Meet Laura | Actor & Content Creator

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

Hi Laura, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, even before I knew that’s what it was. Growing up in Aruba, I taught myself English by watching American TV shows and movies. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was studying the craft; the emotions, the timing, the way a scene could make you feel something so deeply without needing words. That’s what made me fall in love with acting.

When I moved to LA at 18, alone and knowing no one, I wasn’t chasing fame. I just knew I had something to say. Whether it’s through acting or the content I share online, I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people, making them feel seen, inspired, or simply less alone. That’s what drives me.

Choosing a creative path wasn’t easy or logical. It was risky, unpredictable, and at times isolating. But it felt honest. It felt like home. And now I get to wake up every day and do what I love while building a community along the way. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in storytelling, whether that’s through acting, content creation, or simply showing up as my most authentic self online. I’ve always believed that there’s power in vulnerability, and that being real is more impactful than being perfect.

What sets me apart is that I didn’t take the traditional path. I didn’t have connections or industry support. I moved to LA from Aruba when I was 18, completely alone. No family, no friends, just a dream and a whole lot of guts. I taught myself perfect English growing up by watching movies and TV shows, which is where my passion for acting began. It wasn’t just about entertainment, it was about feeling seen. And that’s what I try to do now; create space for others to feel seen too.

Professionally, nothing about my journey has been easy. I’ve had to prove myself over and over again, not just to others, but to myself. There were times I felt lost, discouraged, or like I wasn’t doing enough. But I kept showing up. I kept learning. I kept pushing. What helped me was tuning out the noise and focusing on who I wanted to be, not what people thought I should be.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency and authenticity will take you further than talent alone. People connect with truth. And the more I leaned into my story, the more doors began to open.

I want the world to know that I didn’t get lucky. I worked for this. I bet on myself when it didn’t make sense to, and I’m just getting started. My brand is about resilience, passion, and leading with heart. I want people to know that no matter where you come from or how unlikely your dream seems, you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to go for it. Fully.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting LA for the first time… buckle up, we’re doing it all!

First, we’re hitting the classic tourist spots: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, the Hollywood walk of Fame, and of course, the iconic palm tree-lined street where you can see the Hollywood sign right in the center (yes, we’re getting the photo). Then we’d stop by Hollywood Park for a closer view of the sign and a little walk.

One day would be fully dedicated to an amusement park, depending on the vibe, it’s either Universal Studios, Disneyland, or Six Flags if we’re feeling brave. And obviously, we’re going to the gym. My favorite one is John Reed. The energy there is unmatched.

After the gym, we’d head to Remedy Place for recovery, whether that’s a sauna session, ice bath, hyperbaric chamber, lymphatic compression, cryotherapy… they have everything. It’s the ultimate self-care reset, and trust me, we’ll need it after all the running around.

When it comes to food… oh we’re eating GOOD.
For breakfast: Met Her At A Bar. The French toast is insane, and there’s always a line for a reason.
For dinner and drinks: Drake’s Hollywood is my holy grail spot. The steak? Best I’ve ever had. The curly fries? Life-changing. The whole vibe? Chef’s kiss.
I’d also take them to Saddle Ranch on Sunset. Super casual, great food, and they’ve got a mechanical bull if we’re feeling chaotic.
One of my all-time favorite spots is Bossa Nova. It’s Brazilian, but they’ve got everything, and it never misses.
For Italian, it’s a toss up between Il Fornaio in Beverly Hills (classic and cozy) and Elephante in Santa Monica. Elephante gives major Tulum vibes, and their whipped eggplant? Life-changing. I dream about that dish sometimes.

We’d definitely spend a day at the beach in Malibu and another shopping at Westfield Century City (dangerous but necessary).

And to end one of the nights, we’d drive up to Mulholland Drive to take in the view of the entire city. At night, LA is lit up with twinkling lights, and if the sky is clear, you can even see the stars. It’s one of those quiet, magical spots that makes you fall in love with this city all over again.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I honestly want to dedicate this shoutout to the version of me that kept going, even when no one really believed in her.

When I lived in Aruba, and even after I moved to LA, there were a lot of people, including some family, who doubted me. I constantly heard: “What’s your backup plan?” or “You should have something more stable to fall back on.” And I get it. Acting isn’t the safest path, but I knew deep down that if I gave myself a plan B, I’d never fully commit to Plan A. So I made the decision to bet on myself completely.

I didn’t grow up with mentors or people I looked up to. I looked up to future me. I stayed locked in on the vision I ha for myself, even when I felt alone. And that loneliness, as hard as it was, made me more independent, more driven, and more sure of who I am.

That being said, I’m forever grateful to my mom and my best friends, the ones who did support me without question. But at the end of the day, most of the credit goes to the girl who kept showing up, even when it was scary, even when she had no idea what was next. She had her own back, and I’ll always be proud of her for that.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11041515/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasaponara

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurasaponara