anything other than entertain and find a creative outlet to process life and I think that energy guided me to where I needed to be. Struggles arrive from force and expectations, if you’re flexible with your outcome you’ll likely find that life will lead to where you’re intended to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a lot of things all at once and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The world often tells us to choose, to select a box, to identify, which is something I tend to steer away from. However for the sake of simplicity I would say I am a comedian, photographer and a producer.
Comedy speaks to my extroverted side, my people pleasing side, my need to make others feel happy and find joy! Photography allows me to let others shine and put the focus on them, I love making people feel like they’re a STAR! And well, producing makes my bank account shine! But on a more real note it accesses the “get shit done” side of my personality and ensures that my dreams become a reality.
Ultimately I’m creating a way to make a living off of my passions. Being paid to be ME is something I don’t take for granted and I’m truly proud of.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think being self employed is a risk. Being a freelancer is not for the weak! As anyone in this line of work knows, there are good years and bad, killer months and ones where you’re forced to tighten up. However the most tangible risk I would say I have taken is leaving my hometown in NYC to move to South Florida before the pandemic. Having to start over with very few connections in a new place was definitely risky but the benefit was growth. A tree can only get so big if it stays in the same pot. I can proudly say I’m a much bigger and stronger tree than I was back home.
Pricing:
- I do quarterly mini sessions for headshots starting at $75
- Individual photography packages start at $300
- Comedy rates depending on time and distance, feel free to reach out to have me for your your event!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abbyballin.com
- Instagram: @aballincomedy @aballinphoto @speakeasy_comedy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abby.ballin
- Other: TikTok @abbyballin
