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

Hi Daisy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has always been a factor in my life. I grew up as quite a curious child. I love learning, and I am always finding new ways to expand my overall knowledge as an individual. I always loved taking risks, maybe more than I should. I would get in trouble and be sent to the principal’s office very often in elementary school for this reason. Growing up as a young girl with these big hopes and dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, and actress in itself was a big risk. I was always mocked and ridiculed for having such “unrealistic” dreams. What was funny was that you would think I would become sick of hearing all of the negative remarks about how it was never going to work and hearing all of the snickering behind my back and just give in to what everyone was saying and pursue something more realistic, but instead it was like almost the opposite had happened. Somehow and someway, that lit a little fire inside that small girl that was like fuel for my dreams. I not only wanted to prove what those people had said about me wrong, but I wanted to achieve my dreams so that I could not only be an inspiration to myself but also to others who also have to endure the struggles of peer pressure and criticism when pursuing a career in the entertainment industry or even in any career field in general. From a young age, I’ve always been a risk-taker. Not by choice, but by heart. I knew the future and dreams I had for myself in my heart, soul, and mind. I knew that these dreams were meant for me and for the future I had ahead of me. I knew they weren’t just some superficial dreams that would fizzle out and die in a second; they were dreams that would last a lifetime. I think it’s wise to be a risk-taker. I am all for being safe and playing it by the book when it comes to safety and more practical situations in life, but I also think that sometimes we can lead ourselves to play it a little too much “by the book,” leading us to become comfortable where we are and become afraid of taking risks and stepping outside our comfort zones in fear of failure. I believe that taking risks when appropriate is good for our mind and body. I believe it’s beneficial to step out of our usual environments once in a while and surround ourselves with new opportunities and new ways to learn and grow. I believe that the only way we are able to truly grow and reach our fullest potential as individuals is through trial and error. Through failing, then getting back up again. I don’t think I would have achieved half of the accomplishments I have to this day if I didn’t fail more times than I’ve succeeded, because it was ultimately those failures that have really pushed me to work harder, which has led me to success. I believe we, as humans, are only able to grow if we root ourselves in an environment where we are constantly challenged. I used to be afraid of risks, but now I love risks and consider myself a risk-taker. I love the challenge and risk behind my desired career in the entertainment industry because that’s what makes it special and all the more rewarding. If my dreams were so simple and easy that they didn’t require a risk and could just be handed to me, then they’re too small. When I achieve my dreams, I will feel so proud of myself because only I will know all the blood, sweat, and tears I have poured and invested into my dreams, and I know one day I will be able to watch them come to fruition after all of these years. Knowing that there are big risks involved and the chances of success in this industry are slim to none pushes me to work harder, stay creative, be better, and most importantly, to always keep improving and stay on top of my game at all times.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Of course! I am a teenage American-Peruvian singer, songwriter, and actress. I am theatrically and commercially represented by Eris Talent (LA), and I am represented in the modeling and print division by Professionally Pretty (ORL). I am most known for singing a duet with Kelly Clarkson featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and for being a contestant on last season of American Idol. I have been singing and acting for over ten years now. I basically grew up singing before I could even talk, and I grew up doing musical theatre in community and school productions from the mere age of four. I believe that my background in musical theatre and my overall upbringing being immersed and surrounded by several outlets of performing arts such as singing, songwriting, drama, dance, modeling, and piano sets me apart from other creatives. As a creative, I don’t confine my dreams and talents to one box. I am always striving to learn and do more so I can be more. I am most proud and excited for the release of my debut EP album as well as my potential debut Christmas EP album I am working on. Both albums are expected to be released between 2023 and 2024. Both albums include all original music written by me. Songwriting is one of my absolute favorite things to do in the entire world. I find it so therapeutic and healing. As an artist, I believe that songwriting heals the soul. If I could write songs all day, I would! I am so excited to be able to share my voice and a piece of who I am with everyone through my music, which I love and am extremely passionate about. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that creating music is a timely process that can’t be rushed or forced. It’s also been a financial investment that has taken me some time to achieve, but I feel really proud of everything I have worked hard to afford and put together so far, and I am beyond excited for all of my babies to be out in the world for everyone to stream. I really hope that many others will be able to resonate with my music in one way or another and that it will inspire others to go after their dreams. In addition to my original music, I have been auditioning for several projects through my agencies for both acting and modeling opportunities via self-tape and in-person casting calls. It’s been tricky managing a career in music as well as an acting career and a bit of a modeling career all while keeping up with my school and studies, but it’s possible as long as you manage your time wisely and keep an organized schedule. It was definitely a challenge getting to where I am professionally today. In the beginning, I felt that it was a challenge for people to take me seriously and really believe in me when I was first starting out. All I had was credits from high school on my resume, and it was tough trying to get my foot in the door and have casting directors even interested in seeing me, or when I was constantly sending around my music demos trying to get the attention of music producers I wanted to work with. It was also becoming really hard for me to afford some of the resources and materials I wanted while pursuing this industry. Over time, I overcame the challenges as I began to discover what worked for me and by finding people who truly believed in my talents and what I had to offer as a creative. I eventually found the right people who wanted to invest in me and my potential and were wanting to grow with me in this industry, but the key is that I never gave up. Even when times were difficult and when my dreams felt impossible I kept on pushing. I am so thankful for my entire team for their unprecedented belief in me and my dreams. I feel empowered to have such a strong team by my side, backing me up every step of the way as I navigate this tricky yet incredible career field. The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that all great things take time. It’s going to take time to develop your craft and find the right people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. Never try to rush the process. It’ll never work out the way you want it to. Instead, make sure you enjoy the process and each step you take towards the direction of your dreams. Ultimately, it’s consistency that gets you to the top, so it’s important to live in the moment and appreciate the journey. My goal is for the world to know my story, my passion, and the love I have for what I do through my work. I want to build a community of others who resonate with my story and with who I am. I love singing, songwriting, and acting, but what makes it truly special to me is the story and message behind it all. If I’m able to achieve that goal through my work in the entertainment industry, then my ultimate dream would be fulfilled.

