Today we’d like to introduce you to Ria Lazo
Ria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a young age, I always loved performing and being on stage. Whether it was creating plays for my family at five years old or participating in elementary school talent shows, performing was where I felt most like myself. At around 11 years old, I started taking acting classes and quickly fell in love with the craft. I knew the entertainment industry was where I wanted to be, but my Filipino American parents, being more traditional, never supported my dream. They were convinced I would end up waiting tables for the rest of my life.
I decided to go to college and study Business Marketing at Cal State Fullerton, letting go of my dream to become an actress. I started a social media blog called Cultivating Confidence, which led me into Social Media Marketing and Content Creation. After graduation, I worked the traditional 9-5 in social media marketing at companies like Forever 21 and IPSY. At the time, I thought I wanted to climb up the corporate ladder. That QUICKLY changed after a toxic experience at a company changed everything for me. Although that time in my life was hard, without that toxic job – I never would have been pushed to start freelancing and acting. And for that, I am forever grateful. I began freelancing and eventually started my own boutique agency, Ria Social. I started running my own business, and felt happier. But a part of me still didn’t feel fulfilled. The desire to act just grew more and more over time, and thanks to my now flexible schedule, I was able to finally take that leap.
2024 has been my first year auditioning, but I was able to lead roles in independent films and multiple commercials. While I’m not yet where I want to be in my acting career, I’m incredibly excited and proud of myself for pursuing my passion despite societal and parental expectations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a roller coaster. It was challenging breaking free from the 9-5 routine. I was raised to believe it was the only path to financial stability. However, I’ve discovered through freelancing, there are many other ways to earn a living that not only sustain me, but also bring greater happiness.
There were many months when I questioned what I was doing—much like many people in their twenties. But I realized that a lot of what was holding me back was my mindset. I was convinced I would never make it in the industry as an actress because you don’t see many people who look like me in mainstream media. Even today, that hasn’t changed much. I hope to be an example for Filipino American creatives, showing that following your passion is worthwhile. Let go and trust God. His plans and purpose will be clear for you, even when sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s a way. There’s always a way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My job as a content creator and social media manager, has definitely helped my journey as an actress. I’ve been able to work with many brands like Milk Makeup, Pretty Little Thing, Nike, Footlocker, and more! Strategizing content and creating is my passion and love – so I think it all ties together as a Creator, Social Media Manager, and Actress!
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to continue growing and booking work as an Actress and Content Creator. I recently just signed with a talent agent, and got accepted into AGB Studios. AGB is an an acting program taught by some our favorite Disney Channel Stars like David Deluise, Anneliese Van Der Pol, Jennifer Stone, and more. This program was very competitive as there are only 30 slots, out of 250+ applicants. I’m excited to continue training, and seeing where this journey takes me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/rialazo
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/riaxla
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@riaxla
