We recently connected with Ana Sofía Martí and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana Sofía, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My life is full of risk-taking! That should be the title of my biography haha.

RISK #1: It all started back in 2018, when I decided to attend the Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant competition without any prior knowledge of modeling. One day, before graduating from college, I woke up with the decision to try something entirely new in my life. I went to the casting without any prior experience in modeling or public speaking, essential components of being a Miss. But I truly and surreally did my best; I put my whole effort into being the best version of myself throughout the 6-month competition. I worked out, I ate healthy for the first time in my life, I took public speaking classes, and I took runway and presence classes. Even though it was one of the most difficult things I’ve done, I am very grateful for taking the risk because it prepared me for the rest of the “risk-taking” things I did after that experience. I even won Miss Congeniality, Puerto Rico 2018. ;)
The Miss Universe Puerto Rico experience took me to places I’d never imagined being. I was becoming the person I had always dreamed of, and I was so thankful for that. Because one thing I learned from that competition is that my gift was being myself. I learned that if I showed up as the best version of myself, I would succeed, and I would be surrounded by the right people and the right energy.

In February 2020, I decided to quit my corporate advertising agency job and pursue my artistic career. The only thing I knew was my new relationships from 2018, the support of my family and friends, and the lessons through the years, and that being me was my motto for this new path in my life. So I launched my first podcast with a friend, but soon the pandemic hit, and everything turned around. I questioned my decision to quit my 9-to-5 job. I wasn’t in the spaces I wanted to be, and I was struggling with my mental health; I felt a little bit desperate. So I decided to start focusing on my health. I started going to therapy, doing exercise, meditating, and learning to know myself without the thrill of the hustle. It was a major change.

RISK #2: A year later, in January 2021, my mom knocked on my door and told me that she heard on the radio that Hot102, a three-frequency major Puerto Rican radio station, was looking for radio personalities. I knew this was my next “risk-taking” thing that I needed to do in my life, and by “risk-taking,” I mean following my dreams. I was ready to keep going with the hustle, I knew I wanted more, I was not going to stop pursuing my dreams until I made it.

So, as soon as my mom told me about the news, I decided to send a DM – message – to one of the radio personalities from that radio station and ask for more information about the opportunity. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I sure knew I was making myself proud for taking the risk and going after what I love: acting and radio.

I sent my resume, and three days later, I received a call that they wanted to interview me. I was scared, because as you now know, I take risks before knowing what I am getting myself into. Part of the interview was to improvise, as if I were doing a radio show. It was so intimidating because it was my FIRST TIME EVER doing radio. And you will be asking yourself; why do you do it if you don’t have experience? And my answer is; because if you want to pursue anything in your life, especially in the entertainment industry, you will NEED to take risks. That’s 50% of the job. And one thing about me is that I am going to do it anyway.

I did my interview, I improvised, I made sure that I was doing a great performance without my boss noticing that it was my first time in a broadcasting job. Three weeks later, I received a call that I GOT THE JOB!!!! I was going to be the next radio personality on one of the most important radio stations in Puerto Rico. It was one of the best feelings in the world. Nothing compares to the reward after knowing you did your best and showed up as your best self, as a hard-working person who, even though you don’t know what you are doing, shows your true personality and driving spirit. That unlocked another lesson that I am going to use for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity; because beyond being my first job as a radio personality with no previous experience, it was my school, and it reassured me that being on the radio, and an actress, is my dream job.
After being on the radio in Puerto Rico for two years straight, I decided to take ANOTHER “risk-taking” decision. I decided to move to Los Angeles, California.

RISK #3: After putting in all the hard work, after years of hustling, networking, making sacrifices, meeting new people, exploring a new industry, and creating my own brand as a personality, I decided to take the next step in my career and life. In May 2022, I boarded an airplane and landed in the City of Angels; the city of major opportunities in what I love: radio and acting. Leaving my people, my family, and my friends in Puerto Rico was one of the most difficult things I’ve done in my life, but I knew I needed to take that step to keep growing as a person and as a professional.

Adjusting to the city was one of the most challenging experiences ever; the people, the food, the pace of life, the lifestyle in general, were all extremely new to me. Remember, I spent 26 years straight in Puerto Rico, so coming to LA was a very different experience for me. Island life versus city life, Spanish versus English, the hustle in Puerto Rico versus the hustle in LA. I truly felt like I was starting all over again, and I certainly did.

