We were lucky to catch up with Renata Diniz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Renata thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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.

A few years ago, I took the biggest risk of my life: I left behind a stable career, my home, my language, and everything familiar to follow my dream to pursue acting in Los Angeles. I was living in Brazil, working in a different field, and although things looked “secure” on the outside, I felt deeply unfulfilled. Acting had always been my passion, but for a long time, I didn’t believe it was possible for someone like me to actually pursue it especially on an international level.
Still, something in me knew I had to try. I said goodbye to my family, one of the most difficult things I had to do, and moved to LA without knowing anyone here. I didn’t speak fluent English at the time, and every day was a challenge, from navigating a new culture to trying to express myself in a language I was still learning. There were many moments when I felt like giving up. But I kept reminding myself why I came: to live a life I could be proud of, one where I chose courage over comfort.
Since then, I’ve studied acting intensively, worked hard to improve my English, and started building a life and career here. It’s not easy. It’s far from glamorous. But it’s real and it’s mine. And even through the hard days, I know I’d rather be here chasing my dream than wondering “what if” for the rest of my life.

Renata, 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 a Brazilian actress and creative currently based in Los Angeles. Acting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s how I express myself, connect with others, and make sense of the world. I started acting professionally in Brazil, but I knew deep down that I wanted to grow beyond borders. That desire led me to take a huge leap: I left behind another career in another industry, moved to the U.S., and began the journey of pursuing acting internationally.
Since arriving in LA, I’ve been working closely with my coach Ivana Chubbuck and studying her technique, which has completely transformed the way I approach my craft. Her method gave me the tools to dig deeper emotionally, to turn pain into power, and to consistently bring truth to the screen.
This year, I booked my third commercial, and I’m currently producing and acting in my own short film a project that’s incredibly close to my heart. I’ve been lucky to meet and collaborate with amazing creatives here in LA, people who not only inspire me but push me to keep growing as an artist and storyteller.
My work is rooted in truth, vulnerability, and transformation. In addition to acting, I’ve worked in social media and content creation, helping businesses and creatives communicate their essence and connect with their audience authentically.
What sets me apart is my life experience, resilience, and deep emotional range. I bring a global perspective to every role and creative project, shaped by the cultures I’ve lived in and the challenges I’ve overcome. I know what it means to rebuild from scratch and stay committed to a dream despite uncertainty, and I carry that same passion into every performance and collaboration.
I’m most proud of my courage to start over in a new country, of the emotional truth I bring to my work, and of the meaningful connections I’ve made along the way. I want potential collaborators, clients, and followers to know that my work is always grounded in authenticity and purpose. Whether I’m acting on screen, producing, helping a brand grow through storytelling, or simply sharing a personal experience online—I’m here to make people feel, reflect, and connect.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Two months ago, I lost my father and it shook me in a way I never expected. Grief is not something you can prepare for. It changes you. Suddenly, the world felt heavier, quieter, and lonelier. There were days I couldn’t recognize myself, moments I seriously considered giving up on everything I had built here and going back to my country. I started questioning everything my purpose, my choices, even the meaning of life.
But something inside me kept whispering, “Keep going. Do it for him.” My father always believed in me, even when he didn’t always understand this path I chose. He taught me about strength, about sacrifice, and about resilience. So now, every time I step into a scene or push through a difficult day, I carry him with me.
I’m still learning how to exist in this new version of myself someone who is grieving but still trying, still showing up, still creating. The pain hasn’t gone away, but I’m learning to live with it, and to turn it into something meaningful. Continuing on this journey, especially now, is the hardest thing I’ve ever done but also the most important. And I know, deep down, that he would be proud of me for not giving up.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect deeply and honestly with others through storytelling. There’s something incredibly powerful about using your own emotions, experiences, and imagination to bring a character to life and have someone watching feel seen, moved, or even changed because of it.
Art has always been my way of processing the world. It allows me to express things I sometimes can’t even put into words. It’s also healing not just for me, but hopefully for those who see themselves in my work. That moment when someone says, “I felt that,” or “That reminded me of something I’ve lived”that’s the reward.
Being a creative also means constantly growing, evolving, and challenging myself. It’s not an easy path, but it’s one that keeps me present and alive. And at the end of the day, I feel proud knowing that I’ve chosen to live a life guided by passion, truth, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @redinizm

Image Credits

Alla Kozhukhar @alla_kozhukhar

Frank Juarez @fjuarezdp