Rising Stars: Meet Cyprianna Nicole Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyprianna Nicole Smith.

Hi Cyprianna Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always knew my heart was in Los Angeles. All my hopes and dreams would come true here. Being born and raised in El Paso, TX my family and I would vacation to Southern California often. I fell in love with the eclectic artistry, ethereal nature, and vast ocean fronts. Most of all, I remember driving on the 101 freeway seeing the Hollywood Sign and affirming myself this is where I needed to be. I knew I wanted to be an actress since I was seven years old. I would rewatch movies such as the Nutty Professor, Pretty Woman, Where the Heart Is, and For Colored Girls memorizing lines from various scenes and performing it for my family. Throughout secondary school, I participated in a variety of performing art shows including a play called “The Lucky Dog” with The El Paso Playhouse Theater and ballet & dance recitals. After obtaining my Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Science from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, I moved to Los Angeles, CA in 2017 to pursue my acting career. My journey kind of did a 180 as most people would think I would be working as a Forensic Scientist or a Crime Scene Investigator. My favorite subjects in school were math and science and I excelled fiercely in both but my passion for the performing arts was stronger.

Pursuing an acting career is no easy game because it requires discipline, stability, perseverance, sustainability, and a support system. It’s a constant hustle and an expensive one too. But above all, I feel my heart’s desires are aligned with God’s plan for my life. As of now, I’m enjoying auditions, headshot shoots, acting classes, and TV/Film sets. My purpose as an actor is to not only entertain but instill confidence in others to dream big and ignite emotional feelings. I’m going to be a star. Stay tuned.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Sacrifices had to be made in order to fully pursue my acting career. I had to form an entrepreneurial mindset because as an actor, YOU are your business. I needed to be financially stable yet flexible as anything could happen at any moment. One of the most recent struggles is navigating the industry through a pandemic as it changed the operation of auditions, acting classes, and productions for an extended time. I had to become even more tech-savvy to continue to participate in the journey of being an actor. This may have been a struggle at first but I’ve embraced the changes.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor and I specialize in TV/Film acting. I am most proud of my journey so far starting from ground zero in the Hollywood Industry to now being a SAG-AFTRA Union member and booking commercials. What sets me apart from others is having the confidence to be myself in any environment.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think it’s surprising to most people to that I enjoy water sports, swimming, and just being by the ocean. The waves bring me so much peace because it aligns with the human experience of constantly giving in and retreating.

Contact Info:

• Email: scyprianna@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take_a_cyp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyprianna.smith
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZHKzOTHM0hjMyjkqPHTyw

Image Credits:
Kenneth Dolin Photography