Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Marie Ribaya.
Samantha Marie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I currently reside in North Hollywood. My folks are in San Dimas but I am originally from Temple City, CA so I am a Cali girl through and through. I started singing in my car seat before I could talk which quickly led me to discover my love for acting in the 3rd grade when I landed my first lead role as Mushu in Mulan Jr. I continued to develop my acting skills throughout grade school involving myself in over 25 productions by the ripe age of 18. I contemplated auditioning for USC to obtain a BFA in Theatre, however, after a riveting AP Literature class my senior year of high school, I made the bold choice to challenge myself and pursue my acting career immediately following my high school graduation rather than doing the expected thing and attending college.
I gave myself 1 year to accomplish a list of goals which I proudly achieved in 6 months time. At that point, I continued to pursue acting with a new list of goals which inevitably led me to return to my roots in music. I have always had a passion for words and writing since the age of 13 through poetry, so between auditions and copious amounts of background work on various tv/film projects which I like to refer to as “learning my table manners for set,” I rediscovered my soulful voice and songstress gifts and began developing my first few singles. Additionally, I dove into several other areas of the entertainment industry by building my modeling resume.
A few major milestones I am proud to say I have accomplished thus far in my journey are landing my first co-star on Netflix’s hit series On My Block, formally releasing 2 singles, obtaining commercial representation with Maureen Rose at Osbrink, and starting to working with Michael Abrams with Michael Abrams Group as my trusted manager. I am overjoyed to say I am currently half way through year 3 of my career as a professional actress, singer, model and lyricist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anyone who enters the entertainment industry unprepared for the 100 “no”‘s for every single “yes” is definitely in for the wake-up call of a lifetime. Aside from the personal struggles I have overcome, I am incredibly proud of the obstacles I have pushed through since starting my journey as an artist. If I could give any words of wisdom or advice to those who are just starting out it would be to surround yourself with people/energies that are profoundly positive and supportive of what you love and do. There are always going to be people who hope to see you fail but I have found that the loving friendships and bonds I have made thus far in my journey are far greater than any “hater” or pessimist that tries to stop me. I believe we are all the creators of our own reality so maintain an abundant positivity in all that you do and the Universe will have no choice but to follow suit.
Please tell us about Samantha Ribaya.
My energies artistically are currently focused on acting and music followed by a plethora of other passions however acting and singing will forever remain at the forefront. I have been blessed to be involved in a handful of tv/film projects, my most recent role as Margarita Ramirez on Netflix’s On My Block will forever be a memorable work experience where I got to work with some really beautiful and talented people I am thankful to call friends. Additionally, I have gotten back into live performances around the LA area presenting my musical talents to the world. On stage has always been a place where my highest self-gets to shine and I look forward to sharing much more music in the near future. For now, what I have out can be found on SoundCloud and I have a poetry blog called Words.Words.Words that showcases my love for storytelling: wordsx3.me
Aside from my can-do attitude and tenacity, I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I truly believe in the idea that ANYTHING is possible when accompanied by a strong work ethic, positive attitude and an unending desire to succeed in whatever your heart and soul desires most. Growing up my family asked me what I would want to do if acting “didn’t work out” to which I confidently responded… that’s not an option.
Who have you been inspired by?
I have been blessed with a handful of extremely inspiring women in my life, however, the woman that inspires me the most is 100%, my mom. She has passed down to me the same vibrancy and tenacity that carried her through single-motherhood as well as her successful career as a loan-officer/businesswoman. I have witnessed first hand what it looks like to embody brains, brawn, and beauty in a single human being and I work diligently every day to become a fraction better than I was the day before as I have seen my mom do more times than I can count. Granted, there have definitely been times where it was difficult to find the light at the end of some very dim tunnels but I have a mother that will ALWAYS persevere and reach that light which inspires me to do the very same for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: SamanthaRibaya.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.ribaya/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaRibaya/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/samantharibaya
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/samantharibaya
Image Credit:
Kevin Mathison, AJ Santillian, Katie McGhie, Amity Mason
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
