Rising Stars: Meet Brenda Raquel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Raquel.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
I came to the United States from the Dominican Republic at four years old. We moved to NYC, the city of dreams! We abruptly moved to Los Ángeles not too long after. It was where I discovered I was brown. (You can read that story on my website.) We returned back to NYC in less than a year. The acting bug bit me at a very young age. I’d recite actors’ lines, especially if they were fast-paced because I was fascinated by it and wanted to know how they did it! When I got to middle school, I joined the theater and dance club as well as every sport made available. I knew my heart belonged to the Arts. After not being accepted into one of NYC’s top performing arts schools, I went on to a High School that unfortunately didn’t offer much. It wasn’t until I graduated that I got the opportunity to land a lead role in an independent film. Unfortunately, that project was never completed. And I didn’t act for many years after that. After gaining a following on social media just being myself and writing/acting in skits, I decided to take acting seriously and joined classes, workshops and anything I could to strengthen the craft. Since then, I’ve written and produced short films, been in plays, several independent projects in Film Festival rotation. My biggest role this far is the recurring role of Lulu Davis on Law-and-Order SVU. I’m still pinching myself! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Can I share a joke? When I started acting again as an adult, I said, “If I don’t make it in a year, I’ll stop acting.” Ahhh, to be ignorant. It hasn’t been smooth, but I won’t say it’s been a total struggle. I learned to enjoy the journey. But juggling being a mom, working a full-time job, creating content, taking classes, auditioning isn’t for someone who doesn’t love this. It’s been hard because you do so much and think, when is my big break? But all in God’s timing. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create. I write. I act. I’m known for creating relatable content with wit and sarcasm. I’m proudest of being loved for being me and the people that support me for it. I think what sets me apart from others is that I don’t care much for what’s trending; I don’t care to overwhelm my audience with content. I do what feels right when it feels right, and I put it out there and let it be received organically. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I need someone to give me advice on networking; it’s not my forte! What’s worked for me is making connection in a more organic way than, let’s say, mingling at a networking event. I’ve met some of the most wonderful people and actors in classes. It’s worked out so well for me because these very same people have lent me their talents for my projects, and I keep them in mind for any projects they may be good fits for. They do the same for me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: BrendaRaquel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missbigb/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MissBigB/

Image Credits
Kervin’s Photography LLC
SKI images