Meet Magdalena Rodriguez | Creator & Performing Artist

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

Hi Magdalena, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
“Risk” often comes with a negative connotation and I believe, the opposite, it is one of the most positive things you can do for yourself and expands our boundaries for what is possible. Looking back, I’ve taken many risks in my life: that to pursue musical theatre as a career in one of the most competitive markets (NYC) then to risk it all once again when, live theatre was paused at the start of the pandemic and I needed to transition to another more stable industry. I’d like to think that each risk led me down the path that I was meant for.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my creative journey at a very young age where I began dancing and performing on stage. This led me to major in Musical Theatre and dance at the University of Northern Colorado and then pursue a career in performing in New York City for five years after school. Creating and storytelling has always been a major part of my life so photography and writing came with it as I began designing my actor website, blog and marketing my art and myself online. The most difficult decision in my life was walking away from New York and the life I had created there. My whole identity was Maggie the actress so when I needed to make the move, it was a full blown identity crisis. I had to figure out who I was without theatre and I am really proud of the work I put in to be where I am now.

Now that I have “retired” from the New York acting scene, I shifted focus to creating art and content on social media. I am inspired by old hollywood movies and the fairytales of my past which I believe sets me apart from a lot of what is shown on social media. I am a dreamer and want those who stumble upon my page to be inspired by what I share from vintage thrift finds, old hollywood inspired outfits or think pieces I post on my blog.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you need to be your own advocate. No one else will fight for what you want, push for your dreams or do the work to better your life than you. The biggest gift you can give yourself is your own trust.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s great how quickly the Phoenix area is changing! I am still discovering my favorite spots throughout the valley.

For things to do, I would make sure to take my friends up Flatiron Peak on the Superstition Mountains – such a challenging yet rewarding hike and I think it beats the crowds at Camelback. I would also take them to the Phoenix Art Museum which I think is a great activity for a hot summer day. There are gorgeous resorts in Scottsdale like “The Scott” or “Phoenician” “Biltmore” where you can purchase day passes to use the pool or it comes included with a spa treatment.

My favorite coffee shops are Hava Java on 32nd and Camelback, Lola Coffee in Central Phoenix or Provisions on 32nd and Indian School which also has delicious coffee cocktails.

I am still finding spots to listen to live music but if I was able to find a jazz bar or jazz band, I would definitely take someone there! That is something I really miss about New York.

As for food, some of my favorite restaurants are: The Henry for lunch or brunch, Buck & Rider for happy hour, Postino for bruschetta and $6 glasses of wine, Hidden House in Chandler for their calamari, craft cocktails and Short rib, Manuel’s or Barrio Cafe for Mexican Food and Thai Llana for thai food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many different people and books, podcasts, songs, etc. that have helped me throughout my journey so far. I truly believe that if you are the most talented person in the room, find another room and the people in my corner prove just that. I am constantly inspired and pushed to my boundaries by their successes, drive and passion. My partner, Marc, has been my biggest cheerleader since we first met through every life transition: as an actor to now a creator. My parents and siblings have driven me to every audition, photoshoot, heard every breakdown, cheered me on for every success and I am so grateful. The Alchemist is one book that I find myself coming back to over and over for inspiration and confirmation that searching and striving for your biggest dreams is the most important thing one can do while on this earth.

Website: https://magdazzle.wixsite.com/blog

Instagram: www.instagram.com/magdazzle

Other: www.tiktok.com/magdazzle

Image Credits
Image in NYC – @notpaulsimon | Paul Simon Photography