International Women's Day // Eleanor Launch

Interview with Naomi J. Ogawa

British Actor

Naomi J. Ogawa is a British actress who gained recognition for her role in the Netflix series Wednesday. With her talent and strong on-screen presence, she has quickly established herself as one of the industry’s most promising actors.

Naomi has always followed her passion and believes in the power of perseverance—an approach that has led her to success in a challenging industry. Her journey is proof that courage and hard work can open doors where others see limitations.

Read her interview here on the page.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken, and what did you learn from it?

SThat’s a tough one. I’ve taken several risks in both my personal life and career, but the biggest one was refusing to take no for an answer when it came to an acting job. I had made it to the final two for a Netflix series, but during the chemistry read, my nerves got the best of me, and I completely messed up my chances. My agent called the next day to tell me neither of us had booked the role. Deep down, I knew I was right for it and the fact that they still hadn't found an actor gave me hope. Instead of accepting defeat, I filmed a self-tape and sent it to my agent, asking him to pass it along.
To my surprise, they took the time to watch it—and not only that, but they brought me back for a few more auditions redirecting me. In the end, they gave me the part.

The biggest lesson I learned? Never take no for an answer, and persistence is key!

What is one habit or mindset shift that has made a significant difference in your life?

Learning to cultivate my self-belief has been a game-changer. As an actor, It can be difficult to stay confident - especially during long stints without work.

When I'm faced with a challenge, my new motto is, "You can do anything you set your mind to." One book that completely shifted my mindset was "The Power of the Subconscious Mind" It totally transformed the way I navigate negative thought patterns and helped me tap into the deeper power of my subconscious mind. I think we underestimate the power that we all have within us.

Who has been your greatest inspiration, and how have they influenced your journey?

My answer will always be my Mum. She raised me as a single parent, which couldn't have been easy for her.

She has faced so much adversity in her life, yet she's never allowed that to hold her back or stop her from being effortlessly glamorous. She's the strongest woman I know, and she's taught me the value of hard work and discipline and she's always encouraged me to follow my dreams.

Looking back at your journey, is there a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier?

Don't take anything in life too personally.

If you didn't get that job you wanted, it wasn't because you weren't talented enough; it was because you were simply not right for the role, and that's ok.

If you could change one thing for women globally, what would it be, and why?

If I could change anything, it would be to ensure true equality- especially in safety, opportunities and representation for women.

Women still face systematic barriers, live in fear and don't receive the same opportunities as men. Every woman deserves the freedom to thrive in life, whether that be access to education, fair wages or simply the right to exist without their safety being compromised on a daily basis. As a woman, I love to see empowered women change the world, and I hope for a future where every woman has the opportunity to reach their full potential.