Photographer Irvin Rivera , Courtesy of Daphne Blunt
Congratulations on the premiere of "Another Day in America”!
What drew you to this particular project?
I was very drawn to Another Day in America since it touches on so many topics that are considered “taboo” or a bit risqué. I had also never played a role like Erin where I got to portray this very relevant side of womanhood. The side that’s a little bit difficult to talk about and covers topics from sexuality to mental health. It was really exciting for me to get to work on a project that wasn’t afraid to go to these places.
As a rising actress, model, and content creator, how do you balance your various roles and projects?
I would say that I’m an extremely organized person. I have very clear thoughts and visuals in mind about everything that I want to do. I have very clear creative ideas and I think that when it comes to all the different areas of my life, I am really good at sort of combining them, but also compartmentalizing them so that everything I do is true to my brand and who I am.
How do you stay authentic and true to yourself while navigating the often competitive world of acting and modeling?
I’m super lucky to be surrounded by very supportive people. I have the same friends I’ve had for 10+ years and I’m extremely close with my mother. I’m fortunate that whenever I have a doubtful thought or feel insecure I can send a quick text to my best friend expressing how I feel and receive so much encouragement in response to get myself back on the right track. Having a solid support system keeps me feeling confident and in alignment.
What role do you see yourself playing in the future of the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera?
I would love to play more roles that embody the female experience. I’m obsessed with any project about the entertainment industry and being in a movie musical like La La Land is an ultimate dream of mine.
Can you share any memorable experiences or lessons learned from your time at Georgetown University studying Fine Arts?
I feel like I gained so much life experience during my time at Georgetown. I think the best lesson I learned was to become comfortable being uncomfortable. It is in the discomfort that the most growth happens. I was forced to try so many new things that were seemingly out of my element, like painting, drawing with charcoals, working in a dark room and so much more. In this unfamiliar space I gained such appreciation for new things.
As someone who started acting at a young age, how do you think your approach to the craft has evolved over the years?
It’s very easy to throw yourself in to essentially playing pretend when you’re a child. You have no fear, doubt or shame that you’ve picked up along your journey so far. As an adult I have a deeper understanding of creating a character with a full life, experiences, emotions and relationships. I think once I gained actual real life experience it made creating characters so much easier. I studied and practice the Meisner technique so creating this life of a character based on real emotion is very important to me.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about being an actress/model/content creator, and how do you address them?
I think social media allows so much access to people’s lives that we become involved in a weird one way relationship where one side feels like they know the other super well and the other side has no idea this relationship exists. I think that a lot of people sort of take me at face value and don’t realize there’s so much more to me than cute outfits and a bit of vanity. It’s not my problem if I’m perceived like this because I know that everyone is only seeing a tiny sliver of my actual life and who I am.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with other creatives, whether it's on a film set or a brand campaign?
I love seeing a different perspective. I’m someone who knows what I like and what I want so seeing other people’s ideas or how they look at something specific is so much fun. You can have a great idea and vision that can be taken to the next level through someone else’s lens.
How do you recharge and find inspiration when you're feeling creatively drained or overwhelmed?
I honestly just take my time. I would rather not put anything out in the world that I feel “meh” about. I try and give myself grace in times when I feel like I should be more productive than I am. I’m really big on health and selfceare so I like to give myself days where I only do things that bring me joy and peace. Bubble baths, online shopping, long walks, painting, listening to music, playing with my dogs and letting my brain restart without any pressure to create.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about and can share with us?
I’m currently working on my clothing brand Choux Louise, its a vintage inspired lingerie brand (underwear as outerwear) made to fit all types of bodies and give women the freedom to wear what they want and feel sexy doing it. Under this branch I am also sourcing and selling vintage lingerie styles akin to what is pictured in much of my content. Take a peak on our website www.chouxlouise.com or instagram @chouxlouise.
What do you think sets "Another Day in America" apart from other films, particularly in its exploration of societal issues?
I think that the way it approaches heavy social issues with a dash of humor makes it different and unique. It’s the kind of film where one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying and the next you’re enraged. ADIA really brings out every emotion and makes you face the reality of each character’s existence on this particular day.
How do you see the role of storytelling in addressing and potentially resolving some of the cultural and societal issues depicted in the film?
I feel that storytelling gives the viewer an opportunity to relate and empathize more than they would in their every day lives. Watching a series of events unfold you can immerse yourself in the situation. This gets people thinking and talking and leave imagery in their mind to harp on. That’s why I feel that it’s important to tell uncomfortable stories. This way viewers can potentially have their minds and hearts opened to new experiences
Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave through your work in the entertainment industry, both as an artist and as an advocate for social change?
If can leave any legacy behind I just want to empower young women to be confident and know their worth. Through whatever medium, in whatever way I think it’s so important to leave the world just a tiny bit better for the women that come after us.