SUCCESS STORY

January Henry:
From Technology to Hollywood Spotlights

By Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

Growing up mainly in Choteau, Montana, January Henry is an actress and model now based in Texas. Her journey is far from conventional: after a career in technology, she decided to leave everything behind to pursue her true passion, cinema. This bold transition reflects her determination and love for the art of storytelling.

Although fascinated by the entertainment world from a young age, January Henry did not immediately enter the acting profession. Her passion for fashion, books, and cinema shaped her imagination, but it was only after discovering the world of filming that she realized her destiny was in front of the camera. "Once I stepped onto a set, there was no turning back," she confides.Her first shoot was a true revelation. Between excitement and apprehension, she still remembers the silence before the iconic "Action!" However, as soon as she stepped into her character, all her fears faded. A sense of belonging and legitimacy took over her, and since then, she has been chasing that adrenaline.January Henry aspires to portray complex and nuanced characters. Whether it’s an action heroine, a lead role in a psychological thriller, or a character in a historical drama, she primarily seeks depth and emotion. Her love for horror also shows her preference for demanding and captivating roles.Starting out in the film industry without formal training wasn't easy. To make up for this gap, she took various courses, immersed herself in diverse roles, and built a solid network. Switching careers to such an unstable field as cinema was a risky bet, but January faced it with courage and resilience.

Some of her greatest inspirations include actors like Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, and Joaquin Phoenix, known for their ability to disappear into their roles. In terms of directors, she admires Denis Villeneuve’s immersive style and Guillermo del Toro's dark aesthetics.To prepare for a role, January Henry fully immerses herself in the psychology of her character. She builds their backstory, refines her gestures, and adopts a specific approach. Music and costumes are also tools that help her dive into a role, while research and observation enable her to deliver an authentic performance.January watches with enthusiasm the transformations taking place in the film industry. The rise of streaming platforms has opened up new opportunities for emerging talents and independent productions. However, with the increasing introduction of AI and new technologies, she emphasizes the importance of preserving the authenticity of acting.Outside of cinema, January Henry has passions for fashion, cooking, and gardening. These hobbies, seemingly unrelated to her profession, nonetheless influence her approach to acting. Fashion helps her better understand the identity of her characters, cooking teaches her patience and creativity, while gardening helps her stay grounded.To young aspiring actors, January Henry offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: "Start now, wherever you are. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take classes, participate in independent projects, create your own content, and most importantly, stay true to yourself. Rejection is part of the process, but perseverance is what makes the difference."An inspiring message from an actress whose unconventional journey proves that passion and hard work can lead to the realization of even the boldest dreams.

Interview

Red Jacket – Talbots
Black & White Polka Dot Shirt – White House Black Market
Black Hat – Scala Classics
Hollywood Headshots - Carlos Blancas – Photographer - @hollywood_hshots
Makeup & Hair - Jessie Pagel - @jessipagel/
Jazmine Gladden – Makeup Artis - @jazminegladden/

Mary Frances Therese Limocon – Hair Stylist - @maryaprantastic
Anthony Paderewski – Photographer
@anthonyshootspeople
Dress – Miss Circle NYC
Boots - TMA Eyes & Maia

1. Can you introduce yourself in a few words for those who don’t know you yet?
   I'm January Henry, an actress and model originally from Montana, now based in Texas. I transitioned into acting after working in technology, and I’ve been fully dedicated to this craft, immersing myself in film and storytelling. My journey has been anything but conventional, but I believe every experience has shaped me into the artist I am today.

2. What inspired you to become an actress? Was there a specific moment or experience that motivated you?
   Acting has always been a calling, but I didn’t pursue it until later in life. Growing up, I loved storytelling—whether through fashion, books, or movies—but the turning point came when I realized I wanted to create and live within those stories myself. Once I stepped onto a set, I knew there was no going back. There’s something magical about stepping into different characters and experiences that fuels my passion every day.
   

3. How was your very first experience in front of a camera or on stage?
   It was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. My first time on set, I remember feeling the weight of the moment—the lights, the crew, the quiet just before Action. But the second I got into character, the nerves disappeared. It was like stepping into a world where I belonged, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
   

4. What kind of roles do you dream of playing in the future, and why?
   I love roles that challenge perceptions—strong, complex women with depth and grit. I’d love to play a psychological thriller lead, a period drama character, or even an action heroine. I also have a passion for horror. Characters with rich backstories, inner conflicts, and emotional depth are what excite me.

5. What challenges have you faced starting out in the industry, and how did you overcome them?
   Breaking into acting later in life without formal training was daunting. I had to work extra hard, taking private acting lessons, networking, and saying yes to every opportunity to build experience. Another challenge was transitioning from a stable career to an unpredictable industry, but I embraced the uncertainty because I knew this was what I was meant to do. Perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning have been key to overcoming challenges.
   

6. Are there any actors or directors who particularly inspire you in your career?
   I admire actors who completely disappear into their roles, like Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Johnny Depp. Their ability to bring raw authenticity to every character is incredible. As for directors, I love the storytelling depth of Denis Villeneuve and the dark, atmospheric worlds of Guillermo del Toro.

   
   

7. How do you prepare for your roles? Do you have any specific rituals or methods?
   I start by diving deep into the character’s backstory, even beyond what’s in the script. I build their life—how they move, speak, and think. I also use music and wardrobe to get into the right mindset. If it’s an emotionally intense role, I’ll tap into personal experiences or research similar situations to make it as real as possible.

8. As a young actress, how do you perceive the evolution of the film and television industry today?
   The industry is evolving rapidly, with more diverse voices being heard, which is exciting. Streaming platforms have also created more opportunities for indie filmmakers and fresh talent to break through. However, with AI and digital content shifting the landscape, actors must adapt and remain authentic storytellers in a world that’s constantly changing.

9. Besides acting, what are your hobbies or passions that influence the way you perform?

   
   I have a deep love for fashion, cooking, and gardening—all of which help me connect with different characters. Fashion helps me understand a character’s identity, cooking is about creativity and patience, and gardening reminds me to stay grounded. I also love storytelling in all forms, whether it's writing my own scripts or studying human behavior.

10. What advice would you give to other young people who want to start a career as an actor or actress?
    Start now, wherever you are. Don’t wait for permission or the perfect moment. Take classes, do indie films, create your own content, and never stop learning. Most importantly, stay true to yourself—rejection is part of the process, but persistence is what makes the difference. Keep pushing, keep growing, and believe in your journey.

Biography