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

Hi Kiarrah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that risk taking is a key component to any progressional journey. No matter if you started from the bottom or the top, it’s always important to face your fears with courage. There’s been times where I didn’t get the job, I didn’t get the role, I’ve received 10x more “no’s” than I have “yes’s”, but I realize that’s all apart of the journey.
I live by a quote that says “it’s more about the journey than the destination” that’s where the growth takes place. So never be afraid to take risks because you’ll always get something from it in the end.

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.
As a vocalist and actor, my favorite thing to do is perform. I love telling stories that my audience can relate to. The stage and spotlight has become a safe haven for a person like me. I feel I can express certain truths of mine through words and vulnerabilities through inflections and as a live performer, it’s never the same. One thing about myself that I believe sets me apart from most artists nowadays is my genuine desire to send a message. I want my audience, listeners, viewers, to receive something whenever they leave my show. I also want them to be able to release somethings they might be holding in.
My acting coach always says “the best actors are the ones who aren’t afraid of their truth”. I utilize these quotes in all aspects of my career, and daily life. I believe these skills are molding me to be a better performer, speaker, and person over all and that is what I’m most excited for.
I see my growth through the response of my viewers. Is my performance evoking an emotional response? If so, then I know that my audience and I are energetically connected. If I can practice facing my fears and vulnerabilities, maybe it will inspire something in you too.
Of course, it’s still not easy! I’ve just embraced the fact that life isn’t a sprint, it’s an obstacle course and you gotta get to the finish line. I’ve faced so much rejection, trying to get my big break on shows like American Idol and The Voice; they didn’t want me. I’ve missed opportunities by seconds that I’ve shamed myself for like “it should’ve could’ve would’ve”, but I had to change my mindset and have full faith that everything happens for a reason and that Gods plan is bigger than I could ever imagine.
Now, whenever I take a chance, I do it with the attitude that I am going to go out there, do my best, and everything that is meant for me will be. At the end of the day, I will learn from my experience and it will better prepare me for whatever opportunity life grants me next.
I want the world to know that your obstacle course is not too hard for you to overcome. That you can not underestimate your capability of being your own hero. Rejection sucks, it’s true, but not taking the chance sucks even worse. I promise, if you believe in you, the world will too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a South Florida native, you would think this would be easy, but I don’t go out very much! I’m such a homebody, but I go out on occasion… If my friend was coming to town I’d say we have to go to the beach! I love how Ft. Lauderdale beach has all those restaurants to eat and drink. We could drink refreshing piña coladas while catching a tan. Things like that are so simple and fun to me.
At night, I’d say “you have to go walk around Wynwood/ Miami Art District” I love art and it’s much more casual than a typical South Beach club (anytime I don’t have to wear heels, it’s a plus). Another place, not too far would be Brickell City Center where they have this nice mall area and lots of unique restaurants. Can you tell I love food?
Last thing I would tell my friend “we have to do!” is visit a place that has live music. There’s this Jazz Bar called The Anderson in Upper East Side, Miami and they have some of the top musicians in south Florida and the nation that come play music that vibrates throughout your entire body. It has this old-school lounge aesthetic that reminds me of the New York jazz scene. If you like live entertainment, you have to go there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Raised by the village, I have a multitude of people I can recognize for my success. If I had to put it simply I would say first and foremost, God, the Holy Spirit that guides me and gives me strength. I give thanks to my parents and grandparents for their endless support and for passing their talent down to me. I also thank my friends, colleagues and anyone who’s ever taken the time to express how much they believe in me because it’s truly encouraged me in moments where I’ve felt small. My acting coach, Michael Jacques, has been a huge stepping stone in the advancement of my acting career, something I left behind for 6 years and working with him, I feel like I never missed a beat.
Lastly, I would like to thank the little girl I used to be that never let go of her fairytale dreams. The little girl that continues to grow into the woman I aspire to be. I thank her for always climbing no matter how many times she stumbled and fell, no matter how many times she got beat down, she always got back up with love and gratitude. Her innocence and perseverance will always be the driving force throughout my journey of life.

Instagram: @indakiahg

Image Credits
1st: @colemanmultimedia 2nd: @viviimage 3rd: @d_2_shootz 4th: @spikeali 5th: unknown 6th:

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