Check Out Melissa Rivera’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rivera.

Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My dad is an entrepreneur and my mom worked at the Puerto Rico Medical Center. I started acting at five years old and singing around 11. I started modeling at age 15. Since I wasn’t really getting the modeling thing, my agency sent me to “real people” stuff, that’s how I got started in TV back home. A film came into my hometown to shoot and I got in as background (extra) as I was preparing to compete in Miss World Puerto Rico. One of my friends decided to move to LA after the movie wrapped and I followed about a year later.

It was very hard to get a foot in but once I did, I did very well for a bit. I became concerned with stepping out of the cycle that actors go through, the highs and lows. I started hearing more and more about empowerment. Considering all the advantages that technology offers, I started flirting with the idea of producing my own content without really knowing what I was doing. But it came very naturally. I have been a leader ever since I can remember. I do have an undergrad in Music, to be an actor who creates can be compared to a singer-songwriter. It became a way of finding my voice as an artist. It really transformed me.

I decided to keep investigating and becoming better at what was coming so naturally and went back to school. I graduated from the California Institute of The Arts with a Master’s in Fine Arts. Because of the socio-political moment in which I did it, It was a cultural challenge. I encountered situations that to me had their roots in systemic racism. Many did not know what to do with a latina like me. I did not fit their mainstream idea of what hispanics are. I am a better performer and person because of it. However I wonder, where are the roots of all this belief system that makes people bully one another. I drew a lot of insipiration from that time for my webseries Carmen Miranda.

I came out of that experience more connected with myself and wanting to connect with others and the world around me. I questioned how can I affect change in the culture. I also started deeply questioning the perenniality and importance of art and entertainment, what are we looking for in the applause and admiration of others. How can I feel all those things always regardless of what my career looks like?

My soul was yearning for something more. I did a lot of digging and consideration of all my skills, work experience, and interests. I decided to start a Pre-K school. I absolutely love children. Their constant wonder, curiosity, passion for learning, creativity, and imagination connects very well with the essence of who I am as a person and creator. It is our childhood that answers who we are. I thought I could really make a difference in the world by ushering in a more aware and thoughtful generation.

I came with an idea but it’s like LA had another plan for me. A more profound one. It has led me to enquire and want to go into doing things with more purpose.

It could sound cliche, but I found myself, my voice, and a purposeful life.

Alright, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. My first struggle was the culture. I thought I was an American and spoke English when I moved to the mainland. The idea we have of America as residents of a Commonwealth is the white picket fence and the white savior. We are sold on the idea that everyone in the US is good and we all have a real opportunity that we are the same. Once here, it is very different. At first, it felt like I had been deceived like America isn’t paradise! One thing is for sure, in the US you can find a way. There is the opportunity to create opportunity. That is indeed a privilege.

As an actress, I have heard it all. “Too light” “too young” “too old” “not enough accent” “too much accent” “not too Puerto Rican”. Not being enough can feel like a hamster wheel. I wanted to step off that wheel.

As a professional and student, I have come face to face with racism. At first, I had no words for it. I really couldn’t put my finger on it. I knew all the people I had “struggled” with looked a certain way and had certain beliefs but still I internalized it. I did all I could to try to fit. It is only very recently, living through these civil unrest times, that I can find the language and understand deeply that other part of the culture. It has been a journey of growing in empathy and understanding. Understanding is a huge relief. I am not the problem, it is systemic. I am just one more who encounters it.

As an entrepreneur, I never thought I would be launching a business during a global pandemic. I have no idea why or how I have persisted. But so have I with enthusiasm. I think I get that from my dad. He has been an entrepreneur all his life. I grew up watching him being a resourceful doer/go-getter and my mom is an excellent professional with a strong work ethic and home economist. She is great at budgeting. She is one of those women that makes people wonder, how does she do it? In recent years my parents’ support has become stronger and that helps a lot.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a childcare provider, I specialize in bilingual and arts education. I want to empower kids to fully express themselves and have as many tools as possible to explore the world around them. I offer a nurturing and safe environment for kids to grow and develop. I wish for a world without bullies but I can only give tools to help kids grow stronger in self-esteem.

As an artist, producing my own content has given me permission to exist and claim my space. I am so proud of the projects I have started and completed. I am very proud of the festivals the projects have been in.

Every day I wake up in this very complicated city I feel like a survivor. I feel like if I have come this far anyone can.

What’s next?
In the future, I would love to continue writing, producing, acting, and growing my pre-k school.

I would love to have multiple bussiness. I see that as a means to support arts, non-proffit education and charity which are areas that I would love to go into.

My version of The American Dream is a place where we can exist in harmony and mutual respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rosedaycare.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissasenorita/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaSenorita
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIOTObbOi-A7lCYK-XwhwDw?view_as=subscriber
• Other: www.melissasenorita.com

Image Credits
Headshot: Daniel Oyola @soydannyola Carmen Miranda Web Series picture: Daniel Oyola @soydannyola Theater: Witches Cabaret, California Institute of The Arts School of Theater