While adapting to my new life, my desire to keep hustling never stopped. I reached out to people that I knew through friends of friends, started attending networking events, met new people from different community events, sent emails to people that I didn’t know – you name it. I moved mountains to seek opportunities in what I love: radio, acting, and modeling. In July 2022, I reached out to KQBH LA – a community radio station in Boyle Heights, and after presenting myself (in person), I secured a spot on the radio station. It was one of the happiest moments in my life. Things were aligning with what I wanted after months of not pursuing my art; it was a little bit desperate, and it felt like I was repressing my talent.

But thanks to this opportunity, and my desire to find community, I now have my own radio show and podcast called “Pa’ Que Te Enteres” – a feel-good show about deep conversations with Puerto Ricans in Los Angeles. We discuss our experiences in the city, how difficult or easy it is to live here, our families – in other words, we open our hearts and delve into vulnerability mode. I feel blessed to be part of a Latino-oriented radio station, while also showcasing my fellow Puerto Ricans on the station as well. We all deserve to be heard, and we all deserve to showcase our work in every space available. That is my purpose: to keep connecting with the Latino community in LA while growing with my fellow Puerto Ricans by my side.
Additionally, I am represented by a local modeling and talent management agency called Minelli Management. I am very grateful to be part of the Minelli community and to have the opportunity to be in creative spaces as a Latina and Puerto Rican in Los Angeles.

My goal is to keep taking risks in my profesional and personal life. I am proud of every risk-taking decision I’ve made in my life, because at the end of the day, it always leads to something bigger and better. The process can be tedious at times, but if you love to hustle, if you love what you are doing, if you show up at your best, and if you take risks, life will surely reward you. Go for what you really want in life, express yourself, do it even though it’s difficult; you’ll become an expert by the end of the day, travel the world, manifest what you want – everything you wish for will happen. Because there’s always so much more after you take the risk, there’s always so much more in the process, and there’s always so much more when you just take it (the risk).

If you ask me which experience is the most impactful, I’ll say “RISK #2” & “RISK #3”. In risk #2, I found my passions, and in risk #3, I am going bigger and better, and this is just the beginning.

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.

I am a Puerto Rican (born & raised 26 years straight) On Air Personality, actress & model who have taking risk in the entertainment world and business.

I have a spanish radio show called Pa’ Que Te Enteres that airs every Saturday from 7pm-8pm through 101.5FM KQBH. I talk deep and vulnerable conversations with Puerto Ricans in LA; we talk about heir journey, experience living outside the island, the business as a Latino-Caribbean person in Los Angeles, private life situations who make them grow, and a lot more. I want everyone to know the Puerto Rican talent, culture, and community that lands in LA. How we impact and help this city grow with our people, culture and talents.

My potential goal is to keep growing in the radio and tv & film industry, representing my people, my culture and my sasón! I love and talk about the talent of my community, and one of my goals is to grow together. Everything happened two years ago when I decided to move from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles, and in this two years my community have help me grow, and without them knowing, they have give me gas to keep staying in Los Angeles and pursue my dreams.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I needed to unlearn is that you have to say yes to everything. I was interviewing one of my friends, and he told me that is “ok” to say no to things in your career that don’t align with what you want.

Growing up I remember that my parents, specially my dad, always told me to say yes to everything at work, he reminded me that showing that I was always willing to do jobs even thought they weren’t mine, will look great and will bring me more opportunities. He has a point, but not with everything.

I think I needed to unlearned to say yes to everything, first of all because of my health, and second of all, because not everything aligns with your art, your values, and your soul. Not everything will help you reach your goal. Even if you think is easier, and quicker to get where you want, think twice and analyze if that “yes” will help you grown or will keep you stuck.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my first mission is to keep my soul alive. I think art/creativity/entertainment/acting/ and everything that has to do with ART is directly from the soul, and if I am not doing it — in this case building my radio show, radio career, and acting & model career — i feel that I am loosing a little bit of my spirituality (being dramatic, but yes).

And of course, to keep growing in what I love, and with the people that I love. I think I am been blessed enough to say that, every time I do a project, I have my people helping me grow, without them and without their support, it will be extra difficult. It’s the energy that every artist want when they are building their future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/paque.tenteres/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anamarti___/
• Other: TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@anamarti___?lang=en