1.) What inspired you to join the entertainment business be it through music, acting or dance?

I was a crazy child, and so my mom put me in dance to get rid of my energy. I fell in love with it, and began to take it very seriously from a young age. Along with my brother being even more musical than I am, my love for dance began my love for music. I began singing, songwriting, and acting. I just remember my whole childhood was my mom transporting me to all the things I was passionate about. I danced about 20-30 hours a week along with all my voice, gymnastics, and acting lessons. I eventually home schooled so I could focus even more on training. Our life was non-stop, and I loved every single minute of it. There was always a desire to create art and make people feel something, and dance was the beginning of it all for me. 

2.) Your very first single “Fat, Ugly, Stupid” has a very powerful message in it.  What inspired the song and what would you want people to take away from it?

The song is for people who have endured abuse, manipulation, bullying, and the list goes on. Having been through some difficult situations when I was an impressionable and young girl really shaped my thought patterns and the way that I think about myself. The song embodies the saying that ‘a lot of the times the hurt that people feel is the hurt that they inflict on other people. It is important to recognize that, and see that you do not have to receive that form of treatment.

3.) Making and producing music is not easy.  What is the hardest part of the entire process?

I have a really hard time letting go and allowing myself to fail. When I start writing or go to cut a song, I’m very hard on myself. The reality of it is that every time you fail, you are closer to something amazing!

4.) If you could meet any performer (actor, musician, dancer), who would you meet and why?

The first person that comes to mind at the moment would be Justin Timberlake. He’s just an all around good guy with incredible talent and knowledge. I’d love to be able to attain half as much knowledge as he has. 

5.) Aside from singing and acting, photography is another passion of yours.  What has been some of the best moments and most challenging moments in your photographic career?

I have had photography as my job for a while now, and I’m very thankful for it! My clientele grew into a strong reliable source of income for me, so it was better to stick with that than a regular job. I’d say the most challenging moment to overcome has been my mindset! In the beginning, I would be so nervous before my sessions. In reality, I have to remember that they had hundreds of photographers to choose from, and they booked me for a reason. Once I started to think like that, my self confidence began to grow.

6.) The entertainment industry can be hard place to stay true to yourself. What has been some of the challenges you have come across so far and how have you overcome them?

I have been around this industry for quite some time, and dabbled in projects here and there. All the difficulties that come along with it have made me a stronger individual. Everyone gets hundreds of no’s in this industry. It is incredibly hard to always be told “no” because you start to wonder “what’s wrong with me”. It’s impossible to not be filled with doubt when you go into an audition, absolutely kill it, and never hear back from anyone. It’s hard, but you can’t get everything you want in life. It definitely builds character. 

7.) Are there any future projects (acting, singing) that you are excited for?

All the music I am working on and have been working on is coming sooner than later! Throughout this process, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought I could. There is something very beautiful about that moment when you make something you are proud of, because it’s like “whoa… I didn’t know I had that in me”. It is addicting, and you just want to keep creating great things in hopes that people relate to it. If my music helps even one person, then everything I have put into my art, from the age of five, was worth it. That’s all I want.

8.) If you could give a young person any advice, be it for life or music, what would it be?

Remember that everything happens for a reason. All the hard work, effort, tears, time, and sacrifice you put into your passion will not be put to waste. Your talent will not be put to waste. You will not be put to waste.

And enjoy the journey. You don’t want to waste your life thinking life starts when you get to your destination. You’re here right now, so enjoy this moment!

I want to give a warm thank you for Carlina for doing this highlight with us. Her first single “Fat, Ugly, Stupid” drops on today. Check it out on iTunes and Spotify.

And please be sure to follow her on social media:

Carlina on youtube

Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidsbycarlina/

Photography Website: https://candidsbycarlina.squarespace.com