Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hernandez.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an aspiring actress who is working on her craft each and every day. I am signed with BMG Talent Agency and with them I’ve been able to grow and evolve more as an actress. I try to do everything I can to master my craft. I have taken classes at Second City and always try to seek guidance from my other acting friends as well as my agent. I am currently working on starting stunt work because I would really enjoy working on future action film projects.
I’ve always been a super dramatic child growing up and I knew that if I pursued acting it would definitely be dramatic acting. My dream goal is to be in films that involve drama, action as well as thrillers and emotional films.
At the moment, I am not working on any huge projects but I consistently go on multiple auditions/castings during the week. Due to all the castings I have to make during the week I recently had to make a very important decision for my career. I had to leave my full-time job and become fully available for any and all auditions to come. It was the hardest decision I had to make because I was a full-time kickboxing instructor. I loved my job. I enjoy being active and it let me do just that as I got paid. I got to meet a lot of amazing people and I helped them transform their bodies. The problem with having a full-time job was that I had a hard time being fully available for any or all auditions. After two years, I realized that I had to make a move. It was now or never. I had to take a leap of faith in order to succeed in my acting career and I don’t regret it at all.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Pursuing my acting career has not been a smooth road. People always thing is easy but it’s really not. There are multiple people out there with the same dream same goals same ambitions. But what I can say is never give up. Never listen to those who don’t believe in your dreams. Believe in yourself and look deep inside. Ask yourself… do I see myself doing this? Does this make me happy? If the answer is yes. Go for it. Because at the end of the day, the only one stopping you from accomplishing anything is yourself. We are our own worst enemy.
Some advice I would give young girls who want to be in this industry is that it is not easy. You have to have strong skin and be ready for all criticism whether it is good or bad. Always embrace who you are and do not take anything negative to heart. There is always rejection but you must learn to see it as a way of growing and bettering yourself. Always remember you are worth it! You might audition 100 times and out of those 100 times only get booked for one or two of those jobs. Stay positive, love yourself and always give it your all.
Alright – so let’s talk about your work. Tell us about The humble acting beginnings – what should we know?
I am multi-faceted I am known as a fitness instructor at ILKB but all of my clients/members at the kickboxing studio know my acting career is very important to me and know I am always on the go when it comes to it.
I’ve had my hands in many pots and I think it’s shaped me into who I am today. I am a not only an actor but a kickboxer, brand ambassador, substitute teacher, editor, Production Assistant, the list goes on and on with what I’ve done in my life time but it’s what has helped me become who I am today. All the skills I’ve learned can be applied to many things.
I think that what sets me apart is the fact that I don’t quit. If I can’t figure it out I continue to work at it until I do. I work hard for what I believe. I’m a Taurus… we are hardheaded we don’t quit. Lol.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
The advice that I can give to anyone is that it is very important to be positive with yourself and with others. People are attracted to those who are positive and make them feel welcomed.
When you look for a mentor, it should be someone within the industry you want to be in. My mentors are those actors I admire and follow on social media. I aspire to be where they are in their careers and even though I am not able to communicate with them personally, at the moment, I know that in some point in time, I will and I will learn a lot. Right now I’m reading “The Actor’s Life A Survival Guide” by Jenna Fischer. It has helped me stay on track and helped me understand that it takes time.
When I used to be on set as an extra for shows here in Chicago, I used that as a tool to learn and understand how some directors work and communicate with actors. I played close attention to what it is the directors want and how the actors put it into play. It’s so fascinating to see the masterpiece that can be created when there is great communication/understanding with both the director and the actors.
For now, if I ever have doubt or want to know something related to acting I always try to read on it, contact my acting friends or most importantly stay in touch with my agent.
Networking and confidence is very important. If you believe in yourself there is no one that can stop you from achieving what you want.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jenniferbravo19@gmail.com
- Instagram: Jenniferhernandeztv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhernandeztv
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jen_B_Hernandez
Image Credit:
CHOLLETTE
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