Award-winning actress and filmmaker Shanti Lowry is dedicated to finding better balance between work and family and incorporating more opportunities for new moms. Her previous film and TV credits include “NYPD Blue,” “Girlfriends,” “The Closer,” “Bronx SIU” and many others.

You’re a mom to 22-month-old Elora. Please tell us what a typical day looks like for you.

Elora is a great sleeper, but that still means I’m waking up around 5:45 a.m. Whenever I hear her, I bring her into my husband and my bed to breastfeed for about half an hour. After that, I get a bit of work done while my husband and daughter have breakfast and some playtime before he starts work. Around 8:30 a.m., Elora, Alula (our dog) and I take a walk either around the neighborhood or to a nearby park. If my daughter has ballet, gymnastics or swimming, it’s in this morning block of time. And then she eats lunch and takes a nap anywhere between noon and 2 p.m. It’s usually 2 ^_1/2 to 3 hours. When she wakes up from her nap, she’s usually moving slowly and feeling cuddly. It’s the best time for a bath and sometimes music lessons.

In the evening, we like to do some sort of family activity like cooking, going on a mini hike, farmers market run or gardening. After that, it’s bedtime routine, which is washing her face, brushing her teeth, changing diaper and clothes, reading five books that she chooses, breastfeed for 20 minutes, then goodnight!

Tell us about your experience filming “Persona.” I understand that you moved your mom, husband, daughter and dog into your on-set trailer.

I did, yes! It was important to me that my daughter’s quality time with me didn’t suffer throughout the process of filming. If I was to spend two hours in the car each day [commuting], that was time we weren’t going to be able to interact. I was also mindful not to force her to stop breastfeeding simply because my schedule didn’t allow time for it. Having her living with me on set was the best solution. 

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career? 

I absolutely had a mentor growing up. My mother. She’s the smartest, most capable, kindest and most enthusiastically supportive person you’ll meet. She made me believe I could do anything. I know she’s the reason I’ve accomplished as much as I have.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actress?

As far as I can remember, yes. There were other dreams, like being a doctor or surgeon. But an entertainer and storyteller is what I was born to be. And on top of a natural inclination, I also had a difficult childhood — which meant the escapism offered in the profession was very attractive.

If you weren’t an actress, what would you be?

I’ve come to realize teaching is what makes me happiest. In any form. I love watching people learn and grow and feel competent and capable on their own. I loved being a dance teacher and seeing the moment a student understood their correction. I loved watching my mother, who is a special education teacher, guide her students through the world. And I absolutely love helping teach Elora with everything. 

Best life advice you received growing up?

Define success for yourself before others do it for you.

Best parenting advice you’ve received?

Savor the moments — even the hard ones. When they’re 18 and moving out of the house, you’ll wish they were in the other room begging for your attention. Even at 3 in the morning.

How has motherhood changed you?

I think the best word is ownership. As we as women age, I think we grow more confident in being ourselves. But having a child has made me feel ownership over that life and confidence. It’s the best way I can describe it. It’s a wonderful feeling.

When not working, where will we find you?

With my family. Maybe camping, cooking dinner together, playing games [and taking] vacations, but always together.

What would you tell your middle school self?

To unfurl her brow. Take it all in a bit more. It’s all gonna work out.

What are some of your favorite spots and activities in and around L.A.?

Way too many! I’m one of those people who really loves this city because you have everything within an hour. I’m vegan, so I love Crossroads Kitchen and Locali, the Huntington library for a family day, The Hotel Café and Mama Shelter’s roof for date night or Uovo Pasadena and the Icehouse Comedy Club. Bubble World and the Van Gogh Experience are a recent find. Malibu Cafe for brunch and then splashing in the waves at El Matador Beach are old favs.