We recently connected with Natalie Gimon Valencia and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
Before I made the leap to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams of acting and producing, I worked as a brand ambassador for several years. At the time, I viewed this work primarily as a means to support myself financially—an essential stepping stone for getting to LA. Little did I know, those years would become a rich foundation that would later shape my approach as both a creative and an entrepreneur.
As a brand ambassador, my role was to represent a variety of brands across many different industries including automotive, cosmetics, food and beverage, technology, and apparel. My job was to bridge the gap between the company and the consumer, often through live events. Although I initially saw this as contract work, over time my interactions with the brands and consumers helped me recognize the invaluable skills I was developing along the way.
Perhaps the most significant lesson I learned was the art of connection. In order to successfully promote a product or service, I had to find ways to engage people on a personal level- to build trust and rapport quickly. This taught me how to truly listen to people, understand their needs, and tailor my approach accordingly. These are skills that are essential in both acting and producing.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in every aspect of event production. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final execution, I learned firsthand how meticulous planning and attention to detail could transform an ordinary event into something extraordinary. I gained experience in logistics, scheduling, and managing teams, understanding that every minor detail—whether it was the layout of a booth or the timing of an activity—could influence the success of an event.
These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of behind-the-scenes work. As a producer today, I often rely on the organizational and leadership skills I honed during my brand ambassador days. Learning how to manage teams, delegate tasks, and keep things running smoothly under pressure became tools I never realized I needed until I was thrust into the role of producing.
Looking back, I see how each event, each interaction, and every challenge I faced during that time shaped me into the professional I am today. I’m immensely grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way and how they’ve helped me navigate the complexities of the creative industry. These early experiences gave me a toolkit that continues to serve me as I pursue my passion, and for that, I’m truly thankful.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Natalie Gimon Valencia, and I’m a first-generation Colombian-Venezuelan artist born and raised in Toronto, Canada. My journey into the performing arts began at 13 when a trip to New York City and seeing Young Frankenstein on Broadway ignited my love for dance. This experience led me to audition for the arts program at Iona Catholic Secondary School, where I focused on dance. I later expanded my interests to community theatre, discovering a passion for acting and singing along the way.
After high school, I followed a childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader and joined the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. This experience not only taught me discipline and teamwork but also gave me a sense of pride in representing something larger than myself. I also pursued dance training under renowned choreographers through The Scholarship Dance Program, which opened doors for me as a backup dancer for artists like Bingo Players and Hedley.
However, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. At 22, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a life-altering illness that left me bedridden and struggling with my health. But despite the physical and emotional toll, I fought back. That experience taught me the power of resilience and gave me a second chance at life—one that I was determined to make count. I grew a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue pursuing my dreams, no matter the obstacles.
When the pandemic hit, I decided to pivot my career and focus on acting, enrolling at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles. During my time there, I became deeply interested in producing after assisting with various events at the institute. My strong organizational skills, developed through my years as a brand ambassador, allowed me to excel in producing film and theatre. This led to my first project as a producer and actress on the same project, The Guest, directed by Kaushik Vignesh, which solidified my passion for working both behind and in front of the camera.
Today, I balance my work as an actress and producer with my role as a mentor. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of Dance 4 Wellness, a company offering after-school musical theatre programs for students in vulnerable communities. It has been a fulfilling opportunity to help nurture the next generation of artists while continuing to pursue my own career. I also have two films in the festival circuit—Tomorrow, directed by Jackson Schlekewey, and Comet Orphan, directed by Hyejin “Grace” Park.
What sets me apart is my resilience and unwavering determination to push forward, no matter the odds. I’ve faced overwhelming challenges—physical pain, financial hardship, and the isolation of living alone in a foreign country—but I never gave up. I didn’t just survive; I thrived, turning adversity into fuel for my creativity and passion. I am not just an actor or a producer; I’m a fighter and a survivor, proving that when you refuse to quit, you can achieve greatness. I’m most proud of the strength I’ve found within myself to overcome these challenges.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me is that I’m dedicated to making an impact—not just through my craft but through the way I live my life. I approach everything I do with passion, integrity, and a belief in the power of perseverance. My work is a reflection of my personal journey, and I hope that my story inspires others to always keep pushing forward.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound impact I can have on others through my work. Art offers a powerful platform to connect with people in meaningful ways. It allows us to share stories that inspire, provoke thought, and even spark change. The idea that my art might encourage someone to discover their own passion, or help them find their voice, is what excites me the most.
Art is a universal language. It serves everyone in some way, whether it’s transporting them to another world for a few hours or opening their eyes to new perspectives. Art teaches us empathy, compassion, and the ability to see the world through others’ eyes. These are skills we carry with us into our daily lives, influencing how we relate to one another and navigate the world.
For me, creating art is not just about personal expression; it’s about service. I’ve always felt called to serve others, and my way of doing so is through art. It’s my way of contributing to the greater good, offering a space for people to connect, reflect, and grow. There’s no greater fulfillment for me than knowing that my work has touched someone’s heart or inspired them to begin their own journey of creative discovery.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe society still undervalues art and the artists behind it. The stereotype of the “starving artist” is far too accurate, and people often treat it as a hobby rather than a legitimate career. What is often overlooked is the immense time, money, and resources artists invest to succeed. For example, as a producer the work I put into a film— from pre-production, filming, and post-production— far exceeds the typical 9-to-5 job in terms of hours and commitment. For those without financial privilege, the odds are stacked against them from the start.
Training and education for creatives are expensive, and scholarships or funding opportunities are scarce. I personally worked 16-hour days just to afford tuition at my dream school, where I could study under industry mentors. Many filmmakers and artists rely on crowdfunding platforms just to fund their projects and often depend on the generosity of friends and family.
To truly support the arts, society needs to acknowledge the importance of investing in creativity—not just as entertainment, but as an essential part of culture. There should be more grants, funding, and financial support for emerging artists. People need to realize that art is woven into our daily lives and artists should be compensated fairly for their work. “Exposure” isn’t a form of payment.
One way society can support artists is by actively engaging with and supporting their work— attending film festivals, commissioning new art, or purchasing tickets to performances. In short, if we want a thriving creative ecosystem, we need to treat art and artists as essential to society and not as an afterthought.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nataliegimonvalencia
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm13928249?s=a2c8db43-4c01-3d08-e19a-43b1bab4522d&site_preference=normal
Image Credits
Headshots- ” Photo by Joanna DeGeneres”
Film poster- “Photo by Daniel Lugo Dearellano”