Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Azuaje.
Hi Daniela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Venezuelan artist who loves and enjoys moments that life gifts us. I lived in Venezuela all my life until I had to move to NYC for political reasons.
I’ve always been attracted to the Entertainment Industry. As a child, I was very shy, but this changed very quickly.
I consider myself a strong, playful and adventurous being with values, work ethic and a lot of PASSION in everything I do.
I enjoy being surrounded by other humans. I remember in college, I was never part of one specific group, I’d always been considered a citizen of the world. I love connecting with people in a deep, spiritual level,
I’m an initiator, a manifest-or, passion moves me. So when I found my passion for storytelling and self-expression through acting, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
I had to come to the city of Angels to finish my MFA in Acting for Film, so that’s what I did. And I’ve learned so much from the people and experiences that have come my way, I’m very grateful I get to love what I do. Although it can be very challenging at times, we know this industry is not easy, but it’s all about how you navigate it. The more you’re connected with your mind, body and soul, the more you’re living your truth, your power and your purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When there’s growth, there will always be pain and where there’s space to grow, there’s space to Create!
Becoming who you really are is the key to having everything you want in life. When you show up on the outside in the same way as your soul is on the inside, there’s alignment.
It takes bravery to dig in and face the dark parts of yourself that you don’t want to see. I’ve worked on myself in order to be in terms with the fact that I fully accept who I am in order to show it in my craft and my everyday life. We’re so limited by societal norms, etc. and it’s a choice, a decision that I make every day of my life, and to me, that’s empowering.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Through the years of working in film and theater, it’s been very crucial to step into my power, that’s when I’ve felt the most successful, impactful and at peace with myself. I wouldn’t have made it where I am at today if I didn’t accept who I truly am.
As an empathic, gut feeling being, I’ve always known and felt a very strong sense of what I wanted to do. Tell stories that are filled with human experiences that can be hard to talk about. Also comedies, fight for Justice and silence the Ego that likes to take over and distance us from our true selves.
When it comes to studying a new character for a role, it is necessary, in order to be limitless, so you can touch and inspire others through your performances. The more curious, the more you expand your mind, the more you gain knowledge, the more creative and open you are to confront your fears and understand where the character is coming from.
I don’t think you are detached from a character. I believe they choose you in a specific time of your life so you’re able to grow and learn from them. That’s the beauty of acting. The more vulnerable the better!
I’ve had the privilege to work with outstanding artists and team of creatives with vision, dedication, passion and impeccable work ethic like the Academy Award winner director Aaron Sorkin (Being the Ricardos), dir. Elgin James (Mayans M.C), dir. Miguel Ferrer (DeMonica, Festival Circuit) and dir. Maria Valdez (Vida)
I’m proud of been able to accomplish my dream. I’m living in the mecca of Cinema and I’m not going anywhere, I’m just moving forward!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I submerged myself in studying more about my ancestors and get to know myself. I took this time to truly put those walls down and leave the ego aside, so I would see my true self when I looked in the mirror. There was a lot of opposition on my part. But I’ve learned so much. While we were losing people from this horrible disease, I also realized life is so fragile and precious, we tend to have our minds preoccupied with what will people think, or how much money I need in order to be happy, or how can I be better than this other person, etc. The only rival here is yourself. And 2020 taught me that we lack love. We’re hurt humans wandering in this world without knowing the most basic and yet POWERFUL thing in the world: LOVE. Don’t ever underestimate it.
There’s so much fighting over power, money, who’s right, and who’s wrong.
We’re all here in this world, in this space and time for a reason. How beautiful it would be if we taught people how to communicate lovingly and respectfully, manage their finances, and be in close contact with nature. That we are all equal. Not everything is work; we also need a safe space to rest, vent, share, and BE. We were built to be in a community, holding each other accountable. My way of thinking has shifted because I want a better place for the generations to come to enjoy what we have left of the earth.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.DanielaAzuaje.com
- Instagram: @DaniAzu
- Facebook: Daniela Azuaje
- Twitter: @DaniAzu
Image Credits:
DeMonica, Mayans M.C. , Being the Ricardos Set, VIDA Set
