Meet Joelle Montoya | Actor, Singer, Storyteller

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

Hi Joelle, how do you think about risk?
I think that life is all about taking that leap into the unknown. Acting has taken me all over the world from London, to NYC, and now to Los Angeles. Going on stage to play music and putting my work out there requires a certain vulnerability which makes a lot of creative endeavors or moves feel risky. But I bet on myself and my foundations that I have around me to keep grounded and I know that I even if I do fail, it’s only a lesson on how to keep improving. That’s the work that’s exciting.

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.
My art is ever changing and ever evolving and I love it. I grew from theatre acting/musical theatre to creating my own music and writing stories I would like to see or hear. I think in an industry dominated by so many opinions, I am at the point of relearning who I am and how I want to create and what I am willing to give. It is not at all an easy task but in reality, the challenges of this life are what makes it worth living. Along the way I have learned that what’s meant for you will not pass you by. In fact, I have witnessed it and when the puzzles pieces fall into place. It’s pure magic. And that’s what I am here to do, to create some magic in my life to share with others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, if my bestie was in town, firstly, I would just give loads of hugs and cuddles. We would pop down to The Raymond 1886 for a happy hour, then head back up for some dinner and sunset at my place, because my view is gorgeous. We would probably top it off with a little neighborhood walk. Then the next day we would have to head to the beach or a trail. At the moment I would say Redondo beach is my favorite and there are some really yummy fish places around we would have to get happy hour Oysters if we could find any. Other favorite shout outs would be Whittier’s main street because growning up my dad would always take us there because he went to college there and there are some super cute crystal shops, record stores, and a beer hall thats amazing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family, without their love, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I would like to shoutout my friends for holding me up when I am down. And I would like to thank the teachers and mentors I have had from the beginning to now, for showing me insight into this business and into creative self. Let’s goooo!

Website: https://www.joellemontoya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelle.montoya/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joellemontoya

Image Credits
Fontana Photography