Introducing actress, activist and animal lover, Serinda Swan. Scroll through her Instagram account and you’ll see her philanthropic work first-hand. Serinda has stayed in refugee camps on the border of South Sudan on anti-Malaria missions with the UN, cycled across Cambodia to bring awareness to sex trafficking, and has gone skydiving over 10 times for her yearly fundraiser for women’s equality. Most recently, Serinda launched a gorgeous vintage brand 1914co Vintage.
As a daughter to film industry parents, Serinda starred in her first motion picture, Cousins, when she was just three years old. In 2018, she acted alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnston in HBO’s hit comedy series Ballers and is currently the lead in CBC’s crime thriller, Coroner.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
To me, everyone’s a babe. It’s about living your own unique truth. Not comparing or compromising or trying to be something you’re not, but really just loving who you are and knowing that life is a process; the unveiling of your beauty, your perfection. I know it isn’t simple. I’ve fallen into traps before and still do, but I believe the journey is about coming back to yourself, your inner babe, to see what truly matters to you.
Who do you want to be with in this world? And what is the change you want to see? Who are the people you want to uplift? Have by your side? Who do you want your daughters to have the opportunity to be?
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one. My name is difficult to abbreviate so I never really had a nickname growing up, although I really wanted one. I remember my girlfriend and I decided that our nicknames were going to be smash and silver when we were in 7th grade. So maybe I’ll stick with those bad boys lol.
What’s your spirit animal?
My french bulldog Buddha.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
For achievement, I’d say either speaking on the floor of the United Nations on International Women’s Day or cycling across Cambodia to raise awareness for sex trafficking.
But for a true babe moment, I think it’s shaving my head for work and laughing through it. Even the producers were scared to be in the room because they didn’t know if they could handle it. Everyone told me that it was ok to cry, but I really just laughed through the whole thing. Since I was little, I’ve had this dream to shave my head. So thanks Marvel for giving me the opportunity.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
Dog poop bags. They’re everywhere. My purse, my car, pockets…washer and dryer…everywhere!
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation.
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
Phyllis after my Grandmother.
What was a good piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Why not you?
What’s a good piece of advice you have received now that you are in your career?
Don’t confuse celebrity for significance or popularity for purpose.
Red, white, or rose?
Ooh depends on the day.
When I dance I look like….
A wacky wavy inflatable arm tube man but with soul.
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
Myself.
What is your favourite destination to visit?
Anywhere in Europe. Amalfi, Positano, Florence.
What’s your favorite meal to eat?
Pasta or avocado sushi (I’m a vegetarian.)
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
The platform that’s a byproduct of it and a catalyst for change.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
My surroundings, but also in my meditations.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV. The Bachelor or Survivor, it’s the most amazing character study!
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Self kindness.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Myself.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
Coffee.
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
In the summer, probably a spicy Margarita or Aperol spritz but I’ve been getting into gin recently thanks to my friends at The Botanist Gin. So maybe a gin and soda with a sprig of rosemary.
If you had unlimited budget for 2 hours of shopping where would you go?
A market in Morocco.
What’s your favorite movie?
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Serinda on Instagram @serindaswan.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.