We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariany Cespedes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariany below.

Ariany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Playing safe is something that I’ve been told in this industry over and over. To be honest, all it does is hold you back from the life and career you’re capable of creating. I’ve been able to open the door for opportunities by taking risks, especially writing to people I want to work with. One in particular that caught my eye was a production company in LA that I’ve been following for a while. I adored their message, films, content, and their perspective on the acting industry. So, I sent that email. Boom. Done. And then, I forgot about it because I try not to get attached not knowing the outcome. From that email, I was able to be in contact with the production company and now I also have an LA manager! Taking risks brings so many unexpected desirable outcomes you didn’t even know were possible. This is encouragement for all my comfortable people…get out of the zone and know you were not made for comfort, but for greatness!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Stranger Things season 3 had just come out in July of 2019. I remember binging the whole season in a day and feeling this passionate feeling I could not hold back. That’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to act like those kids on screen. So, I did. Slowly I started learning that you don’t just audition once and book it. Old Ariany was humbled, to say the least. Then, the pandemic hit, but surprisingly it was the best thing to happen for my acting career. I took a plethora of online acting classes and equipped myself with so much knowledge about the industry.

Now that there aren’t as many restrictions, I’ve been able to work on amazing projects with the most wonderful people ever. The journey is more exciting than the destination because it is there that you learn so much about yourself, and you are present. Soaking in every achievement, sorrow, friendship, booking, rejection, and I could go on. God has blessed me with unexpected and deserved opportunities, and I practice gratitude every day for where I am in my career.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh my!!! This has to be my favorite question ever because creatives NEED to know. Facebook Groups. Now, I know your first thought was “That’s for old people” but surprisingly, it’s not. Especially if you’re starting out as an actor, this is the best way to connect with other industry professionals and find casting calls, community, more resources, and learn much about the acting business. I booked my first film through a Facebook group and couldn’t be more grateful.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Celebrating your wins. Something that actors fail to do is not celebrate their small or big wins. If you got an audition done, went to acting class, booked a film, and made a connection, you better celebrate! An actor puts in a lot of work for one audition and it’s so rewarding to be able to recognize how hard you worked and treat yourself. This keeps you going and builds a positive mindset that is so needed especially when you are working extremely hard. Examples can be taking a bubble bath, getting yourself your favorite snack, watching TV, day off, etc. Whatever you think is best, do it. You deserve it and you most definitely earned it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arianycespedes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianycespedes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariany.cespedes/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariany-cespedes-6a530120b/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@arianycespedes   

Image Credits
Michelle Nicole Photography