We scroll through social media and see pieces of what people’s lives are. Where they ate, what they did, and who they saw. For those in the public eye we see the big moments; the late-night show appearances, the most exciting of days, and the incredible announcements. We often look at them in awe and imagine what it is like to spend just one day as them.
How often do we actually see what a real day in the life of someone looks like though? The behind-the-scenes, raw, sometimes stressful, routined or spontaneous, unfiltered life. The unannounced, unrehearsed, and unseen. Perhaps it’s beyond our wildest dreams, or not far from what we’ve imagined. Either way, we want to cut through preconceived impressions and get to the truth of successful peoples’ stories.
INTO THE LIFE will pull back the curtain and give a glimpse into the lives of the people that we find interesting. We are driven by the desire to discover the in-between moments, the before and afters, and the epiphanies along the way, that all come together to create the person they are today. We want to get to the essence of who they are now, and what shaped them throughout.
At only 20 years old, Mina Sundwall, known for her role as Penny in Netflix’s series LOST IN SPACE, has already kickstarted her career and is shooting to the stars. But before her role as the middle child in the series, Mina, born and raised in New York City, had already started her career acting as Justine in the romantic comedy ”Maggie’s Plan” alongside Ethan Hawke and Greta Gerwig and Mia Harris in ”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
We had the opportunity to interview Mina right as season 3 of LOST IN SPACE aired on December 1st 2021.
Photographer : Kelsey Hale
Flanelle : Who were you 10 years ago, and how have you evolved since then?
Mina : In the last 10 years I’ve done a lot of growing up. I went through school, started working and moved across the country. I would say the biggest thing that has evolved is the comfort I feel in my voice. I think the me of 10 years ago would be proud of the confidence I feel now.
Was there ever a time of doubt for you, in terms of career? How did you overcome that?
Of course. Doubt is always part of the equation, especially in an environment where it’s more likely that you won’t book the job. Having started this from a young age, I learned that there are conversations well beyond my control that will decide who is cast. At the end of the day, it isn’t personal. It’s hard when it’s something you love – even watching it back and seeing the direction they went can leave you with an “if only I’d known” feel; but feeling this has put the jobs that I have gotten into perspective. Focusing on the excitement and work that goes into becoming a new character has made it more fun than hanging onto every audition.
At what moment did you realize that you’ve ‘made it’? Did that feel like you had imagined it to?
Oh boy, what does “making it” even mean? I know I have a lot of work to do… I’ll tell you if I ever find out.
What do you do when you hit a creative roadblock?
Take a step back, consume material that inspires me, listen to music and play with the story in my head against different tones. It’s personal to everyone but I try to shift perspective to find a different way over the roadblock.
What is your typical day like? Is there a secret routine to success?
Every day is different. Recently, I’ve been getting ready for Lost in Space season 3 to come out so most days include lots of matcha, lots of talking about the Robinsons’ latest feats, some stretching and meditating… and very little sleep!
What is something you do every day that people wouldn’t expect?
Some ridiculous sounding but effective vocal warm-ups. I apologize to my neighbors.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
It was from an acting teacher talking about auditions, she said; “there’s a 90% chance you won’t get the job… so your audition may be the only place you ever get to be this character. Why wouldn’t you give it everything?” I’ve taken that mentality to other things in life, too. Even if something isn’t perfect, it may be the only time you get to experience it… why wouldn’t you try and enjoy it to the fullest?
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now?
I hope to be working… a lot. I’ve recently dipped my toe in the directing world and that’s a path I’m interested in pursuing.
