Meet Valeria Aceves | Actress

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

Hi Valeria, how do you think about risk?
I truly believe that life is there for us to take risks all along the way. Either jumping off a waterfall or telling that person we love them, risks are part of the magic of being human. Arts, referring more to acting, explore this humanistic magic. Therefore I believe actors all over the world should always take risks. There’s more art when you’re not playing it safe.

In my personal/profesional life, I’ve taken many risks. Firstly, choosing a career as hard and competitive as this one. Moving to a different country hoping for things to turn right. Taking risks in every audition room. Even accepting characters that in that moment I might not understand. I am of the belief that taking risks, going for the unknown, will lead to our own expansion and growth.

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 a Mexican actress currently working in New York City. I do theatre, tv, and film, and I’m represented by the recognized agency, Innovative Artists, by the agent Abby Bluestone.

I have been working for 8 years in Mexico City, where I’ve been acclaimed for the productions of “Ruta 13”, “Dime que me amas” and “Alguna Chica(s)”. I moved to New York City in 2019, and started working on May 2022 after my graduation. I have been recognized for my recent role as Vanessa, in the production of In The Heights, by several people from the industry like Andrea DelGuidice, Jason Tramm, Christian Prins Coen.
Dimas Salaberrios, known for “Chicagos: American Hidden Stories”, recently said to me, after wrapping up one day while filming Camp Joy, “I have several movies coming up and we really enjoy working with you”. I’m looking forward on all the projects that I can be a part of.

I am most proud of an interpretation I did of a character named Carmina. Her monologue surrounded the death of her best friend in the original play of Jimena Merodio, “Ruta 13”.

I feel proud of this project mainly because I didn’t recognize the impact it had, till later, when people reached out to me and thank me for giving voice to one of the worst feelings in the world.

I believe one of the most powerful abilities an actor has, is to genuinely touch people to the bottom of their hearts. And on that project, I clarify myself that I can do this. I can be an actress that touches hearts and reaches souls.

I believe that my drive is one of the things that have gotten me this far. I’ve encountered obstacle after obstacle, and found my way back to my path. I believe that’s one of the things that sets me apart. The resilience towards obtaining my goal.

For me, becoming a successful actress it’s not a dream, it’s a goal. I truly believe that how you set your mind, is how you overcome everything that comes at you. Therefore, I encourage everyone to set their dreams into goals, and not “chase them”, but create a plan to reach them.

Likewise, I have a strong desire to change the stereotype surrounding Latin woman on Hollywood. To tell more stories than that one surrounding narcotraffiic, or cleaning products or s*x symbols. Stories where the strong, brave, caring, fighter Mexican woman is honestly represented. Where we can pay tribute to all the ones that were before us, and all the others that are to come.

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?
Starting by walking around Washington Square Park. It’s energetic, fresh, youthful, multicolored. It feels like a breeze on a sunny day. My favorite ramen is at Lucky Cat. Spicy enough to make you cry, but still so good. How Mexicans says, “pica rico”.
Nothing like watching the sunset at Dumbo while doing a picnic. By yourself, with your significant other(s), with friends, or with strangers.
Going dancing. Either in a club or in the middle of the street with the lights as your spotlight.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has always being a pilar for me. Supporting me to follow my dreams and showing up every time, no questions asked. My mom has always given me encouraged words when needed, and harsh reality checks. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

My amazing partner, Christian Prins Coen, has been during one of my struggling phases. Always pushing me to keep hustling, keep going. It’s their belief in me that has made several things possible for me.

“The subtle art of not giving a f**k”, Jimena Merodio, Isabel Masvidal, Gary Kingston, “Trust in life”…the list can be endless. I believe a fraction of every person, book and quote that has resonated with me lives within me and my art.

Website: https://www.valeriaaceves.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/valeria.aceves?igshid=MDE2OWE1N2Q=

Image Credits
Jeffrey Hornstein