Issue Eleven- March 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

Whenever you are asked to be on a show, whether the focus might be hosting, or simply to interview your most recent successes, do you feel a certain level of deserving, or awarded self merit, after years and years of preparation to achieve mastery in your craft? Or do you find yourself just naturally inclined to speak and present yourself?

“I practice gratitude because a part of success is being fortunate enough to even have the ability to pursue your dreams. Preparation, effort, and making the right decisions are more important than luck. It doesn’t matter how many opportunities you have, if you are not prepared you won’t succeed. Booking a role isn’t easy, it really is something to be proud of. There is so much that goes into becoming successful that people don’t realize, such as dealing with a ton of rejection. That’s a part of being in a very competitive industry. Every accomplishment should be celebrated!” 

Would you consider yourself a jack of all trades? What is your favorite ability, talent, or skill which you pride yourself on, if not more than any other?

“No, there are simply not enough hours in the day. I believe you should focus on a few things that mean the most to you. I receive hundreds of emails, so I am glad that I am great at multitasking and reading quickly. It helps me save time, not to mention public speaking is incredibly important for every aspect of my career as an actress.”

What is your daily routine like, not only considering Covid and its impact on such but regarding your coexistence with the new normal and the work that you take on the day in and day out? What is your daily priority, regarding work, and home?

“Before COVID, my routine was never the same, I was always busy and I was never at home. My day always begins with coffee, then I check my schedule, and usually take a walk or run. Next, it’s hours of phone calls, checking emails, and updating social media. If I have an audition, it can take up most of my day, between rehearsing, getting ready, setting up, doing multiple takes to get it right in one shot, then saving that and emailing it to my agent. I make it a priority to keep in touch with friends after I am done with the tasks I have to accomplish.” 

Has Covid had a positive or negative impact on your life, whether it may be the workflow or your life in some other way? Has Covid stopped you, or helped you engage in more proactive work and projects?

“I try to see the silver lining. While COVID has hindered much of my plans the past year, I was able to utilize quarantine to create something that I wouldn’t have if I was busy with my usual schedule.

For the first time in my life, I was suddenly forced to slow down and I had to learn patience. I realized a lot of things about myself, both good and bad, so I feel like I know who I am much better now. However, I really miss interacting with people.  Zoom is great in so many ways, but it doesn’t replace having a social life.” 

What is a recent or upcoming project or event that people can expect to witness or see at a nearby place or venue in particular, which you have been working on, which you would recommend to those individuals to check out right away?

“I am working on several tv projects right now. In April, I had plans to model in a fashion show which is now rescheduled again until October since LA is still not open to large gatherings. I will let everyone know on social media when I can share more details!”