Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Tosta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic, and from a young age, I found myself drawn to storytelling—not just as a form of entertainment, but as a way to step into different worlds and escape some of the challenges I faced in my childhood. Acting became my outlet, a place where I could express emotions that felt too heavy to carry on my own.

I started in theater when I was around 7 or 8 years old, and the moment I stepped on stage, I felt an undeniable spark. It wasn’t just about performing; it was about becoming someone else for a little while, telling stories that made people feel something—joy, sadness, connection. That feeling became my safe space.

By the time I was 12 or 13, I knew I wanted more. I didn’t just want to act; I wanted to dedicate my life to it. I made the life-changing decision to move to the United States to pursue my dream on a bigger scale, knowing it would be challenging but believing wholeheartedly that it was worth it. That decision set everything into motion, and I’ve been chasing that passion ever since.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Emily Tosta, an actress, entrepreneur, activist and advocate for education, inclusion, women/children and empowerment. My journey began in the Dominican Republic, where I discovered my love for storytelling through theater at a young age. My passion led me to move to the United States at just 12 years old to pursue my dream. Since then, I’ve been blessed to work in film and television, bringing stories to life that resonate with audiences worldwide. I was one of the fan favorite characters on FX’s hit show Mayans MC for 5 seasons, the female lead of freeform’s Party Of Five, i had my first lead in a film opposite Nicolas Cage, amongst other things!

Beyond acting, I’ve expanded into entrepreneurship with brands that reflect my values and passions. Aguas Locas, that I co own with Pablo and Morris, is a beverage company all about bringing fun, high-quality drinks to the market while celebrating culture and community. Gaia Room, my bag/apparel/shoes company that i have with my sister Gaby, is focused on sustainable and stylish accessories that empower individuals to express themselves.

One of the projects closest to my heart is DIFF EDUCATION, my nonprofit that i co-founded with my friend Daniella dedicated to providing children with access to primary education. We built our first school in Mecufi, Mozambique and now have over 300 students. I believe that knowledge is power, and my mission is to give kids the opportunity to build a better future for themselves.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to authenticity, purpose, and using my platform to create positive change. Whether it’s through acting, business, or philanthropy, I want everything I do to inspire and uplift others. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make—not just in entertainment but in the lives of those who connect with my work and the causes I stand for.

For those who follow my journey, I want them to know that I lead with passion, faith, and resilience. Whether you’re watching a show I’m in, supporting one of my brands, or getting involved in my nonprofit, you’re part of a movement that’s about more than just business—it’s about making a difference.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that my worth was tied to my productivity. For a long time, I measured my value by how much I was accomplishing—whether it was in my career, my businesses, or my personal life. If I wasn’t constantly working toward something, I felt like I was falling behind or not doing enough.

This mindset came from years of hustling, especially after moving to the U.S. at a young age to pursue my dreams. I felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove myself, and rest started to feel like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But over time, I realized that constantly pushing myself without balance wasn’t sustainable. It led to burnout, health issues, anxiety, and moments where I felt disconnected from the things I actually loved.

Unlearning this belief took time, but I started to understand that rest is just as important as hard work. My worth isn’t defined by how much I do—it’s rooted in who I am, how I love, how I show up, and the impact I make beyond just achievements. Learning to slow down, embrace stillness, and find joy outside of productivity has been a game-changer in my life.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To truly support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to recognize the value of creativity—not just as entertainment, but as a vital part of culture, connection, and change.

1. Invest in the Arts – Whether through government funding, grants, or corporate sponsorships, more resources need to be allocated to support artists at all stages of their careers. Many creatives struggle not because of a lack of talent, but because opportunities are limited without financial backing.

2. Make Art Accessible – Creativity should be for everyone, not just those who can afford to pursue it. More funding for arts programs in schools, community workshops, and mentorship programs would help nurture young artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore their talents.

3. Fair Pay & Respect for Artists – Artists often face the expectation of working for free or for “exposure,” which undervalues the time, skill, and energy they put into their craft. Supporting fair pay, advocating for better working conditions, and respecting creative labor as real labor is essential.

4. Support Independent Artists & Small Businesses – Choosing to support independent filmmakers, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs helps keep the creative ecosystem diverse and thriving. Streaming services, social media, and online platforms make it easier than ever to uplift and invest in smaller, independent voices.

5. Encourage Collaboration Over Competition – A thriving creative community is built on collaboration, not gatekeeping. When artists lift each other up, share resources, and create space for new voices, the entire industry benefits.

6. Shift the Narrative on Stability & Success – Society often pressures creatives to choose between passion and financial security. We need to create pathways that allow artists to sustain themselves financially without abandoning their art—whether through education on business skills for creatives, more funding opportunities, or partnerships that bridge art with entrepreneurship.

At the end of the day, creativity is what drives culture, storytelling, and innovation. When we invest in artists, we invest in a more inspired, connected, and forward-thinking world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: emilytosta

Image Credits
KD PRODUCTIONS – KARLA TOSTA