Meet Trailblazer Catalina Ann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalina Ann.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Catalina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Like every little girl, I wanted to be “famous.” I would run home after school and watch my favorite TV shows- Hannah Montana, Suite Life of Zack and Cody and That’s So Raven. Who wouldn’t want to be on those shows?! When I was 11 years old, I got a piece of paper sent home with all my homework and other daily handouts. Being in fifth grade, I really didn’t care for handouts but this one grabbed my attention, it was blue, had a rabbit holding a clock on it and read “Auditions for Alice in Wonderland – The Musical!” You better believe that was the first handout I was ready to show my parents (besides field trips, obviously) and, they let me audition! I have officially booked my first acting gig! Cast as “Ensemble B” A.K.A. I was a rock, a door and the butt end of the caterpillar. BUT! I loved every minute of it. I continued doing theatre throughout middle school and high school. Eventually, in high school, people started bringing to my attention that it doesn’t have to end when I graduate. I don’t have to go to nursing school because that’s what my mom and sister did, I can keep acting. So, I did. I went to Columbia College Chicago and got a Bachelors in Acting. Practical? Probably not. Expensive? Absolutely. Worth it? Every day of my life. I stayed in Chicago for 1.5 years post graduation (2017) and finally decided that Chicago wasn’t where I wanted to be. I wanted to be more involved in Film and Television, not Theatre. So, I moved to Los Angeles on November 4, 2018.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to acting is not smooth. Never has been, never will be. I’m still on the road, I’m going to be going on this road until the day I die, or retire. Whichever comes first. I come from a middle-class family, which has given me more opportunities than others, but I can also see how those coming from an upper class family can get a few steps ahead of me. Being an entrepreneur (yes, acting is entrepreneurship, you are your business) is expensive. Aside from the obvious things like college tuition and moving across the country, you have to consistently be taking classes, getting new head shots, drive all over the city for auditions, pray to the lord you don’t get a parking ticket while at your audition, audit classes, send out postcards, start and maintain a website, and also subscribe to casting websites. That adds up fast. On top of that busy schedule, you need a day job. Money has been the biggest struggle. Finding a job willing to accept the fact that you may call 12 hours before your shift saying to have an audition is not the easiest. Don’t lose hope though, pretty much everyone in LA is in the industry in some way, so you can definitely find a job that will work with you. Or, you can do what I do and have three, flexible, part time jobs.

I’m a brand ambassador, I deliver food for an app, and I’m an actor. My best advice to any women wanting to be an actor, entrepreneur or anything that seems unrealistic or too difficult is to just do it. You have to be willing to take risks, you have to be willing to struggle. Courage is going to be your best friend. There are so many times I could have given up. Surround yourself with people with similar goals, ask questions, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to be a little selfish to make your journey successful. The only person standing in your way is you.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an actor/auditioner, that is my main focus. I don’t have any “specialties” yet, although if you asked me in person I’d say I’m a “comedic actress” and then quickly follow up with “but I’ve done a lot of dramas.” I’ve been acting for 13 years but I’m still in the beginning stages of my career, so I do a lot of short films, student films, music videos, and other random gigs. I’m still learning about myself and my art. I have learned to love the process of auditioning, and how to make the best of it. I’m extremely proud of myself to taking a leap and moving across the country, I left my family in Illinois, and did something for me. Every time I audition, I learn more about myself as a person and as an actor. Watching yourself grow, even if others don’t see it, is rewarding. After every audition I can sit down and critique myself, I can find things I did we,,l and find things I need to work on and don’t beat myself up about it. I can’t say anything I specifically do sets me apart from others. If I could set myself apart, I would have been at the Oscars this year. But I can say that my motivation and determination is higher than others. I have an alarm that goes off every morning, and I get up, make coffee, breakfast and I work on my career. I self submit, dust up my website, redo my resume, update social media, research agents, etc. The one day I don’t do this could be the day I miss the opportunity for my big break.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’ve got a family full of strong women to look up to, my Mom, Sister, Grandma, Aunt, and my best friend. My Mom recently decided to take a new path in her life and went back to school, but not just for her Bachelors, she also got her Masters. My sister is a Mom to a one-year-old boy, and went back to nursing school. She took a hiatus while pregnant but is going back to get her RN degree in spring 2019. Did I mention she has a one-year-old boy running around at home? Every woman in my life is a hard worker. My Grandma hasn’t retired yet, travels, and always makes time for family. My aunt recently got her Ph.D., married into my crazy family taking on a teenage Step Daughter and then had a baby shortly after, and I have never once heard her complain.I could also go on and on about how my best friend is the most reliable employee anyone could ever have, while also making time for her friends and family. The hustle never stops.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.catalinaann.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @catalina_ann_

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