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

Hi Abigail, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Well, I was born in Okinawa, Japan and moved to small town Missouri when I was seven. Like many minorities, I faced challenges that made it difficult to fully accept my identity, or even know what that is. I tried really hard to fit in, even if that meant brushing off ridiculous Asian stereotypes (sometimes even encouraging them sigh), but if I’m being honest, I enjoy having these stories to tell. When I was younger, I was so resentful towards my culture and now it feels like I’m playing catch-up. But seeing this change in myself is the reason why I believe everyone deserves a second chance. It’s been a deeply transformative journey to learn and unlearn what it is to be Filipino-American and it’s an experience I continue to celebrate.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think like most artists pursuing this professionally, it didn’t feel like I had much of a choice. It wasn’t until then that I knew what to say when I was asked, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” Now, it’s not easy. If you’re starting from the bottom, you can’t take shortcuts in this industry. Is it a privilege to pursue this career? Undoubtedly. But it is equally our responsibility as artists to inspire and collaborate with those around us while doing the grunt work.

Because being creative is so innate to who we are as people, sometimes I find it difficult giving myself credit for art I’ve made in the past. When I write music or execute a creative idea, it feels as if it’s flowing through me from a higher source and I’m just the vessel. That’s really all I have to say about it. It feels absolutely amazing lol and I can’t help but wonder what the world might look like if we all gave ourselves permission to tap into that side of ourselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh I hate to be this person but I love the Venice beach boardwalk. In a perfect world I would eat my way through every restaurant in Sawtelle Japantown and find some cute little art show or pop-up event I could venture to on a whim.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is my biggest support system. I can’t recall a time in my life that they weren’t filming me when I was performing. After beginning my new job in Kansas City post-college, my mom implored me to go back to an acting camp I hadn’t been to in five years. If any one moment deserves recognition, it’s this one.

Instagram: @abigailvillanueva

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rtXklDBbI7svcUssSbrGx?si=RDr_nSpHSVCUT0PyOjUYsw&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=copy-link&nd=1&_branch_match_id=1227067426808154240&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq9TLyczL1ncyqPRxDKlKLndJAgCmP5DYIAAAAA%3D%3D Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/abigail-villanueva/1522068495

Image Credits
@totallykylekc, @sauce.tv, @mariahselenaa, @chrisburrow_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.