Rishire Writes

In 2017, I had my first job as a hostess in a New York City restaurant. I felt like such a quintessential actor, and I even met a few actors in my 10 months at the place. Well, I’m back, baby. Not at the same restaurant, but back behind the hostess stand at a cute spot in the East Village. You can catch me there four days a week, serving smiles and seating guests with the pomp of a performer. Not to brag, but just this week I was told that I have the best smile. Commercial casting directors, please take note.

When I quit my job a couple of months ago, I didn’t think I’d end up here, though. I went upstate to visit my friend and her family for New Year’s, and I talked to her about my plans for 2022. I explained how much I hated my position and that I would rather go back to scrimping and saving and serving than stay in my role. She told me not to go backwards but to find a job that would marry passion and profits as much as anything that isn’t acting could. In the moment, I agreed. I quit being a hostess to seek a full-time job while simultaneously pursuing acting for a reason. There was something I just didn’t like about being a hostess that probably hasn’t changed, I was sure. Two months later and four weeks into my new hosting gig, I just can’t seem to remember what that was.

I have to say, I really enjoy being a hostess! Don’t get me wrong, I still need a second job to make ends meet, and being on my feet for hours at a time isn’t doing my back any favors, but I really like the people I work with and for as well as the clientele. As much as I love staying home all day and not putting on a bra, I’m actually enjoying the act of getting ready for work – choosing a cute outfit, putting on some makeup, checking the weather to determine which coat I should wear. I’m like a regular old commuter, sitting on the train reading from my iPad like a boss. I even get to put my acting skills to good use. Not everyone deserves a smile, but everyone gets one!

Nothing about this move has made me feel like I’ve gone backward. Sure, working two jobs is incredibly exhausting. If you want to get really non-technical about it, I pretty much work five jobs with the hostessing, the paid internship, these blog posts, the book I’m trying to write, and the auditions I’ve been blessed with. Am I dead tired? Yep. Am I drowning in money? Nope. Am I moving forward? I would say so! Direction is all about perspective, and from where I’m standing, I’m moving on up!