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?
How fun! Well, first, if you don’t know, I’m a proud coffee addict. We would most definitely start our day at a coffee shop for a cup of coffee (or two!) and then get some breakfast! Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day! One of my personal favorite coffee shops in LA is Verve Coffee Roasters! Their coffee is so delectable and addicting, not to mention the shop itself has such a modern and relaxing vibe making it the perfect place for a coffee or study date. I love both hot and iced coffee, depending on the season. I love my coffee black and rich; my go-to coffee order is pretty much always a hot Americano with two shots. For breakfast, I would suggest getting their overnight oats topped with verve maple granola! I love oats and fruit; it’s something sweet and tasty to give me some energy and kickstart my day. I would then take you to explore the Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park for some sightseeing! I also love all things fashion, so afterwards I would obviously take you to the best mall in LA, also known as The Grove. We would shop until we dropped and then get some delicious dinner at Edo Bites Cafe inside The Grove. My absolute favorite dish is their grilled salmon salad! Salmon is one of my favorite foods in the entire world. Believe me when I say their salmon salad is to die for! As for the rest of the week, I would take you to explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see the Hollywood sign, see some neat art museums, see the Hollywood Bowl, have a fun day at Disneyland or Universal Studios, try some food at the Grand Central Market, and take you around town for some more sightseeing! And if we have extra time, we would drive down to the Santa Monica Pier for another fun-filled day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be anywhere near as close to where I am today if not for so many people. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of people. There are some who’ve supported me and my dreams and some who haven’t, but either way, all of those people have played a role in where I am in my career today. I don’t hold a grudge against all the people who once doubted me, because they have all shaped me into the woman I have become today in one form or another. I believe that everyone we cross paths with in life is for a reason. We may not see it or understand it now, but eventually we will. I truly believe that everything is connected in this vast universe. Over the years, I have strengthened my faith and my relationship with God, and I have seen him work in such wondrous ways throughout the course of my life, one of them being the constant strength, determination, resilience, and perseverance I need to continue to keep pursuing these big dreams of mine. I am very thankful to be strong in my faith and surrounded by his everlasting love. My biggest blessing would have to be my mother, Nina Close. She is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside. I am the woman I am today because of her. I owe her everything. I want to give her the world she deserves. She is so selfless and has such a big heart and compassion for others. She pours her love into everything she does. She has taught me what real love looks like, and how I can spread that same love to others through my passion and love for the arts. She has planted important morals and values in me from such a young age that, to this day, I am so thankful for them. She’s given me so much purpose and meaning in my life. I want everything I do to be a direct reflection of the belief she has instilled in me from a young age. She is ultimately the one who has taught me the importance of dreaming big and always believing in yourself and your dreams, no matter what. She inspires me in every way. She is such a hard worker, yet she never fails to prioritize and make time for her family and the ones she loves and cares for. She came to America and built her life here from the ground up so her daughter could have a chance to live the American dream and receive the opportunities she didn’t have growing up. She is my superhero. I would also like to thank my entire family for rooting for me all the way in Peru. Everything I do is for them and to represent my culture.

Website: https://63b4de56b70bb.site123.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.close/?hl=en

Other: Email: daisydclose@gmail.com

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.