We had the good fortune of connecting with Rozen Lalas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rozen, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is “do it scared”. I love it because it’s simple and it has been the quote to fuel me through every big risk I’ve ever taken. I always have that moment before I do something big where I hesitate and I almost let fear hold me back from taking that next big step. Whenever I come across this feeling/situation, no matter what magnitude, I use this quote to keep me in check and empower me to keep going. I love this quote because it gives me permission to be scared while I step out of my comfort zone. Who says you have to be completely brave while you chase your big and scary dreams? Oh, so your dreams scare you? Do it scared.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
How I got to where I am professionally is a combination of so many different things, but it starts from who you know. Just being in the right rooms with the right people and being yourself – allowing your energy to attract the right people to elevate your craft. Networking plays a huge role in getting opportunities in Hollywood, but not only do you have to be in the right room with the right people, you always have to be prepared to showcase your talent in a moments notice. Another favorite quote of mine is “success is when preparation meets opportunity.” I pride myself on being well, prepared and ready to showcase my talent whenever the occasion calls for it because you never know who you will meet. It was not easy to get to where I am professionally today. But again, nothing worth having ever comes that easy. This Hollywood dream does play with your emotions and your mental health which is the biggest challenge for me as an artist. It’s easy to get in our heads and allow our self-limiting beliefs to trickle in. But the best way to overcome that is the favorite quote I mentioned, “do it scared”. One of my favorite lessons I’ve learned along the way is to allow people to show up for me, and let them do what they do best while I take a step back.

I want the world to know my story because it’s a very unique one, and not one you hear very often. I want the world to remember me as their favorite brown Filipina triple-threat. The face that finally made it onto the billboards back home in the Philippines, a representation of true Filipino beauty. I want to pave the way for other brown Filipino creatives and empower young morena beauties to chase their dreams as a singer/actress/model.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anytime anyone visits I have to take them to the beach with my dog Noni. I would take them to eat my favorite fish and chips at Neptunes Net and watch the sunset while we eat her food on top of my car overlooking the ocean in Malibu.

I’d take them for brunch at H Café in Ktown! Their breakfast sandwich is to die for. I would definitely drag them to take free salsa class with me on Tuesday nights at La Descarga and then end the night with visiting my favorite food truck in Hollywood called “Flavorz”.

For a night out, I would take them to the Bungalow in either Santa Monica or Long Beach! Both are a total vibe and I’m never sitting down anytime I’m there, because the DJs play the best music get you up and dancing all night long. Ideal for the perfect girls night out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely shout out Jazmine Martinez. She is my incredibly talented Hair & Make-up Artist, who also is one of my closest friends. She deserves a shout out because she is an exceptionally incredible human being and friend, and equally as talented of a Make-Up Artist. She has had my back through my darkest days and always make sure I look and feel my absolute best. So thankful for her support all ways and always.

Katie Buchholz is also another great human being, a talented dancer, and a beast when she’s on set for any production. I’m thankful for her friendship and support during recent big changes in my life. Incredibly thankful for her holding space for me while I coped with multiple losses in the same season.

Someone who deserves a big shout out in my story is my older sister, Donna. She is my biggest supporter and has always been my biggest cheerleader next to my mom. She plays a big part in my story, because her confidence in me gave me just enough confidence to put myself out there whether it be dancing, singing acting, or modeling. She never made me feel silly for chasing those dreams. In fact, she empowered me. I am forever grateful to have the best big sister.

Website: www.officialrozen.com

Instagram: @officialrozenlalas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozen-christine-lalas-88b948116

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialrozen/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdnIjRCpYXgzrQ_KVhYCVqw

Image Credits
Allie Costello Nailah Barcelona Martin Liss Photography

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