Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Salinas.
Hi Cecilia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born & raised on the US/Mexico border in a city named Laredo, Texas. I grew up having the best of both worlds, being minutes away from Mexico and having a true Mexican/American “Chicana” experience. I was born in the US but actually began my schooling in Mexico and then moved back to the US early on in my life. I developed fluency in both Spanish/English because of this and became bilingual at a very young age.
Growing up in a small town, far, far away from Hollywood, the dream of becoming a professional actor was never an option nor would it ever get taken seriously. It is nothing but an illusion or a closeted dream for many.
I was very fortunate that I grew up in a very artistic family and had parents that always encouraged our creativity, music and the arts. I got bit by the “acting bug” early on when I was about 6 years old, after watching my first local theatre show. I can still remember the rush and the pure joy I felt from just being inside the theatre, smelling the old wood and hearing the orchestra rehearse in the pit. It was a life-changing moment and as soon as the show started, I immediately knew and felt the burning desire to be up there with them.
Since then, I auditioned for every and any local theatre show I could find. I performed in over 15 shows and was involved in school productions as well. After graduating, I was so addicted to performing that I knew very well that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After my dad passed away at age 17, I promised my mom I would go to college and get a degree. I went on to graduate from Texas State University with a Double Major (BA) in Theatre Performance & Production and Public Relations. Upon graduation, I knew I had to move to LA to start my career but had no money, job or any sort of connection out there to even consider moving as an option. Coming from a very tight, traditional Mexican family, I knew getting their blessing to move to LA and pursue acting would be a challenge, so I told them I was applying to law school in LA. I spent the next three years working in a courthouse while studying and preparing to go to Law School, frying my brain in order to get a high score and get accepted to schools in LA. I found out quickly that I was not a good test taker and had to take the LSAT 3 TIMES before I got the score I needed to get accepted to a school in LA. By that point, I was so over it and had made peace with not going to law school that I ultimately decided to save up my own money and just move to LA, despite what my family said.
Alas, the day finally came where I’d embark on my journey with my dog, Floyd, in March of 2019. Breaking the news to my family was very tough and I was told “Dreams stay as dreams, you have no business or know anybody over there” “How do you expect to accomplish anything?” blah blah blah. I’ve been defending my dream since I was a little girl to everybody, so it was really nothing new but I guess because it was actually happening, it did sting a bit more but it was the motivation I needed to prove them wrong and not be scared to be on my own. With my dad being originally from LA, I knew I would be okay with him watching over me from heaven every second and guiding me through this journey.
I have since been actively pursuing and working towards my dream for almost 4 years now. Moving a year before Covid hit, with no reel, only theatre experience, was tough but not impossible. I was able to get signed by Eris Talent Agency and have now been in over five commercials, landed a recurring role on the “DharMann” web series on youtube, and starred in as a lead role in my first short film, Fidelidad. I was also cast as a supporting role in a feature film that is currently in production.
Breaking out into the entertainment industry from the bottom has been such a hard yet gratifying experience and something I always aimed for since I was a little girl. This is only the beginning and I look forward to seeing where my career takes me and the many exciting opportunities that 2023 will bring my way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has NOT been a smooth road at all. It has been and continues to be filled with many challenges and life lessons that I am now so grateful for. Moving from a small town to a big city was in itself a tough battle, but learning how the entertainment industry works, the constant rejection and how tough the competition is out here continues to be a learning experience that is filled with highs and lows. One quote that helps me push through the lows and rejection is “Whatever is meant for you will not pass you by, no matter what”. This quote changed my outlook on auditions and rejection because it continues to be proven to me time and time again. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes the jobs you think you want but don’t end up getting are because they’re in the way of the jobs that are bigger, better and right around the corner. Patience is a HUGE lesson that I have learned and focusing on what I can control is the only thing that keeps me sane. But most importantly, my family back in Texas has been my biggest support system, despite their doubts before I made the move. My mom is my rock and the reason why I have come as far as I have. Without her support, motivation, honesty and love, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also thank my dad, my guardian angel, who continues to protect, guide and watch over me every step of the way. I know he’s moving mountains and creating a path for me to succeed in this industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Aside from my acting career, I also have had a career in the legal field and have worked as an assistant for a District Court Judge, I have been a Court Clerk and handled all criminal cases for the District and have also worked on the legal team for a massive global tech company. These legal skills have helped me navigate my acting career by teaching me how to properly read contracts and know what I’m signing up for.
I am really proud of my legal background because it gives me an edge that most other actors don’t have. I have first-hand experience of working in a courtroom setting, dealing with attorneys, trials and criminals from all backgrounds. I have a different point of view when it comes to the realities of this world and the dangers as well. I am able to see both sides of a situation, learn the facts and not be quick to judge others. This has helped me when preparing the characters I create for the roles I get. It has allowed to me gain a sense of empathy for all people and see that EVERYBODY has a story, EVERYBODY has something going on and there’s good and bad in all of us.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always the “funny friend” or the one putting on a show for others. “La payasa” as my mom would call me haha. I was the “risk-taker” out of my friend group which resulted in incredible memories or me just getting into trouble lol. I was the only one of my friend group that was involved in theatre, so they were always forced to come see my shows hehe.
I have always been interested in all things creepy, paranormal and mysterious. My friends know to come to me if they want a good scary story or want information on the latest conspiracy theory. I grew up idolizing Wednesday Adams (if that tells you anything LOL) and have secretly always wanted my own ghost-hunting show. My dad raised me on all things spooky and it is one of my favorite memories of him. I saw all 3 exorcist movies with him back to back when I was ten, LOL.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilialsalinas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cecilialong.23/
Image Credits
Paul Gregory Headshot Photography
