Meet Mona Trujillo | Actress & Artist

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

Hi Mona, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
What’s the end goal? Hmm, that is a tricky question, and I would be lying if I said I have never pondered various possibilities for the answer. Recently, I’ve embarked on a new journey as an artist and as a person, which has transformed the way I perceive my life. Consequently, it has had a profound impact on my art and what I wish to convey and share with the world through it.

I don’t believe I have a specific end goal because I always aspire to continue dreaming and achieving new goals. I want to keep creating more, delve deeper into life’s experiences, and share everything I can through various forms of art.

For now, my goals include expanding my knowledge as an artist and sharing it with those around me, further developing my skills in the acting craft and industry, exploring music as a beginner, dedicating more time to my paintings and beginning to share some of my pieces, and launching my podcast with the aim of raising awareness about mental health. I hope to normalize and humanize the experiences, feelings, and thoughts that we as humans often go through but seldom discuss openly.

If I were to choose something as my ‘end goal,’ it would be to make people feel. To make them feel human, to allow them to connect with their emotions through my art, and to help them understand that whatever they’re feeling is valid, without anyone else dictating what they should feel.

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.
I am primarily recognised as an actress, and over my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in stage productions and short films, each of which has provided me with artistic challenges and enrichment. Beyond acting, I also pursue modeling and painting. My artistic work as a model focuses on artistic and conceptual elements and my painting is driven by a sense of liberation. I’m drawn to the idea of conveying emotions and connections through various art forms, going beyond conventional notions of beauty to evoke feelings and share messages.

What sets me apart from others is my Colombian heritage and my educational journey, starting in London and later in Los Angeles. These experiences have profoundly influenced my perspective and artistic expression. Every piece I create is a part of myself, a feeling, a thought, or an opinion. It emerges directly from my soul with the intent of forging connections and eliciting emotions. I approach each project with immense passion, staying true to my artistic vision and refusing to compromise my values or create anything that doesn’t align with who I am, my passion, and energy.

Currently, I’m embarking on a new path as an artist, aiming to expand my craft and connect with people through various platforms. My goal isn’t just to share art but also to delve into the human experience itself, normalizing discussions about mental health and humanizing the experiences we all share but often don’t openly discuss. I’m particularly excited about starting a podcast, where I’ll engage in diverse conversations with guests on topics ranging from the essence of being a woman to climate awareness, the reality of life in Los Angeles, studying abroad, my personal experiences, and much more. My objective is to create a space for healing, sharing, empathy, and human connection through the podcast, and all my platforms. Also the podcast will be available in both Spanish and English due to my Spanish being my 1st language..

Although my experiences of living and studying abroad were challenging, they were essential in shaping who I am today. I firmly believe that everything happened as it should, and every obstacle I encountered has contributed to my growth as a person and an artist. I understand that difficult moments don’t define a whole life; they are simply part of the human experience. It’s up to us to choose how we perceive them. I’m motivated by the prospect of facing more challenges on my journey, as they drive me to continue working toward my dreams.

I take pride in calling myself an artist, and I aspire to be recognized as such. I’m proud that my family and I have overcome numerous obstacles, and I’d face them again if necessary. I’m proud of the art I will create in the future and the work I’m currently engaged in because it is authentic, driven by love and purpose, and, for me, that’s what truly matters.

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 bestie were visiting LA, I would primarily show her the places where I have felt at peace, content, and inspired. I’d start with a hike to the wisdom tree, my favorite spot in LA! Additionally, we’d plan a day hiking around El Matador Beach in Malibu, exploring various beaches, and strolling on the west side.

I’d introduce her to the underground techno scene in DTLA for a night out filled with great music and a diverse mix of artists and personalities. I’d steer clear of the main clubs in Hollywood since that isn’t my style.

For brunch or lunch, we’d head somewhere in WeHo, where I adore the wide variety of restaurants and bars. Including all the amazing vegan places, like Pura Vita yummy, and so many more. We could leisurely explore the area, just soaking in the atmosphere.

We’d also check out Silverlake, either for its culinary delights or simply to wander and take in the artsy vibes it exudes.

Last but not least, we’d aim to visit as many museums and art galleries as possible in one week, including LACMA, The Broad, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Getty, and the science center, among others.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If there is someone in my life who deserves recognition and credit for who I am as a person and as an artist and for where I am going, is definitely my family. My dad, my mom and my little brother!

Everything they have done has always been to support me, no matter what I would have chosen to do in life. They have always inspired me and guided me to become a better human and the best version of myself. They have taught me to fight and work hard for my dreams and to be constant everyday, because that is how you get where you want in life. They never pushed my dreams away or questioned them, even though they might have seemed ‘ridiculous’ at times. Even through financial hard times, they would always find a way to make sure I was okay and that I was able to pursue my dreams.

They encourage me everyday to never give up, to not let little things affect me because life is way more than just the bad moments we sometimes tend to focus on.

My dad, Gustavo Trujillo, has given his whole life working for my family and for me to be okay, he has always taught me that with hard work, discipline and passion, results happen! He is my hero and I wouldn’t be who I am without him.

My mom, Gloria Trujillo, has always helped me to stay on track, regardless of our stupid ‘mom and daughter fights’ she is my best friend and my biggest fan. That women has taught me what it means to be resilient, what it means to have faith and how to always choose positivity; because at the end of the day we do choose how we see life, no matter the circumstances. She inspires me; she is kindness but at the same time honesty; I aspire to be a great women like my mom one day.

And last but not least, my little brother, Nicolas, he is the smartest person I have ever met, I swear to God! I learn everyday just by talking to him. I admire and respect him, endlessly. I am so proud of who he is and the man he is becoming. Being him the youngest, I always ‘came’ first as a kid, so my dreams were a priority before his were in a way; and he never used that against me or punished me for it, but instead he loved me. His always cared for me and I am so grateful for his support and presence in my life. We are so different at times, that I learn to see life through other eyes with him. He is the closest thing I have to my past and will be the closest thing I have to my future, forever.

My biggest dream is to be able to give them a better life, to take care of them always, to spoil them as they deserve it. To make them proud and filled them with contentment, love and tranquility.

They are my rock and no matter what, where, when, my family always comes first and will always come first.

Gracias por todo lo que hacen y han hecho por mí, los amo infinito! Las cosas lindas y maravillosas, ya llegaron y seguirán llegando!

Website: https://monatrujillot.wixsite.com/artist

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-trujillo-trujillo/

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14742839/

Image Credits
Renzo Puch Savraj Singh Pranav Mehta Yukiko Cho Rania