Lauren Suckarie

What’s the key to success in the entertainment industry?

“The support of friends and family is so important. Everyone needs someone that’s going to champion and support them, particularly in a city like L.A., especially within the entertainment industry. When I moved to L.A., I found that community at the WACO Theater Center in North Hollywood after I enrolled my daughters, who are actresses, in classes. But at the end of the day, you must be able to stand on your own and give yourself the internal support you need.”

What inspired you to want to pursue an entertainment career?

“Most people think you have to be a famous artist and be on the radio to have a career in entertainment. They don’t believe, well, I can go and gig throughout Manhattan or L.A. and make a living, or I can write jingles… but there really are so many different avenues that you can go down and earn a living in entertainment. My family and I moved to Los Angeles not only to cultivate and create a life for us but also to get back to doing the things that make me happy, like pursuing an entertainment career and where my musician husband can still thrive within the music industry—just being here provided a lot more opportunity.”

How does First Entertainment benefit you as a creator of entertainment?

“I went with First Entertainment because I saw it as the best option for my [actress] daughters and me, and I love how the Credit Union markets itself to the entertainment community. When I asked about Coogan accounts, they were not looking at me like, “What do you mean? What is that?” So, it felt perfect, and I enjoy doing business with First Entertainment because everyone at the branches is really welcoming! It makes me feel like, okay, this is the bank that understands me and my missions and what I’m trying to do!”

First Entertainment Credit Union membership is comprised of the people in entertainment whose individual stories are as unique as they are inspiring. Our Member Stories series* highlights these extraordinary stories. Building a network of supportive partnerships contributes to your story and can make all the difference in feeling a sense of genuinely belonging. At First Entertainment, you belong here and Your Story Matters^™.