Sabrina Nolan runs her own business, VIP PR London, and has previously worked in journalism in Slovenia, including stints on TV, as a radio show host and the creator of Caelle magazine. She is also the founder of Women in Showbiz, a magazine and organisation that empowers women and promotes female success stories.

Sabrina’s first acting role was in the Slovenian TV movie "Skriti spomin Angele Vode" (2009), about the life of the feminist author and human rights activist Angela Vode. More recently, she did voice-over work for the major Hollywood Film "The King's Man." Here she shares her advice for young women who want to find the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Acting beginnings

Sally Swan: How did you start acting?

Sabrina Nolan: It all started in primary school when I was in the drama club, and ended up performing in a popular production called ‘Black And White’ in different towns around Slovenia. In 2009 I began acting in films, and I also did lots of commercials for different European countries. Alongside acting, I’ve always taken singing and dancing lessons, which have been helpful in my acting career. I even released a single, ‘Summer’, in 2015, which was a good showcase for casting directors and agents. I’ve taught hip hop dance and done choreography for school and university students too.

Favourite acting projects to date

What have been your favourite acting projects to date?

I’m most proud of being a part of "The King's Man," which was released last year. I was happy to be doing a film alongside such talented actors as Ralph Fiennes. I also had a supporting role in the BBC TV series "Pure." I’ve appeared in commercials for brands including Škoda and Subaru – I particularly loved being in an ad that was filmed in Trieste, Italy, for Maria Casino.

We were dressed in period costumes at a ball; it was an amazing, magical experience.

Woman in business

Tell us about your businesses, as the founder of VIP PR London and Women in Showbiz?

I started VIP PR London back in 2016, first part-time, then towards the end of 2017 I made it my full-time job. I’m proud to say that my clients have appeared in many national TV shows, radio shows and magazines.

One of the films I’ve promoted is "The Laureate," starring Tom Hughes (known for playing Prince Albert in the ITV drama "Victoria"), "Glee" star Dianna Agron, and Laura Haddock (from the Netflix series "White Lines"). I’ve promoted actors from TV series and movies including "Star Trek: Voyager," "Elizabeth I," "This Is Us," "The Mentalist," "Killing Eve," "Grey’s Anatomy," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the James Bond movies "Skyfall," "Spectre" and "No Time to Die." I’ve also done extensive PR work for the directors, producers, writers and creators of Netflix and Amazon TV series, as well as independent films. Other work includes promoting fashion and beauty influencers, health advocates and business people.

I created the organisation and magazine Women in Showbiz because I’ve always been passionate about women's empowerment. I love publishing women’s success stories; I’m planning a lot of events within the organisation, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with globally successful women in show business.

Caelle was my first magazine, which I created back in 2013 before selling the business to another company as I was going to New York to work with a casting director at Actors Connection acting school. The company I sold Caelle to still publishes this wonderful women’s magazine.

Advice to young women

What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the entertainment business?

In entertainment, as in any other business, it’s important to be persistent.

Lots of people dream about starting a business, but so many of them give up at the first hurdle. They might be overwhelmed by negative comments, or just paralysed by the fear of what if it doesn't work? But what if it does? I am a mentor to a few of my friends who are starting businesses, and I always support them. I tell them to take small steps and make plans. It is so important to write down your goals, even if in the beginning these are small goals. Every time you achieve one, no matter how small it is, it’s a step forward and this can motivate you to get to the next one and the next one. At university in Ljubljana, alongside pedagogy and sociology, I also studied andragogy – the study of adult education.

I learned how important it is to educate yourself all your life. It doesn't end with a postgraduate degree, you can always learn more.

Inspiration

How do you keep motivated in business?

I listen to a lot of podcasts, especially in the morning while I’m making my breakfast. I also read a lot of success and business-oriented books. I’ve been reading adult business books since I was 12 or 13 years old! I also like motivational speakers and authors such as Brian Tracy, Jordan Peterson, Dr Nicole LePera, Esther Perel and Robin Sharma.