Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Guzman.
Hi Alejandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I was described as a creative child by my elders. At the age of four, I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to paint, take photos, and create. My passions were typically viewed as hobbies and not career interests by my immigrant family. Thus, I was rarely encouraged to work on my craft as the arts. I was pursauded to focus on working in the medical field. However, I continued to find my way back to creating. I found myself befriending photographers and videographers, being in computer labs and studios during my free time, studying film and photography, selling chocolates to buy equipment, working multiple part-time jobs to buy my equipment and supplies, and utilizing social media to display my portfolio. My discipline led to my discovery that what I did for pleasure, others did for a living. That was when I took one of my first risks. I applied to film school. Up to that point, I have been preparing for what I thought was supposed to be my purpose. Within a few weeks, I decided to start back to zero and pursue my passion for being an artist. During my time in film school, I worked on sets, held administrative positions, began my photography freelance business, directed my first short film, wrote scripts, interned for the Golden Globes, worked with Film Independent, worked as background in commercials and cinemas, and took my first theater course. Once again, my curiosity and passions led to another career risk embedded in genuine interest. I knew I wanted to strengthen my voice and skills to see how far I could push my limits. So, I began my acting and modeling career, enjoying every step thus far.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Aside from the common struggles of being a first generation–some being finances, stereotypes, limitations, lack of resources, and lack of knowledge and exposure–my most challenging struggle has been imposter syndrome. I am typically one to remind myself, “why not? If they can do it, so can I.” But the thing about imposter syndrome is that it can sneak up on you even when you are confident in yourself and your work.
I have experienced imposter syndrome in my college classrooms, where I was so grateful and proud to have been attending these high-level film courses, but then the doubt creeped in. “I am the youngest in this room… Am I capable of working alongside with my colleagues who have more experience than me?”
Another place where I had a similar experience was on my first commercial set as an actor. At the time, I recently signed with my first agent, so I wasn’t expecting a booking so soon. I was so proud of myself and excited to be on set. Then, for a split second, I got into my own head. “How am I really here? Can I act? Can anyone tell that I am a new actor? No one in my family or community back home have done something like this. Should I even be here?”
I forced myself to snap out of it. As cliche as it may sound, I relied on positive affirmations and evidence instead of intrusive thoughts. The facts were that I was a diligent worker, an intelligent woman, a cordial person, a mentor for those with similar backgrounds; I held a Bachelors of Arts at the age of 21, I have studied enough for this acting role, and I was hired for this role for a reason. Definitely easier said than done, but definitely possible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have never been a fan of niching down. I believe that it can lead to self-limitations. With that said, I do a few things. Those things are script writing, producing, acting, social media, and my newest endeavor, modeling. Behind every project, I have the goal to display a representation of the Latin community. I appreciate the efforts of the industry dipping into the Latin culture, though there is room for improvement. Through my crafts, I want to remind my community that although we may not all look the same, speak in the same dialect, or even cook the same, we still have parallels in our culture. In addition, I want to remind my community that we are not to be limited by stereotypes or by social class or mentality. We are rich with a beautiful culture and potential. I hope I become a good representation and encourage others to strive for more.
I encourage anyone who is reading this to feel free to message me if they ever need a bit of guidance. I am still a student in this industry, but I will share all the material I have studied thus far.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
What has worked well for me has been to remember to be human. It is so easy to get lost in the hustle that we sometimes perform like robots. Remind yourself to check in with yourself and those around you. I was once in a room full of Netflix employees who visited my university to present an opportunity to me and my colleagues. I made the decision to allow my peers to approach the presenters before me to ask their questions. By doing so, I noticed that it was evening, around dinner time, the professionals seemed worn out, my peers were eagerly asking question after question about positions in the industry, and the professionals were repeating themselves with their traditional greetings and good lucks. That was when I remembered to be human. Eager and personable.
It was then my turn, and the man greeted me as he did with the rest, “hi, what’s your name?” After I introduced myself, I asked how he was. He simply said that he was good, and I responded with, “are you saying that you’re good because you are good, or is it an unconscious routine?” He took a moment, smiled, and he restated that he was a bit tired since it has been a long day. After speaking and saying our goodbyes, he asked me for my name once again. His facial expressions told me that he took a mental note of it. That was how I networked with a professional who works in my industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ale9jandra.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ale9jandra/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ale9jandra
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9496808/?ref_=m_nmfm_nm
Image Credits
Mia Moran
Vikers
Thomas Macias
