Meet Desteny Tolbert of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desteny Tolbert

Desteny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Of Course! My name is Desteny Tolbert, and I’m an actress, writer, video editor, and creative storyteller. My passion for storytelling started at a young age, shaping the path that led me to where I am today.

I grew up in California, raised by my mother, Shawndrell Tolbert, who instilled in me the belief that we only have one life, so we should live it authentically. That mindset encouraged me to explore my creativity early on. Acting was my first love. I started performing in school plays and musical theater, drawn to the way stories could come to life on stage.

As I got older, I became more involved in acting, taking on roles in student films and background work. College gave me the opportunity to dive even deeper, where I shifted my focus entirely to theatre arts and began studying under On My Block actor Diego Tinoco at Actors Campus. Through training and experience, I refined my craft, gradually working my way from background roles to supporting and principal roles in independent films.

Alongside acting, I developed my online presence as a VTuber under the name CallHerLuna. Streaming cozy games, hosting charity events, and advocating for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights became a way for me to connect with a broader audience. This also led me to video editing, initially as a hobby, but soon as a business. I began working with content creators like OnigiriNana and Lena Foxx, earning multiple five-star ratings and collaborating within the industry.

Eventually, my journey came full circle back to acting. I dedicated myself to refining my craft, immersing myself in the Meisner technique, and booking more substantial roles. One of my biggest moments was landing my first upcoming feature film role as Imani in Two Minutes to Midnight, directed by Balazs Hatvani, where I worked alongside actors like Jim Hanks and Carol Struycken.

Now, I’m continuing to build my career in acting while also expanding my creative ventures. My goal is to transition into more leading roles and, eventually, direct and teach theatre arts, inspiring others to embrace storytelling in all its forms.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been moments when I felt like everything was unraveling, but those challenges have only strengthened my resolve.

One of the most significant struggles I faced was balancing my passion for storytelling with the demands of life. Growing up, I struggled with depression, suicidal ideation, and was diagnosed with ADD and severe anxiety. These experiences made me feel misunderstood, and at times, it felt like the world was against me. But art became my escape…it was how I healed, made sense of my emotions, and connected with others.

Professionally, there were times when my personal life collided with my career aspirations. During my first upcoming feature film, Two Minutes to Midnight, things were incredibly difficult behind the scenes. I was homeless with my, dealing with family issues, and managing a chronic illness that made working hard. Despite all that, I pushed forward, knowing that I had a bigger purpose in mind…my love for storytelling kept me going.

Financial struggles were another constant challenge. Trying to juggle college, work, and my creative projects often meant making sacrifices and not always knowing how things would pan out. I’ve had to hustle…booking background paid work, editing videos for creators, and taking on anything I could to stay afloat while pursuing my dreams.

But through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned the importance of resilience. The struggles, though painful, have taught me valuable lessons. They’ve fueled my desire to succeed and helped me stay grounded in my purpose of inspiring others to chase their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in acting, video editing, and creating content that advocates for mental health and supports marginalized communities, especially Black youth and those with ADD. My work spans across acting in student films, short films, feature films, background roles, and principal roles, as well as creating content online under my persona CallHerLuna, a Moon-Jellyfish VTuber.

What sets me apart is my deep belief in the power of storytelling to heal and connect people. Whether I’m performing on stage, acting in a film, or streaming, I’m always striving to share stories that resonate with my audience…stories that show people they’re not alone, especially when it comes to mental health struggles.

I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to merge my love for performance with my advocacy. I’ve had the chance to raise awareness for mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and Black youth representation, which has always been a priority for me. Through my platform, I want to show young Black girls…especially those with ADD…that they can be both struggling and still chase their passions. I want them to know they’re enough, that their struggles don’t define their worth or their ability to succeed.

I’m also proud of how far I’ve come with video editing. What started as helping creators for free has grown into a full-fledged business, where I’ve earned multiple five-star ratings. I’m proud that my editing has helped others in their creative journeys.

The combination of these passions, my background in mental health advocacy, and my commitment to representing underrepresented voices is what I believe truly sets me apart.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, the COVID-19 crisis has taught me several important lessons. First and foremost, I’ve learned the value of adaptability. The pandemic forced everyone to adjust how we live, work, and connect with others, and it highlighted how important it is to be flexible in the face of change. For me, this meant transitioning a lot of my work and creativity online, like streaming, creating content, and staying connected with my community virtually.

I also realized the importance of self-care and mental health, especially during a time when everyone’s routines and support systems were disrupted. The crisis made me more aware of the need to prioritize my own well-being and how important it is to be kind to myself during difficult times. It also reinforced my commitment to advocating for mental health, particularly within marginalized communities. Seeing how many people struggled with isolation and mental health challenges during the pandemic made me even more passionate about offering support through my work.

Finally, the pandemic taught me the power of community. Even though we were physically separated, the online community I’ve built through streaming and social media became more important than ever. It reminded me that while physical spaces might close, our ability to connect, share, and support one another transcends barriers, whether they’re physical, emotional, or social. This has inspired me to continue using my platforms to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15967254/?ref_=rvi_nm
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdesteny/
• Twitter: https://x.com/destenycalls
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALLHERLUNA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@destenycalls

Image Credits
Photagrapher – Nikola Tenzera for Beach Pictures and Black Top Pictures