Meet Yanella Suarez | Actor and Director

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

Hi Yanella, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
At a mere 18 years old, I moved to NYC alone, no family, no support and very minimal funds. I got accepted into The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and with two months to mull over if I should take the leap of faith or stay in Miami, I did not jump, I flew (literally). The move itself was brutal but believing in myself was harder. Believing that I have something running through my veins and vibrating from my soul that no one on this universe can replicate, it is almost delusional but very crucial to pursue my dreams of being an actor. From doing hard things in my life, I have developed a layer of thick skin that this journey constantly puts to the test.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started acting in high school in a classical black box theatre. Diving into work from Stanislavski, Chekhov, Federico Garcia Lorca, Sarte, and such. For that to be the root of my journey is so intimately special to me. In college I studied Film and Television and that added skills to my tool box that has made me a full force for this industry. I have since had the opportunity to direct a play and I discovered that I love to create behind the scenes just as much. From that I directed a short film called “KKKops” during COVID that I received a Best Director award for. I have been nominated for my work in a pilot episode I acted in called “Butter”. I have had small achievements that feel rewarding and on the right path to bigger and better opportunities to create art that reaches as many souls as possible. My main goal, on a minute or grand scale is to produce work that is genuine and authentic. I am still on my journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, we would have a nostalgic field trip. We love Brooklyn, there are so many neighborhoods and places to visit. We used to go to a bar called Father Knows Best and we’d revisit for memory sake. We would find as many happy hours and go from place to place. I would suggest going to Strand bookstore and take hours skimming the shelves they have outside for $1. I do live on the beach so most of the time would be spent there, with a good book we picked up, our journals, a speaker to play some Bossa Nova and plenty of fresh juice that I make to keep us hydrated.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, from my immigrant mom I learned and saw the amount of hard work it takes to pursue your dreams. I believe in community. I thrive in community. I would not be where I am today without the people in my life who have safely allowed me to show up at 20 percent and they fill in the rest of the 80 percent sometimes. Since I was younger I have had teachers who saw my light and watered that seed. Whether it be giving me extra book recommendations because I was passionate or offering me opportunities outside of school that I gained knowledge from. My best friend Ty, who even living states apart, radiates his support and love to me. I am blessed to have guardian angels in the universe and on this Earth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanella.ss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanella.suarez.3/