Today we’d like to introduce you to Montserrat Cervantes.
Hi Montserrat, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been a big dreamer. My outmost adoration for acting began when I was four years old, with a brilliant proposal from my big brother. He used to insist that we, when I was not even able to speak properly, should create and perform plays for my parents as well as any being who dared to enter the front door of our scandalous, but hilarious and adorable home. Indulge with excitement, we dressed up in our beloved Disney costumes; I remember being fully in love with the idea of becoming a princess, even if it meant that I could be one for a few hours. We rushed into our living room, looking for any object that could be used as part of our scenery. Once everything was set, my brother rapidly began to direct every single move I made and plan our performance, which did not have many spectators, however, we felt as we were standing in front of a full house, Indeed, the audience was probably composed of stuffed animals, and just a few humans. One of the moments that will always remain stuck in my memory, is when we were performing one of our favorite pieces. I was portraying Snow White and my brother Prince Charming. In the scene where she passes out, my brother supposedly had the task to smoothly carry me into the couch, but suddenly he decided to grab me from my ponytail. I was so into the role and refused to step out of character, even though tears of pain were falling from my tiny face, My family who were part of the audience, were laughing at the fact that although I was suffering from pain, I remained on character. I can remember them telling me, “Wow, how professional of you that nonetheless he was pulling you by the ponytail, you persist playing the role”. This was the moment I found my passion for acting. However, acting wasn’t the only thing that moment awakened inside me. I fell deeply in love with the arts. Acting became the doorway to an entire world of expression. From then on, I never stopped exploring creativity in all its forms. I joined every theater class I could, started singing, learned to play the piano, painted, and danced. All of which I still cherish and practice to this day. Each of these art forms has shaped me in different ways and helped me through different chapters of my life. For instance, painting has always been the place I return to when I need stillness. It gives me peace, quiet, and imagination: it’s where my soul speaks. Art, in all its forms, became the language of my soul. It gave me a voice before I even knew how to speak.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges in my life came in 2020 when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease known as psoriatic arthritis. At the time, the disease was so severe that I couldn’t even walk on my own. My mom had to help me with everything, from changing my clothes to brush my teeth. The pain was constant; i couldn’t even move a single finger without struggling. Naturally, this forced me ton step away from many of the activities that I loved. I had to pause my dance and theater classes, and for a while, it felt like everything I cherished was slipping away. But even in that uncertainty, I never lost hope. Art, more than ever, became the light in these dark times of my life. Since I couldn’t leave my room or be dm I began painting constantly. It was through this process that I found a sense of control, expression, and even healing. Painting reminded me that creativity can thrive even in the hardest moments. Looking back, what I gained from that time was invaluable: a deeper connection to art, resilience, and the understanding that we can create meaning and beauty out of the ugliest moments.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actress, with experience performing in a wide range of plays and productions through my acting academies and school, where iv’e had the opportunity to explore diverse characters and develop my craft. As a dancer. I’ve also competed in several competitions, primarily in the Dance Show category, which I’m especially proud of, not only for the performances themselves, but for the discipline, teamwork, and creativity they taught me.
I’ve modeled for a well known makeup brand in Mexico and collaborated with many photographers, particularly for portraits. What sets me apart, is my resilience, determination and, of course, my passion for storytelling across different forms of art. The way I want to tell stories is to inspire learning and growth. I’ve always believed that humans should be in constant pursuit of knowledge, whether it’s history, art, anthropology, philosophy or any field that helps us grow. That’s the kind of art I want to create: art that challenges both the artist and the audience, that provokes thought, and that leaves people with something meaningful to take away. I want to create art that helps us become better, more thoughtful people.
How do you define success?
Success, for me, It’s knowing that through my art, I’ve made a difference in a person’s life. If I touched at least one person, helped them see a different perspective, feel deeply, or learn something meaningful from it. If just one person grows because of what I create, then I’ve succeeded. It’s the quiet moments when you know your work has reached someone’s heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Moncervantes_
Image Credits
Yiti Tsai. Esperanza Rosas.
