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

Alright, Kenna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

That’s an interesting question and one that I’ve pondered upon from time to time. There’s a part of me that wonders about the opportunities I may have had if I had started my creative career earlier. The thought of the experiences and growth that might have come with an early start can be quite intriguing. But truth be told, I don’t dwell on regrets or wish for things to have been different.

Here’s the thing: I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Each step I’ve taken, every twist and turn in my journey, has led me to this very moment. And right now, I feel deep in my heart that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

When I reflect on the winter of 2019, the time when I truly embraced my passion for acting, I realize it was the perfect juncture. It was a point in my life where I was emotionally and mentally ready to wholeheartedly pursue my artistic calling. Moreover, it coincided with a period of financial stability that allowed me to dedicate myself to my dreams, armed with the knowledge and life experiences I had gathered up until that point. Similarly, my Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology, which I obtained in May 2023, wasn’t just a detour but an integral part of my artistic growth. The understanding of human behavior, emotions, and motivations that I gained through my studies has become a wellspring of inspiration, enriching my portrayals and enabling me to forge profound connections with the characters I bring to life.

Although taking this unexpected gap year (in the 2023-2024 timeframe) before pursuing law school wasn’t part of my original plan, I firmly believe it was meant to be. This precious time has allowed me to immerse myself fully in the pursuit of my acting career, unhindered by any distractions. It has been a period of intense growth, self-reflection, and honing my craft. Through workshops, training, and auditions, I have emerged more prepared than ever to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await me.

Timing truly is an essential element in life’s grand tapestry. While some may have commenced their artistic journeys earlier and achieved remarkable success, I wholeheartedly trust that my own path has unfolded exactly as it was meant to. Every experience, decision, and encounter has played an instrumental role in preparing me for this present moment.

So, to answer your question, no, I don’t wish I had started my creative career sooner or later. I believe that I am starting at the exact time I am meant to, and I am grateful for every step, detour, and moment that has led me here. I approach my career with gratitude for the opportunities that lie ahead, and I embrace the belief that the universe has conspired to guide me to this point. I trust in the journey, and I eagerly await what the future holds, knowing that everything happens for a reason. Life has its own mysterious way of unfolding, and I have faith that my journey is unfolding just as it should, with its own unique timing and purpose.

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

Hey there! My name is Kenna Flores. I’m a 22-year-old aspiring actress from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Acting has been my true calling since I was a little girl, and it has ignited a fire within me that nothing else can compare to. From theater and plays to singing and dancing lessons, I’ve immersed myself in the world of performing arts throughout my school years. It was clear to everyone, especially my incredible parents, that acting was where my heart truly belonged. However, as a first-gen daughter of Mexican immigrants, the world of acting seemed like a distant dream, clouded in uncertainty and unknowns. It was a field we knew very little about, and most of what I’ve learned has come from reaching out to people I’ve met and embracing a trial-and-error approach.

Despite their unwavering support, my hardworking parents provided for my siblings and me, making it challenging for me to pursue auditions or acting opportunities. It wasn’t until I entered college that I could fully immerse myself in my passion for acting. Although I attended all my classes, my mind would often wander, yearning to be on stage and bring characters to life. However, education was always a top priority for my parents and me. They made tremendous sacrifices for me to attend college, and I wanted to make it worthwhile for them. As a result, I managed to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology in May 2023.

But deep down, acting continued to burn within me. Despite juggling a heavy academic load of 18 credits and participating in two sports (soccer and track), I worked full-time and saved every penny to pursue my acting dreams. In December 2019, I scraped together enough funds to invest in professional headshots and embarked on my acting journey. Thankfully, I secured representation from agents in both Los Angeles and Chicago, the city where I attended college. However, the demands of my academic commitments did hinder some of my progress in the acting industry.

I had always planned to continue my education and pursue a law degree after finishing my undergraduate studies. However, as fate would have it, the program I intended to join fell through at a very late stage, leaving me with no choice but to take a gap year. In hindsight, I see this as the universe nudging me to fully dedicate myself to acting without any distractions. It was the universe’s way of saying, “Kenna, this is your moment.” It was a daunting realization, but one that I firmly believe happened for a reason.

