As I’ve gotten older and experienced more things – more life – I’ve realised that my purpose is so much more than one thing, or a single career path. I think people who are passionate about the arts are led to believe that we all have a sole purpose in life, intrinsically connected to our creative goals; however, I think we are all so much more than that.
Growing up as a Creative
Growing up, I always thought that my purpose was to act, to tell stories, to entertain, to be of service, because that’s where my passion has always lain. Starting at my local drama club, Spotlites Theatre in Chatham, at the age of 4, I quickly learned that I loved using my imagination, performing for others, and for my own enjoyment.
Being on the stage began to feel like home. The warmth of the stage lights, the smell of the smoke machine chugging out ambience, all eyes on me.
When I was 17, I performed in an amateur dramatics version of Assassins by Stephen Sondheim, portraying a character who’d truly lived in history. Being able to explore and research a side of someone, and events that had actually transpired, inspired me to focus my practice on stories from history that may not have been deemed important enough to tell, and shed light on stories from underrepresented groups within society.
This is something I now explore through my podcast, Popcorn & Patriarchy, where we critique films through a feminist lens and talk about the creative process and mindset struggles. The aim is to help listeners unpack their feelings about their favourite films, while growing within their own creative practice.
As I started to explore other parts of the industry, I found that same love and desire also extended to acting in front of a camera, as well as producing film – into shaping a project from concept to completion. Something that stayed with me, was the passion for telling stories.
That is precisely what has led me to work on impactful projects such as The Orphan, a film highlighting the dangers of grooming within county lines. It reached over 1 million views on YouTube within its first two months of release, and I helped take it to the Houses of Parliament for a screening.
Founding my Business
When I was around 8 years old, I used to buy fruit from the Big Tesco and re-sell it around my village for a profit – schemes that lit a fire in my brain, working out numbers and patterns.
I was able to reignite my passion for business in 2022 when I first began producing, and was inspired to start my own production company – but with a stronger ethical grounding than buying Tesco fruit and re-selling for profit.
Through Evulve Productions, I’ve been able to combine my passion for creating theatre and film that matters, with my love for business. Alongside developing our own work, I now dedicate my time to helping others create their short films through our programme, From Film Dreamer to Filmmaker – breaking down access barriers within the industry and supporting creatives to go from idea to execution.
I truly felt I had finally stepped into my purpose; I was able to lift others up through the arts, perform, work on projects from start to finish, and play around with all the spreadsheets. But that got me thinking – this didn’t start with Evulve or acting, it’s always been there. Even when I was making anti-smoking flyers as a child and handing them out at our village fête because I thought that would help prevent global warming.
Finding my purpose
If everything changed – and I’m talking apocalyptic changes – would my life purpose be tied to my career? I don’t think so. And let me tell you, after tying my whole self-worth to my creative passions since the age of 4, this was a revelation!
I then started thinking about what it really is that I’m trying to do – and have been trying to do for the last 23 and a half years. I’ve wanted to make people smile through performing, help people feel seen through telling stories that marginalised groups can finally see themselves in, and run my business ethically. That work is now being recognised by institutions such as the UK StartUp Awards, where Evulve has recently been named a finalist in the 2026 Creative Sector, highlighting our work in building new pathways into the creative industries and reshaping who gets access to create within them.
Like others, I have also struggled with imposter syndrome, constantly feeling like I needed to achieve more before I could call myself successful. But redefining success as impact, both creatively and personally, changed everything.
When it boils down to it, I’ve always wanted to change people’s lives for the better. Whether that’s the creatives I support, friends, family, clients, or audiences – if I can change one person’s life in a small way, then I’ve done my job. I’ve fulfilled my purpose.
So, I invite you to consider- if your career was taken away tomorrow, what would still give your life purpose?
By Esme Michaela
Actor, Model, Producer, Founder of Evulve Productions
Esme Michaela Bio:
Esme Michaela is a London-based producer, actor, model, and founder of Evulve Productions, represented by Inclusive Talent. She creates across film, theatre, podcasts, and live events, building bold, intersectional storytelling while opening access routes for underrepresented creatives. Her work blends artistry with industry insight, ensuring culture is shaped by diverse voices and lived experience.
Esme Michaela: https://www.evulveproductions.com/esme-michaela
Popcorn & Patriarchy: https://www.evulveproductions.com/popcorn-patriarchy
From Film Dreamer to Filmmaker: https://www.evulveproductions.com/beginner-film-maker-course
Evulve Productions: https://www.evulveproductions.com/