Meet Samantha Herrera: Actor & Filmmaker

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

Hi Samantha, how do you think about risk?
Moments of greatest change and discovery happens when I take a risk. Including the times when I traveled solo, directed my first short film and moved & lived in LA which all helped me realize that anything is truly possible if you keep making choices to empower yourself. The love and excitement that fueled every decision to take the leap into the unknown was stronger than the fear. And this is a daily practice I must constantly remind myself.

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 proud that I haven’t given up. The foundation my family has set before me and their continual support has fueled my ability to keep chasing my dreams as an actor and filmmaker. Following my heart, staying focused, observing + listening intently to mentors and people I admire, reminding myself why I’m doing what I’m doing, perpetually reflecting in my notebook and the practice of self-care has carried me to where I am now. As the years went by, my pursuit of acting became more difficult as I tried to navigate the entertainment business. And somehow I am always led back to looking deeper within myself. Only after graduating from my acting training in NYC did I begin a path to be kinder to myself in my work. Following that, my experience living in Los Angeles unearthed the personal power I have as an artist to take ownership of how I want to see myself in the industry. For the last 5 years, countless auditions along with its rejection did some serious damage to my mental health. The process of healing hasn’t been easy, but I found this to be the real work in order to cultivate everything else around me. While the pandemic has brought forth great tragedy, I am grateful for this moment to be able to slow down, reflect, and truly look within. Sitting with myself with how I truly feel and everything I’ve been through and figuring out what I want and who I am has been invaluable. While everyone is on their own path and may not have this precious time, when the opportunity opens for you to reflect –take it. And be patient with the process. In moments when all seems lost, I keep coming back to the Self. To keep seeking what keeps me whole, what makes me feel safe, gives me wings, keeps me grounded and feels like home. Because I deal with so much insecurity and instability in my profession, I’ve realized over the years how important my daily practice is. With time, patience, and putting in the work (both inner work and active doing), I believe you can reach a place that no matter what you do or what happens you can say that it was worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To Eat: Favorite Brunch – Blu Jam Cafe (Melrose) Yummy Thai Food – Summer Buffalo (Melrose) Good Coffee/Amazing Pastries + Brunch – Dialog Cafe (West Hollywood) To Drink: For Killer Cocktails – Employees Only (West Hollywood) For intimate, chill vibes + good music + drinks – In Sheep’s Clothing (*Re-opening in July 2021/Downtown LA) For Music: For Indie Artist Lovers – Hotel Cafe (Hollywood) Cozy Date Night w/ Great Jazz – Vibrato Grill Jazz (Beverly Glen) Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All the people in my life who created a safe space for me and others to thrive and simply be ourselves — to You, my gratitude is infinite. My mentor Yorgos Karamalegos + the Physical Lab has been my rock throughout these unpredictable times. His teachings and guidance has continued to be a vital reminder of why I love what I do and the humanity behind it all. At the moment, my producing partner-in-crime Sharif McFadden & I are working on a feature film alongside Maestro Filmworks that will help forward the conversation about mental health and healing. I can’t thank Sharif enough for his steadfast trust in me and my work. His zen-like approach to the business, genuine openness, and fervent love of filmmaking shines a light in my day.

Website: samanthaherrera.net

Instagram: @hellosam27

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaherrera27

Image Credits
Forrest Leo, Omar Graham, Natalia Cortés