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

Hi JULIANA, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I believe people outside of Hollywood think luck is how our industry works. It is rare for someone to “Just get lucky” when it comes to being successful. Our industry requires years and years of saying yes to everything and putting in hours of practice. In the stand-up world, most stand-up comedians spend late nights out at dive bars practicing stand-up. Sometimes the outside world never sees that side.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In the stand-up world, I love being open on stage about the insecurities women have. Every woman has insecurities, we may just not see what they are struggling with. I love making jokes about mine so other people can be confident with their own insecurities they are working on. For example, I constantly struggled with not feeling like I am “enough” because of all the beautiful, smart women in Los Angeles. A lot of women feel the same way! So, I want us all to be able to laugh about it.

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.
My friends back in Texas LOVE celebrities. So I would take them to Craigs in Beverly hills because there is always a celebrity sighting! I would of course take them to all the fun hikes and ‘Bob’s Big Boy” in Burbank. It is my favorite diner in the world! My new hangout is Hermosa Beach. The people are great and it is so relaxing.

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?
Honestly, So many people! There are so many great places in LA where I have been able to practice my craft. Flappers comedy club is full of wonderful people. I use to work in their office and made phone calls for stage time once a week. They are so open to helping new comedians get the stage time they want. I also want to thank my acting coach, Jeff Dockweiler. He has been there since my first audition in Los Angeles and still helps me every day with my career.

Instagram: @julianadestefano1

Image Credits
First Photo @Justoffthesix

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