Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Temponi.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, however, I always knew I wanted to live in the US, so when I turned eighteen I moved, by myself, to Los Angeles, CA where I lived for almost six years. I came to LA on a student visa and attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where I received my Associate’s Degree in Drama. After graduating, I was allowed to work in the industry for a year, which I did, I built up my reel, created connections, and made many friendships along the way. When my work permit expired, I had to go back to school since it was the only way I was allowed to stay in the country. As an International Student, I know how hard it is to stay in the US, and I was willing to work as hard as I could to earn it. That’s when I decided to study music at the Musicians Institute, where I got my certificate in DJ and Music Production. Throughout these six years in LA, I learned a lot and changed a lot. Not just as a person but as an artist as well. Lately, I’ve been dedicating myself on creating content, I’m working on a web-series project, and I’m hoping to release my first single on fall.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Aside from all of the Immigration obstacles I mentioned before, about two years ago, I started to feel really stuck, and I felt I wasn’t growing anymore. I began to realize I was getting too comfortable, and I wasn’t pushing myself enough to achieve any of my goals. It is very easy for someone to get side-tracked when they fall into a particular routine, and even though I was happy, I felt that I needed a change; I had to remind myself why I wanted to be a performer in the first place. I believe that as an artist, we should never let ourselves get too comfortable. We should be constantly pushing ourselves and embracing every challenge life brings, and so I decided to take a big risk, leave LA, and move to New York City; a city known for its fast pace, the rush, and it’s hard grounds. Throughout the moving, there were times where I felt I wasn’t strong enough; I thought I couldn’t do it, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I believe we can never change or grow until we let go of something. I had to let go of LA and the life I had built in order to move forward. Starting over is hard, however this time around, I was coming from experience, and I chose not to let fear guide my way. I don’t regret moving, and even though I miss LA, I truly feel New York is where I need to be. I’m looking forward to this new chapter, and if you ask me, no, I wouldn’t change a thing.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an actress and DJ. As an artist, I’m looking to experiment with these two passions of mine. I hope to connect with people through the fusion of films and music, which by nature, already go hand by hand. What I believe sets me apart from other artists is that I incorporate movie soundtracks to popular songs you may hear at the club or in festivals, anywhere from The Sound of music and Star Wars to Anderson Paak, Drake, Alison Wonderland or Skrillex. I want to create a different experience for live audiences. I am proud of my current project because I think it will bring people a good time and hopefully inspire others to experiment with the fusion of different artistries.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t think I would have done anything differently if I’m being completely honest. I have committed mistakes in the past, and I’ll definitely make more mistakes in the future; however, I’m where I’m at right now because of these mistakes. Each fall is an opportunity for growth, and each fall shaped me to be who I am today. I don’t really regret any of my mistakes, because I learned from them, and I’m thankful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: anatemponi.com
- Email: contact@anatemponi.com
- Instagram: @ana_temponi
- Facebook: @anactemponi
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