Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenna Flores.
Hi Kenna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I was highly passionate about the arts. I absolutely loved everything that allowed me to express my creativity whether it was dancing, singing, or theater. I had done small plays since I was in kindergarten; however, when I was in third grade, I was given the opportunity to reenact scenes from Hannah Montana: The Movie for my elementary school’s theater production.
Specifically, I sang the songs “The Climb” and “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home”. As I performed this production, I was able to see the joy it brought my peers, friends, and family. This production allowed me to realize that I absolutely loved entertaining, inspiring feelings/emotions, developing characters, and telling stories. From that young age, it also made me realize that I was going to spend the rest of my life pursuing acting and singing.
Unfortunately, throughout middle school and high school, I was not able to audition for many roles because of my limited knowledge of the industry and my financial situation. However, during my junior year of high school, I promised myself that I would save my money to fully pursue my passion while attending college in Chicago (Illinois Institute of Technology).
The Illinois Institute of Technology gave me so many growth opportunities both intellectually and artistically. It allowed me to reach two of the largest entertainment industry cities (Chicago & Los Angeles) while furthering my education. As a psychology major, I was able to attain a deeper understanding of emotion portrayal and the human condition which made it easier to authentically develop and portray new characters. Furthermore, while attending college, I was able to audition for more roles and advance my career- especially through shows such as Chicago Med and Snapchat Originals. My future hope is that I am given more opportunities so that audiences can see themselves within my characters and be inspired.
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?
My career definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been quite a few obstacles along the way however, I believe that each obstacle that I have faced had a greater purpose (even if I didn’t know it). With such a competitive industry, I have faced an ample amount of rejection. However, I believe that rejection is just redirection toward something greater. I have come to understand that if one project wasn’t meant for me, then another project will be meant for me. There have been a few instances when I didn’t book a project that I really wanted and another project came along which has led me to come to this conclusion. Despite the rejection I have faced, I truly believe that I have had a guardian angel by my side throughout my career.
There have been instances when I have auditioned/booked projects and had a sense of imposter syndrome- especially around such talented individuals. However, my parents are an incredibly huge support system to me. They constantly encourage me and remind me that if I wasn’t meant to be there then I would not have been given the opportunity. I think that is incredibly important for any passion or dream. The opportunities you are given don’t just happen by chance, they were absolutely meant for you.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work as an actress.
I don’t necessarily believe that there are “big breaks”; I think every project that an actor does is a “big break”. I do not think that actors have “big breaks” because success is the result of small victories over a period of time. Even though an actor might appear to be an overnight success, it does not discount their prior sacrifices and hard work. Therefore, I believe that I have had quite a few big breaks. I think my first big break would be booking a principal role in Demi Lovato’s Dancing with the Devil music video. I think my second big break would be booking a recurring role on the TV series, Supermission. I think my third big break would be booking a principal role in Snapchat Original’s Breakwater. Lastly, I think my fourth big break would be booking a co-star role on the TV series, Chicago Med.
However, I am most proud of my drive and compassion for others. Although I have faced adversity, I am incredibly proud of how resilient I have become. I know it’s not an easy industry, but I always strive to be better than I was yesterday. Since the industry is incredibly competitive, I think it is easy to succumb to poor behavior. However, I remember starting my career and other actors helping me. Therefore, I want to provide the same support to actors who might need a hand. There’s plenty of room for everyone in this industry… I wholeheartedly believe that.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Great question! Reading books, especially those written by Nicholas Sparks, help me do my best in life because it allows me to delve into my creativity. Through reading, I am able to envision the story in my head and dive into my imagination. It helps me create situations, understand relationships, and develop contrasting characters.
Reading also allows for self-discovery because I am able to escape my life and see the world from a different perspective. I think part of the reason why I am so in love with Nicholas Sparks’ works is because I want to inspire my audiences in the same way Sparks does for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12457204/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennafloress/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/KpXaRWWkAAw
