Trisha Goodman believes in identifying goals, having faith and approaching them confidently. Nine months ago, she left Arnold, Maryland with her children Gabrielle Goodman and Michael Goodman in pursuit of dreams to work in the entertainment industry in California.
(Photo: Playbox Studios)
Gabrielle Goodman will appear in her first film project “Second Chance Christmas,” which airs on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 8 p.m. on TV One.
Trisha grew up in Annapolis but did not venture too far from home. A layoff inspired her to withdraw retirement money and plan to make a big move with 12-year-old Gabrielle and 11-year-old Michael, who had been involved in modeling, acting and singing from a young age.
(Photo: Playbox Studios)
Eleven-year-old Michael Goodman and his sister, Gabrielle, began modeling, singing and acting at a young age.
“If you never try, you miss the point of life,” Trisha said.
As a part of Gabrielle and Michael’s upward climb, she works as a full-time taxi driver, maid, cook, mom, life coach and all things in between. During her stay in California last October, Trisha networked and mailed out pictures of her youngest children. After driving across country, the Goodmans landed a top agent who sought them out. Douglas Goodman, Trisha’s husband, is a minister who still resides in Maryland and travels. Gabrielle and Michael’s background singing in church equipped them to be unafraid of the spotlight. Trisha and her family hope to be bicoastal.
“People invest in things all of the time. I just chose to invest in my children. We came to the conclusion that that we were invested so much already that this the place to go for it,” Trisha said. “This is 100 percent sacrifice. It’s a total commitment to get them their auditions, help them with their scripts and of course home school. We do that so that we can have freedom of time.”
Trisha recognizes the importance of establishing a foundation at home, being practical and working together with other families and moms who become like family.
“A lot of people come to California and think it’s glitz and glamour. It really is a community here. It’s nowhere near as bad or near as frightening as people think. I love it. This is home. There’s been challenges but there’s been other moms out here who show you the ropes and who are very supportive. You do have to find that niche. People will try to sidetrack you,” Trisha warned.
Results are proving the sacrifice and hard work has been worth it. The “momager’s” talented children have been learning as they go. Gabrielle and Michael’s two songs will soon be released. They won a car, trip and money on a show called Family Game Night. Both children have booked commercials. Michael has acted in short films as a main character and helped college students with their projects.
Gabrielle and Michael are also learning important life lessons as they continue their adventure.
“Once you learn the business, you learn that not getting a part is nothing personal. You learn that they are looking to book someone who fits a specific role. Gabrielle and Michael realize that. They make friendships with other child actors. Even if they’re going for the same part, wishing each other well is coming from a genuine place,” Trisha said. “And if they do a good job, they will want to use you again.”
Trisha’s oldest son, Darren Moulden who lives in Atlanta has been supportive of his siblings.
“He’s kind of the backbone of everything for his brother and sister,” Trisha said.
Moulden coordinates online tasks and brings his fashion design skills to the equation. Many of her family’s creative pursuits are in the works.
Gabrielle will be a co-star in her first film project “Second Chance Christmas,” which airs on December 6, 2014 at 8 p.m. on TV One.
“Second Chance Christmas is going to be a must-see. It has many different angles of what the spirit of Christmas is,” Trisha said. “For being new, we’ve done things that people that have been here for five years haven’t. I’m kind of new to luck. Sometimes you’re just lucky.”
Follow Gabrielle and Michael via http://gabeandmikegoodman.tumblr.com or find GabeandMikeGoodman on Facebook.