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

Hi Mariel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Pursuing a career in entertainment is risky, you’re throwing yourself into a life that is so competitive, so subjective and full of rejection. But with such a high risk comes an incredible payout because on the days you get to do what you love you realize the risk was worth it – even for a fleeting moment. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I knew I wanted to be an actor from the moment I stepped onstage at 6 years old. There is something about performing and entertaining an audience. It fuels the fibers in my being. If I can transport you somewhere else, if I can open your mind, if I can open a conversation – I’m doing my job and that makes me so happy. No one in my family knew anything about the industry so it was hard to get in, I was definitely scammed a couple times. When I moved to LA at 18 I started studying acting in an amazing studio (AMAW) and that’s where I realized I had to put in a lot of work. So, I studied my butt off and auditioned and heard so many no’s. At 23, I decided to move to Mexico City and play a numbers game, smaller market. And it worked! My discipline and grit from being rejected so many times in LA paid off and after a month of moving to Mexico I was working. At first it was difficult to act in another language but like anything, practice makes perfect. I’ve learned that talent only takes you so far. Hard work, persistence, talent and confidence in all of it take you where you need to be. I’m Mexican, American, Jewish and Catholic woman, I have a lot of storytelling to do.

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?
Drive through Topanga Canyon to Malibu – it’s a beaut. Grab a sub at Bay Cities and hit the beach at Santa Monica. My favorite burger joint – Father’s Office (make sure you go to the OG in SM) Go see an old classic black and white movie at the Hollywood Cemetery. You cannot leave LA without trying Korean BBQ and while you’re at it hit up a Karaoke spot – you won’t regret it. If LA gets to be too much – head to Manhattan Beach for a chill vibe. Acai bowls at Flake in Venice, The Broad museum 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my mother, Bianca. She immigrated to the US as a newlywed, new mother and frankly she didn’t really know what to expect. Later, my father passed away while my 3 brothers and sisters were still young and in a moment my mom became mom & dad. At first I was so frustrated with this new tragedy, we bumped heads. But soon enough I realized that her strength, her bravery and conviction inspired me to keep dreaming, to keep my head held high and to never stop believing in myself.

Website: https://www.marielmolino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marielmolino/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarielMolino
Facebook: facebook.com/marielmolinoOS
Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6568724/

Image Credits
Amazon, Alberto Hidalgo

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