Stepping into this new phase of my life brings a mix of excitement and trepidation. It’s a leap of faith, but I am determined to seize this incredible opportunity. I bring a deep passion, vulnerability, and authenticity to my work. My aim is to tell stories that resonate with audiences and breathe life into characters in a way that sparks empathy and connection.

As I continue to pursue my dreams, I am eager to learn, grow, and collaborate with talented individuals in the industry. Thank you for joining me on this exciting path of passion and creativity!

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an actress is the incredible opportunity to connect with people on a deeply emotional level. As actors, we have this remarkable ability to bring stories to life, embody characters, and evoke genuine emotions within our audience. And that, to me, is pure magic.

The power of storytelling lies in its capacity to touch hearts, ignite empathy, and create a sense of belonging. When I step into a role, my ultimate goal is to allow the audience to feel something profound, to experience a range of emotions that resonate with their own lives. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, love, or even anger, I want them to feel alive and engaged.

There’s something truly humbling about knowing that my work as an actress has the potential to make someone’s day a little brighter, to offer solace in times of hardship, or to simply remind them that they are not alone in their struggles. To think that my portrayal of a character or the emotions I convey can make someone feel heard and understood is an incredibly fulfilling experience. It’s as if the invisible walls that separate us as individuals start to crumble, and we realize that we are all connected through our shared experiences, hopes, and fears. It’s in those moments that the art becomes transformative, not just for the audience but also for myself as an artist.

Art has this remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds. It allows us to explore the human condition, to delve into our shared experiences, and to realize that we are all connected in some way. Through my craft, I aspire to foster a sense of community, ignite conversations, and create a safe space where people can explore their own feelings and thoughts.

I believe that the most rewarding part of being an artist is the profound impact we can have on others. It’s about creating a ripple effect of emotions, inspiring individuals to think, feel, and connect with one another. And when I see that spark in someone’s eyes, when I witness the power of storytelling bringing people together, that’s when I know that I’m living my purpose as an artist.

Ultimately, being an actress is not just about entertaining or impressing people; it’s about making a difference in their lives. It’s about allowing them to escape their own reality for a moment, step into the shoes of a character, and feel a sense of belonging and understanding. And that, to me, is the most rewarding gift I can give as an artist.

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 that I had to unlearn on my journey as an actress was the fear of rejection and the disappointment that often followed receiving a “no” after auditions. Initially, I believed that every rejection was a personal failure, a reflection of my abilities as an actress. It was disheartening to invest so much time, effort, and emotion into auditions, only to face the possibility of rejection.

However, as I immersed myself deeper into the industry and gained more experience, I came to understand a valuable truth: receiving “nos” is an integral part of the process. It’s not a reflection of my worth or talent as an artist, but rather a natural occurrence in an industry where countless talented individuals vie for limited opportunities. Every actor faces rejections, and it’s essential to embrace them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

I vividly remember a conversation with a dear friend in the industry who shared his perspective on auditioning. He expressed genuine gratitude for every opportunity to audition, emphasizing that it was a privilege in itself. He reminded me that being able to showcase our craft to someone, to share our passion and dedication is an honor. It’s a chance to perform and connect with others, regardless of the outcome.

Through his words, I experienced a shift in my mindset. I realized that auditions are not just about booking roles; they are valuable opportunities to express my creativity, bring characters to life, and connect with others through the power of storytelling. The audition process became a celebration of my love for acting, a chance to showcase my skills and share my unique interpretation of a character.

This newfound perspective has brought me a sense of freedom and joy in the audition room. Rather than being consumed by the fear of rejection, I approach auditions with a genuine appreciation for the experience itself. Each audition is an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with industry professionals who are passionate about the craft.

So, I’ve unlearned the notion that receiving a “no” after an audition is a personal setback. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow as an actress. It’s a reminder of the resilience required in this industry, and it fuels my determination to keep pushing forward, honing my skills, and seeking out the next chance to share my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: imdb.me/kennaflores
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennafloress/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennaflores/