Life and Work with Juliana Betancourth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Betancourth.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Juliana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Being an actor or an artist is carried in one’s soul. You are born with that passion and everyone develops in his or her own unique time and place. My childhood photos often show me dressed up and posing for the camera. My path was laid out before me by a force greater than me that has moved my soul with a purpose ever since. It wasn’t until I started my university career in Social Communication that my curiosity about being an actress woke up in a professional way. I began to prepare myself with the best teachers in my country of Colombia every night, while during the day, I attended university.

Once I started, there was nothing that was going to stop me as I pursued my dream. Acting was the only thing I wanted to do. After seeing some success in some local television series, I traveled to Spain to continue my preparation and training. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I traveled back and forth to Colombia to work on other TV projects, and create a couple of entrepreneurial businesses. I then traveled to London and started over again. I discovered strength and fortitude I never knew I had been in a country all alone with a dream. I forced myself to learn English, and in less than a year’s time, I did. I was very proud of that accomplishment.

I returned to Colombia for my first lead role in a feature film titled “Virginia Casta”. After that glorious experience, I decided to explore one location I always knew I wanted to live one day, Los Angeles. The first visit was three years ago. On my second day, I signed with an agent, had a sponsor for my visa, and enrolled in a six-week acting workshop. What I learned in that workshop, and getting a feel for Los Angeles during that time gave me the drive to commit to my move there. That was a huge dream of mine, but first I returned to Colombia for one year to create a successful real estate company that is still running today.

Co-starring and co-producing the comedy web series “Bite!” with actor/director Danny Arroyo, allowed me to experience life in the Emmy and television world, and almost receive a nomination. I acted in a couple films, “Terapia” by Jhonatan Tabares and “Super Hero Latina”, which will be premiering soon. I participated in four plays, one being “Citizens of the Gray” directed by Elia Schneider, which will make it’s New York City premiere late 2018 at one of the most prestigious off-Broadway theaters.

I host and producer two radio shows for Radio Latino Inc. titled “Mujeres Y Yo” and “Stop Ahi”. The first show focused on empowerment to the community and the other debating on the performing arts.

I have been fortunate enough to have won a “Director’s Choice” award for the play “Therapy” in the Short & Sweet Latino Festival, and an “Outstanding Achievement in the Arts – Winning & Ambassador” for Radio Latino Foundation; plus, other achievements and recognition. I was personally invited to be a judge on the panel for Actorslash to the Baja California International Film Festival.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a journey of learning and experiences that are filled with great joys and immense sacrifices. To avoid the obstacles and keep working at your dream requires a clear vision and determination. I could not have continued this often times difficult path if my vision was a selfish one that only focused on me, that’s why I am so passionate about helping others who could support or words of encouragement as they go on their journey.

I want to build a world where all people know that it is possible to dream, no matter how difficult it may seem, and that goals can be achieved. I do my best to lead by example. It does not matter the country you were born in, your economic situation or your gender. I am living proof of that. I believe that nothing is impossible for me. I’m proud of my accomplishments and look further to attaining further goals of mine, as I keep on uplifting others who need motivation or gentle pushes in the right direction.

To all the women artists, young or mature, who are just beginning their brave journey of following their dreams, I can only say that anything is possible for you if you believe it is. Have a powerful vision of where you wish to see yourself at, be loyal to your principles and values, be open to the changes that may come, and celebrate your life, family, and friends while on this journey. No matter the age, it is never too late to achieve goals, and have a happy life in the process.

In my radio program “Mujeres y Yo”, these are many of the topics that I focus on and speak about with my guests. www.radiolatinoinc.com

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve progressed so much on my journey. What began as a childhood dream of just working towards being in front of the camera has gradually evolved into my working in many aspects of the entertainment industry. I’ve produced a few projects, and am currently working on a documentary that moves my soul that is titled “Hector”. It’s about an actor friend of mine who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, and how it did not let that stop him from continuing to pursue his dream of becoming a successful actor. I am producing, directing, and filming with the resources that I have at hand. I also feel it is important to tell stories about my Latina heritage, especially to those who have lost everything to give their lives to their art.

All I have learned has helped me to develop the business side of me, and teach entrepreneurs on how to speak in front of the camera and in public using combined marketing and acting techniques that allow them to create videos for their online presence, shine in interviews, and look confident in everyday life.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Definitely! As a child, I was a free spirit who played with her imagination as much as I wanted. There were no limits to my house, as long as the integrity of others was respected, and my creativity was accompanied by values.

Since the time I was very young, my mother had me help her in her business. That was her way of educating me. I earned money, made decisions that affected our company, worked with our employees and clients, and overall learned how to be a businesswoman.

These all played a factor in helping me become the woman I am today. Having a love of life, family and friends, a respect for others, an openness to accept change, and a deep belief and passion for my dreams and goals. This delicate balance is where I believe true success lies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.julianabetancourth.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @julibetancourth
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulianaBetancourthOfficial/
• Twitter: @julianabetan

Image Credit:
Photographer: Dave Napox – IG @davenapox, Makeup & Hair Styling: Kristine Lisman – IG @makeup_by_kristine_, Stylist: Gema Sánchez – IG @gem_sanz

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