Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Dominguez.
Hi Natalia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my start when I was about six years old, acting in my church’s plays. Being on stage felt like my new home, it was thrilling and I wanted more of that. When you’re a child of immigrant parents though, acting isn’t something that you’re encouraged to pursue. But somehow, the universe kept motivating me in that direction. I started doing local commercials around the age of 12, participated in school plays, dabbled in high school theater, and even trained in a scammy “modeling” school that didn’t take me anywhere, haha, but it definitely left me looking for more. I knew I wanted to be an actor, so after high school, I went straight to LA with a suitcase full of dreams and no plan. I very quickly learned though that not having a plan can bite you in the butt. I booked a couple of gigs here and there and even got into production. But it was while working in production that I really learned the ins and outs of the industry, in some ways you could say it became my school. I ended up moving back to the Bay Area (where I’m from) because I started a little family of my own and wanted to be closer to my family. Life can be funny sometimes… Moving back home was the best, most serendipitous thing that could happen for me in my career. Because the Bay Area is such a small market, especially when I moved back, it gave me more opportunities to grow my career. I also had a fresh perspective and that gave me a whole new outlook on life. I guess you could say this is when my career really started. I took on anything and everything that gave me an opportunity to be on set and, in that process, met wonderful people along the way that helped nurture my career. Fast forward, it’s been quite the journey, and I’m grateful for all the incredible opportunities that were in my path and to all the lovely people who have been a part of this crazy life of mine. I can proudly say I just experienced, for the first time watching a film I was in at Sundance! So when people say, “It’s about the journey, not the destination,” it really truly is people!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been smooth. I had kiddos at a young age while I was in the middle of my career. And although I don’t regret that, it was definitely a challenge. This career isn’t as glamorous and as graceful as I wish I could say it was. It’s a constant hustle. So raising babies while also hustling in your career can feel like you’re juggling a lot at once. Also though, if it weren’t for being a mom, I don’t think I would be where I am in my career. My girls have been a gift in so many ways.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of being a mom, but there are other really cool things I’ve done in my career, haha… One of the most recent and biggest highlights of my career has been playing Pedro Pascal’s wife in a film called “Freaky Tales,” and we also just went to Sundance with that one 🙂 so look out for it soon!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my journey is to focus more on the process and not the results.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thenataliadominguez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momtreprenista/
Image Credits
Skyler Greene & Christina Sewell
