Meet Anaregina Frias | Author, Actress, & Yogi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anaregina Frias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anaregina, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want to inspire people to be vulnerable and honest, if not with the world then with themselves. I want it to be more of a norm to share our pains, anxieties and difficulties with each other vs. stuff it down and smile. I want to change the narrative that to be an emotional, sensitive woman is to be weak and I want it to equate to power. Shameless, authentic power. I want people to remember I will always believe they can accomplish whatever dream they have in their heart and that it’s possible. I’ll die happy knowing I inspired people to live from their hearts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was in my freshman year of high school I wrote a short novel. My creative writing teacher read it, said it was good & then said it lacked voice. She was right. Since then I was determined to develop my voice as a writer and I feel like I’ve accomplished it. I am 100% completely myself on those pages. I don’t hold back one bit. That raw honesty is what makes my readers cry, laugh and feel like they are with me on my journey. It’s what sets me apart, terrifies me, and excites me. It terrifies me because I am completely emotionally naked and it excites me because I know that’s the magic it takes to build authentic connection. And I live for that. I’ve had to overcome the fear of what people think and instead focus on the opportunity I have to heal others with my truth. I’ve received feedback that Always has inspired people to pursue their dream, to embrace the death of a loved one and for me that is everything. It trumps the fear of being judged. It inspires me to accept myself even more so I can continue to build the narrative of, “be you no matter what.” I really want Always to reach the hearts of young people who are enduring watching one of their parents battle cancer or anyone whose had cancer touch their lives because that’s my dream reader. The message is for you. I will always be there for you and so will your loved one. Even after death. And nothing or no one can stop you from your accomplishing your dream. Go for it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s where I would take my best friend on a weeklong trip: Monday- Frost Science Museum! It’s a great opportunity to learn and have fun. Tuesday- Twisted Roots Kava Bar. Every second Tuesday of the month they hold an open mike and it’s spectacular. I love sharing my art in that creative home. Wednesday- Miami Beach. All the beaches in Florida are wonderful. It’s a great place to relax and there’s so many restaurants around to choose from. Thursday- Venetian Pool. I believe it’s closed because of COVID but for any pool lovers this is the place to indulge in a massive, freshwater pool surrounded by beautiful scenery. Friday- Tree Tops Park. My best friend loves nature and so do I. This is like a paradise getaway for us. Saturday- Mod Pizza. She loves the pizza here especially since they have vegan options! The vegan cheese is delicious. Sunday- South Pointe Park. We love yoga and every Sunday local yogis gather here and engage in acro yoga. This is partner yoga in the air! It’s exciting and fun and everyone is so kind and welcoming.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my goodness I have endless of shoutouts to people. First, my parents. They have believed in my love and talent for writing since I was little. They both supported my ambitious dreams and instilled in me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. My boyfriend Franz-Joseph helped me finish Always: A Memoir when I got stuck on the technical part of self publishing so a huge thanks to him. My editor Gaby Triana is the reason it is polished and presentable and my acting coach Michael Jacques gave me the final push I needed to finish the damn thing and stop doubting myself so much. He showed me the power of baby steps. Even if you are paralyzed with fear you can always do one LITTLE thing towards your dream and eventually those baby steps add up to your destination. That’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this entire process.

Website: www.anareginafrias.com

Instagram: @graciousqueensays, @author.anaregina.frias

Facebook: Anaregina Frias

Image Credits
Julio Colon, Alex Tacher, Viviana Garcia