We had the good fortune of connecting with Valeria Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Valeria, what makes you happy? Why?
my mother, boyfriend, dog, job, being sober, acting, music, movies, drinking water, running, eating, breathing, dancing, going on adventures, the sun, pool, beach, family, and friends.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
SO… What do I do? I have a full time job, Monday through Friday, which I LOVE since it’s a family business. but I also do projects for fun after work, on the weekend, pretty much whenever I have time and inspiration. Projects for fun? Yes. I have loved acting and cinema since childhood, always been a lover of the arts but most importantly lover of people- I began acting at Miami Dade in a program called Prometeo, went to A&M high school for theatre, took classes at Miami Acting Studio for 3 years or four, & Lee Strasberg LA for two weeks. Then I made the decision to write my own film. That film started developing in 2017 and premiered in March 4th of 2020, a week before lockdown for COVID-19. It’s called Depeche-toi! About a woman who is having relationship troubles and decides to hang out with some friends to free her mind from her problems but ends up making a mistake that has life-altering consequences. HIV. In the 10+ years of my acting/arts education I have met some really cool people, mainly local artists, who have been working towards their dreams for quite some time and watching their growth inspires me. That’s when I thought of LIVE WITH FRIENDS, a mini show on YouTube where I get to interview people who are “DOING IT”. whatever ‘IT’ may be for them, whether it’s art, hosting, music, production, clothing brands, brownies, mental health, etc… The truth is that following dreams is HARD, specially when you’re trying to accomplish it by yourself. Instagram only shows the pictures when you have a movie premiere but not when you feel stuck and overwhelmed for 5 months or a year during pre production. Social media shows the interviews that get uploaded but not the times doubt and tears of frustration take over. Why not talk about it? I love hearing about people’s journey. What makes them happy, what makes them sad, how they got to where they are and I love being behind the scenes most of the time. to be honest I don’t even know why I am being shouted out in this web but I’m grateful for it. Anyway, right now I am working on another film called Trinity. I need as much help as possible specially when I overthink every detail of it. Truth is sometimes I want to give up because I have this false narrative of everything having to be PERFECT but then I remember why I wrote the story/script and show up anyway. I must say that my biggest success/accomplishment at the moment is my sobriety. On the 8th of December 2020 I turn 1 year sober. Life is full of ups and downs and I know we can’t control what happens but being sober really helps you stay ready for whatever comes your way. This year I have been able to come face to face with my issues with control, trauma, fears, doubts, insecurities. raped at 19, child abuse, father leaving at 4 months old, feeling not good enough, a 6 year eating disorder. I have accepted that those things happened to me but I can move forward and have a great, honest, beautiful life. Like Kayla Stoecklein said, “Building a beautiful life around the pain is possible.” Speaking on mental health has become something I’m loud about because “you’re only as sick as your secrets.” I was sick for a really long time and now I see the beauty of those dark days, I can love people deeply and empathize because I have been there and I know that it sucks to feel alone, like you are the only one going through it. So whatever you are feeling at this moment, it is valid, it is ok, you are loved, important, and never alone. Summary: I try to do my best, trust God, love people better, and be patient with my own journey without comparing myself to others because that is the thief of joy.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many fun things to do in Miami! Entertainment: Le Chat Noir, Speak Fridays, Villain Theatre, Perez Art Museum, Wynwood, Artechouse. Food: Moshi Moshi, Ball & Chain, Mi Rinconcito Mexicano, Sergio’s, Lagniappe, Mister 01, Ooh Raw, SuViche, Pueblito Viejo, Coconut Grove Farmer’s Market.
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?
Shout out to my family, boyfriend, and friends who are always by my side! whether I win or learn.
Instagram: @vqler1q , @dtfilmcompany
Youtube: DTFilm company