Meet Lauren Vaz | Actress/Artist

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

Hi Lauren, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is actually a Bible verse—Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This verse isn’t just an affirmation for me; it’s an anchor. I’ve lived by it since I was young, and I remind myself of it daily. But in the moments when life feels like it’s working against me, I have to truly meditate on it. It has provided a solid foundation through every season of my life, reminding me that nothing I go through is wasted. Even better—it’s all working together for my good.

Looking back on my journey, I can see how every hardship, win, and failure played a necessary role in shaping who I am. As an actor, my job is to be human and experience life fully. It’s so important to embrace the perspective that life is happening for us, not to us. This verse perfectly encapsulates that truth, shaping both my approach to my work and how I navigate life itself.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
One thing that sets me apart as an artist is that no one else has my exact story. My journey, my experiences, my struggles, and my victories all come together like a mosaic that makes me who I am. I embrace my flaws, I don’t take life too seriously, and I’ve fallen in love with the process rather than fixating on a specific destination.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. This industry is full of rejection, and it’s easy to get discouraged or feel like giving up. I’ve definitely had moments of self-doubt where I wondered if I was being delusional for pursuing this path. But over time, I realized that rejection isn’t failure—it’s protection. Every ‘no’ has redirected me toward something better, and every audition has become an opportunity to sharpen my craft, experiment with my creativity, and grow as an artist. When I reframed my mindset in this way, I stopped seeing rejection as something that defined me and instead saw it as something that refined me.

This shift in perspective has freed me creatively. Instead of putting pressure on myself to ‘get it right,’ I focus on showing up as my authentic self and letting my passion shine through. I’ve learned that success in this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, faith, and the ability to keep going even when the path feels uncertain.

It’s easy to be hard on yourself in this industry, but I’ve found that holding onto small wins—whether it’s a callback, a great meeting, or even just getting out of bed and trying again—creates momentum. Giving myself grace and choosing to see more wins than failures has literally rewired my brain to see the good and avoid burnout.

Above all, I want the world to know that I am a living example of God’s faithfulness. There have been countless times when I felt like I was going backward, but every single time, God has shown up for me in ways I never expected. He has guided me, provided for me, and reminded me that I was created for a purpose. Everything I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of, I owe to Him.

When I choose to believe what God says about me instead of my fears, everything shifts. Doors open, challenges become opportunities, and things always turn in my favor. He is truly the best, and I want others to experience the beautiful gift of Jesus just as I have.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they had the best time ever! We’d start with brunch at Millie’s in Pasadena—one of my all-time favorite spots with delicious food and the perfect cozy atmosphere for catching up. After that, we’d take a walk through the Huntington Library and Gardens—it’s absolutely breathtaking, and exploring the different gardens always feels like a little escape from the city.

If we’re in the mood to move, we’d take a dance class at Eighty Eight Studios—one of my favorite places to let loose and have fun while learning some new choreography. And for a night out, Barney’s Beanery in Pasadena is the go-to! Whether we’re grabbing brunch, hanging out for a chill evening, or going all out with karaoke in the Tiki Room downstairs, it never disappoints.

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?
There are so many people who deserve credit and recognition in my story. First and foremost, my parents. They are the definition of love and my biggest role models. They laid the foundation for how I view myself, my identity, and the importance of treating others with love and kindness. Because of their example, I’ve learned how to work hard, strive for excellence in everything I do, and always lead with love.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my boyfriend, Jake Moenning and best friend Janelle Reyes. These two have poured an incredible amount of love and sunshine into my life. They keep me grounded yet always uplift me, pushing me to be my best while reminding me I’m never alone in this journey. Their companionship is unlike any friendship I’ve had, and I’m endlessly grateful for them.

Additionally, I’d like to thank my wonderful music and theater teachers who taught me everything I know. They were the first in an educational setting to recognize my potential and truly believe in me. Miss Jasmine, Claire Dardis, Scott Cohen, Robert Black, Andi Chapman, Kirsten Humer, and Jessica Wilson—just to name a few—have all played an instrumental role in shaping me as both an artist and a person. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my talent have meant the world to me, and I carry their lessons with me every day.

Website: https://linktr.ee/LaurenVaz

Instagram: @laurenvazzz

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@laurenvaz6499?si=wVvUjay7lV9jLUvy

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11971961/

Image Credits
Wes Klain