Today we’d like to introduce you to Emelina Adams.
Emelina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Henderson, NV. Growing up, I had a passion for the arts, and I was involved in dance, choir, and theater. After high school, I went to the University of Arizona and earned a B.A. in Psychology and Pre-Law. Once I received my degree, I moved back home and won the title of Miss Nevada USA 2016 and went on to compete at Miss USA. Competing in pageants helped start my modeling career and provided me with more opportunities in the entertainment industry. I didn’t know how to get into the industry so I thought modeling and pageants would help get my foot in the door. When I gave up my title of Miss Nevada USA, I was able to finally move to Los Angeles and really pursue my dreams in 2017. I have been consistently taking acting classes while booking print campaigns. Since moving to L.A., I have booked six independent films and I’ll be on season 14 of Wild N’ Out on MTV.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I feel like I am constantly hustling and working every single day towards my goals, but I have always said it’s not work if you love what you do, and I love what I do. I went from working almost every day in Las Vegas, booking print campaigns/billboards and commercials for the hotels, to having to start from the bottom in L.A. and figure everything out by myself. I am not the typical “model standard” measurements, so that has definitely worked against me and has pushed me to work that much harder. I got into acting classes right away as soon as I moved to L.A. and began working on my craft. From on camera scene study classes to improv classes at The Groundlings School. I hear no and get rejected all the time, but it’s part of the industry, and you just have to keep going. I didn’t have a theatrical agent for almost an entire year from when I first moved to L.A., and I couldn’t find a modeling agency that was the right fit for me. I have always been told, “You’re too short, you’re too commercial,” or, “you’re too curvy.” There are so many amazing agencies in L.A., but that’s why it’s so important for you to choose the right one that’s best for you and your brand. I am so happy to have finally found a strong team of agents who love my look and who really push for me when they submit me to jobs. I am signed with Rebels Management for modeling, Sovereign Talent Group across the board for commercial and theatrical along with Bohemia Group as my manager.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am an actress, model, social media influencer, and former Miss Nevada USA. What I am most proud of is my work ethic and determination when it comes to accomplishing my goals. If I say, I am going to do something I am going to give it my all and follow through. I try to maintain a positive attitude and learn from my mistakes. I have been taking ongoing acting classes for the last two years since moving to L.A., and I am currently enrolled at the Graham Shiels Studio with Graham, and I absolutely love it. I get to do a new scene every week either on camera, or we do a partnered scene in class. I have really grown as an actor these last seven months since I started going there. I have been getting callbacks, and I was put on avail for a T.V. show on HBO, my first time ever being on avail for a network show!! It is very exciting when I have these stepping stones happen along my journey. This week I actually won two awards, both for “Best Actress” for two of my most recent independent films that I worked really hard on. I feel very grateful to have been given the opportunities I have had in this short time of being in Los Angeles. With modeling, I am always updating my portfolio and posting new content on my social media. I have been fortunate enough to support myself through modeling, and I have booked mostly swimwear and lingerie print campaigns such as Dreamgirl, Shirley of Hollywood, Escante, and Beleza Swimwear, to name a few. I truly enjoy both modeling and acting, but my end goal has always been T.V. and film. I love learning not only in front of the camera but also behind the camera and what each person contributes when it comes to filmmaking; I feel like the more I know it will only help me become a better actor. So much goes into these projects, big or small, and I love being on set.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
Growing up in the desert, I am a huge fan of the beach! Now that it’s summer I almost always go to the beach on the weekends. I love the diversity of L.A. and how each city has its own vibe. I spend most of my time in West LA and West Hollywood. L.A. has so many great food options, entertainment, and of course, the amazing opportunities that await. What I like least about L.A. is how expensive everything is, the traffic and the parking! I think the parking might be worse than the traffic at times. Other than that there’s not much to complain about.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/e
melinaadams - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ missnevadausa2016/ - Other: Imdb.me/emelinaadams/
Image Credit:
Georgina Vaughan Photography, Frankie Batista, Michael Roud Photography, & Michael David Friedman.
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