Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ Garcia.
Hi MJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey is a rollercoaster ride from a little girl’s dream to the grand stages of Hollywood. Since childhood, my heart belonged to acting. In 2014, I took the leap, relocating to Los Angeles for acting school.
After graduation, life became a whirlwind of opportunities. Landing roles in dynamic commercials for major brands like Universal Studios, Toyota, and McDonald’s filled me with joy. These gigs were predominantly in Spanish, revealing the incredible potential in the Spanish-speaking community. Speaking my truth in my mother tongue held a unique power.
Beyond commercials, I dived into independent productions, including web series, short films, and feature films. These experiences were invaluable, shaping my growth and perspective.
My journey led to a profound self-discovery—I am a creative Latina woman. This perspective empowered me to craft stories deeply rooted in my heritage and identity. “BBCITOS,” my recent short film, is a testament to this journey. I wrote and starred in it, and it stands as a career highlight. The film gained recognition in numerous festivals, culminating in the Best Actress award at the prestigious LACA Film Festival.
My journey has been a thrilling adventure, but it’s only the beginning. As I continue down this path, I’m filled with hope and excitement. I know that many more incredible opportunities and experiences are on the horizon, waiting to come my way. From a little girl’s dream to a creative Latina in Hollywood, my story is still unfolding, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, no. In this rollercoaster industry, challenges have been a constant presence. Showbiz’s unpredictability can take a toll on even the most resilient spirits. The recent industry strike has exposed how, at times, the odds can be stacked against us. It’s a stark reminder of the mistreatment performers have endured and the reluctance of big studios to address these issues. It can leave you feeling like a year of your career has been wasted.
Yet, the most significant challenge has been the one within myself. In an industry where your essence often matters more than your talent, understanding and accepting who you are can become a formidable adversary. In a world where everyone has an opinion about you and pressures you to define yourself, it’s easy to feel lost. The constant comparisons and the temptation to be someone you’re not can lead to self-doubt, making it seem like you might not be strong enough to make it in this industry. That’s when I have to go back and connect with my passion for self-expression, art, movies, and stories to remember why my little girl’s intuition led me all the way here.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress and a creator with a diverse skill set that extends into the realms of makeup, film production, and creative direction. However, it’s my acting that has garnered me recognition and popularity.
What I’m most proud of is my unwavering belief in myself. This belief has driven me to undertake “big girl” endeavors, such as starting my own production company, Golden Watch Films. I’m passionate about developing projects and telling stories that often go untold or stories that moved me deeply when I first heard them. My goal is to create meaningful, impactful narratives that can touch and inspire others.
What truly sets me apart from others in the industry is my unique perspective on life, shaped by my personal experiences. I strive to tell relatable stories grounded in authenticity and genuine emotions. Each of my projects is an exploration of self, others, and the intricacies of life, all from my unique vantage point.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I like connecting and drawing inspiration from people who are doing the same thing as me. Those are the ones who have the advice and guidance that have really helped me.
Acting-wise, finding a good community, specifically a great acting class, helps me keep polishing my skills and staying focused. The people around me keep me inspired. They set the bar pretty high, and I wake up every day wanting to push it even higher. This makes networking a lot more joyous and easy.
Finding the right acting class isn’t easy; that’s why I recommend trying different ones, hearing what the people who take them get out of them, and taking a moment to see if you connect with it and the method. The community that my acting class has provided me helps me see the light at the end of a sometimes very dark tunnel.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mjgarcia.jpg
Image Credits
1st pic: Antonio Zapiain Luna 2nd pic: Alejandro Cardenas
