Conversations with Tiara Estupinian

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Estupinian.

Hi Tiara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never thought I’d get the chance to pursue art, especially growing up in a Hispanic household where stability and security were always the priority. At 15, I volunteered in a baby delivery department, and by 16 I had already graduated high school to get a head start on my journey to becoming an OB/GYN. My life felt planned out.

But even as a kid, creativity was always a huge part of me. I loved being on stage at church performing poems and acting in plays. I learned how to play drums and guitar, loved drawing, and became passionate about photography. Art was always there — I just didn’t think it could be my future.

Then 2020 happened during my first semester of college, and I realized I wasn’t happy. I felt like I was following the “safe” path instead of the one that truly felt like me. I spent nights watching things like *Julie and the Phantoms*, *Phantom of the Opera*, and *Rocky Horror Picture Show*, and for the first time I felt seen and understood creatively.

That’s when I decided to change my major and take a chance on myself. Was it a difficult conversation with my parents? Absolutely. I heard all the worries about instability and uncertainty, but deep down I knew I had to try.

Today, I work in theatre, photography, marketing, and other creative spaces. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s shown me that pursuing art isn’t impossible. Pressure is a privilege, and I want to spend my life soaking up every opportunity to express myself through creativity and storytelling.

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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles at the beginning was gaining my parents’ approval. Coming from a Hispanic household, I think part of them felt, “We didn’t migrate to this country just to see you perform.” They wanted stability and security for me, which is why pursuing the arts felt scary to them.

There were a lot of difficult conversations when I decided to leave the medical path and follow theatre and other creative passions. At first, it was hard feeling like I had to prove that this dream was worth taking seriously.

Over time, though, things started to change. My mom saw how hard I was working — staying up memorizing lines for my first play at CSULB, constantly rehearsing, and fully dedicating myself to the craft. Then she came to see me perform, and honestly, that was when she got her “theatre cherry popped!” She loved it. Seeing me on stage helped her understand why I cared so deeply about it.

Now, both of my parents are incredibly supportive. My mom loves coming to my performances, and my dad is always pushing me to keep auditioning, keep booking, and keep going after opportunities. Having their support now means everything to me because I know how far we’ve all come in understanding each other and believing in this journey together.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main focus is acting, and that’s truly where my heart is. But I never wanted to limit myself to just one lane creatively. Alongside acting, I also work in marketing, photography, producing, and writing. I’m constantly learning and pushing myself to grow in every area because I believe being an artist means always evolving and perfecting your craft.

What I’m most proud of is honestly the moment I almost gave up. In 2025, I hit a point where I was questioning if acting was really meant for me. Rejection and uncertainty can really get to you in this industry. Then one day, I saw an audition posted on Casting Networks for Halloween Horror Nights, and I remember praying, “God, let this be a sign if I’m supposed to keep doing this.”

Not only did I audition — I booked it. I had the honor of being in the 2025 Universal Halloween Horror Nights commercial, and that moment reminded me exactly why I started. It felt like confirmation that I was on the right path and that giving up too soon would’ve meant missing out on something incredible.

I think what sets me apart is my willingness to take risks and fully commit to growth. I’m not afraid to start over, learn something new, or step into uncomfortable spaces creatively. I also bring a lot of heart into everything I do. Whether I’m acting, creating visuals, producing, or marketing, I want people to feel something real. My journey hasn’t been traditional, but that’s exactly what gives my work authenticity.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Pressure is privilege! You must show up every-time no matter how tired you are! If the doors open, GO FOR IT!!! You must keep going and if you feel lazy, then that is a warning your dying creatively!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiaraestupinian.my.canva.site/tiaraeestupinian
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temilce17

Image Credits
Soccer Photo : Nueva Vida – Photographer @zarazuafoto

Stills from : Ksusha Genenfeld (Halloween Horror Nights

(dear Dead drug lord photos from Cynthia Price