Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Feliciano.
Hi Valeria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was raised by a hard-working single mother of two. When I was about five years old my family and I moved to the state of Florida. After my mother made the difficult decision of leaving everything she knew behind. To give my brother and I the chance at a better life and education. It was no easy transition as we struggled to learn English and adjust to life here in the U.S.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve enjoyed the creative and performing arts. As you can imagine from the first time I set my eyes on a television screen, I knew I wanted to be in the film and entertainment industry. But It seemed almost impossible and I had no idea where to start.
Growing up, I always had a passion for acting, modeling, and dance. Over time, I became more attracted to films. The idea of being able to immerse myself into another world and see characters come alive on screen was just so fascinating to me. Like many others, I grew up watching Disney classics that inspired hope and chasing after your dreams. It took me a minute to realize it was something I wanted to be a part of creating.
As a child, I loved to perform and entertain. But I was also extremely shy, introverted and barely spoke. By the age of seven, I started taking dance classes to help me grow out of my shell. Within five years, I performed ballet, jazz, tap, and acrobatics. I began to feel a little more comfortable performing on stage. But I was still very shy and still had minor stage fright. At the time, I dreamed of acting on screen, but I was terrified of speaking in front of people.
By the time I was thirteen, I was unknowingly submitted to audition for a local tour talent show. I was excited but terrified at the same time. After participating, I was awarded a one year modeling contract. But, at the time I didn’t have my family’s full support and lost the opportunity.
While I was there, I also got to shadow the production team. This was when I finally discovered I wanted to be a director and producer for films.
In 2013, I competed in my first local Florida pageant, Miss Covergirl (Season 2). This experience gave me the confidence to push myself to do the unthinkable and speak up for myself and my dreams. This was where I lived out my dream of modeling for the first time ever. Especially after being told I could never be a model because” I was two inches too short”. But, I didn’t let that stop me. I Shortly returned to compete at Miss Covergirl (season 3), I was shocked after being called and placing third at the competition. Later that year, I was invited to participate in Miss Primavera.
It’s crazy to think that I was never interested in participating in pageants because of its reputation in pop culture. But after watching Miss Congeniality (2000) with Sandra Bullock. I decided to give it a try. And the depiction of pageants as just a beauty competition is far from the truth. It’s a way for many people to feel empowered, build community, discover their individualities, and form the new leaders of tomorrow. The glitz and glam is just a plus.
So, I’m glad to say that pageants have been a big part of shaping who I am today. As I began to push myself to do things completely out of my comfort zone and chase that unthinkable dream.
For some time, I had to take a break from competing, as it became very time-consuming and financially straining on my family. Instead, I decided to focus on my educational career.
So, in December of 2019, I graduated from the Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College at Palm Beach State College with an Associate in Arts degree with magna cum laude in Motion Picture Production. In May of 2020, I obtained a Directing and Producing Certificate from the same institution. This was a milestone not only for me but for my family. As I’m a first-generation graduate. I’m currently continuing my education at the University of Miami. Where I will be obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Motion Picture Production along with a minor in Theater and a second minor in Music business this coming Fall of 2022. I’m looking to continue my education and pursue a Master’s degree in Entertainment Law.
During the start of the pandemic, many of us had spare time to fill. But for me, this was a great opportunity to catch up on projects I had been putting on hold.
On November 21st, 2020, I released one of my most recent music video projects titled “Secuelas” (aka Aftermath). In which I directed, produced and appeared in. “Secuelas” was nominated as a finalist for the Vanilla Ice Music Video Award by the Palm Beach Student Showcase of Films. Which is one of Florida’s top student film festivals. In addition to a few other film festival nominations for best music video around the world.
I grew up watching strong female leads like JLo, Shakira, Beyonce, Selena Gomez, etc. and I remember wanting to be a part of creating films that depicted women as more than objects but as leaders in their industry. I want to be able to use my skills to bring joy, inspire, empower and promote diversity through beauty and entertainment all around the world.
In 2021, I had the honor of representing St. Lucie County at the Miss Florida USA 2021 Pageant in Coral Springs, FL. I’m excited to announce that I will be representing Port St. Lucie once again this May as Miss Central Port St. Lucie USA. My dream is to one day compete in the Miss Universe Pageant in support of passionate young women around the world who are looking for a place to be seen and heard.
My goal is to create and run my own video production company that focuses on representing diverse women in our industries. I want to be able to share my experiences with young women considering a career within the entertainment industry.
I eventually plan on developing an eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and organic cosmetics and clothing line. I want the brand to inspire creativity and natural beauty, made by women for women at affordable prices. I want to emphasize the importance of self-love and make others feel confidently beautiful in their own skin. Because I believe you are what makes you uniquely beautiful.
I also aim to raise a level of awareness and support to communities on the global issue on violence against women. I hope to share my own experiences to help victims, survivors, and their families know that they are not alone.
I’m currently working on developing a non-profit organization in hopes of hosting a “Walk a Runway in Her Shoes” fashion show. I hope to make this an annual event to help empower women and spread awareness.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would have to say that when it comes to pursuing your dreams, nothing comes easy. But anything is possible if you set your mind to it. As an independent creator/filmmaker, I went through many stages of trial and error. In trying to fund and develop projects to what I envisioned for them to be. But, Just know that when you’re starting out with anything; you’re bound to make mistakes. What is most important is what you do with that information. I used my mistakes as valuable experience to improve my next project or journey. Imagine, I attempted about three times to develop a music video that I was most proud of. For me, this has been a self-development journey not only working on creative projects but as up and coming talent looking to make a career out of what I love. I think it’s important for all of us to discover who we are as individuals to then be able to bloom out into the world and share our ambitions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I play multiple roles as an aspiring entrepreneur within the entertainment industry. Creating content with a focus on beauty, film, music, travel, and entertainment. I’ve worked as a voice-over actress for independent Latin musical Artists. I’m also a Film/Music Video Director/Producer, known for my most recent music video release “Secuelas” (https://youtu.be/7bls1ZHs_a4). I’m very proud of this particular project because of all the challenges my crew and I faced to develop this project during the start of the pandemic. I’m especially proud of being part of that small percent of Latina women working as a director, producer and getting the chance to appear in my projects. I’m also known for my participation as Miss St. Lucie County USA at last year’s Miss Florida USA pageant. I think what sets me apart from others is my ambition and determination to use beauty and entertainment to empower and celebrate what makes us uniquely beautiful. www.valeriafeliciano.com/portfolio
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love working with small businesses and creatives alike to help them build a level of awareness of local goods and services in communities. So please do not hesitate to contact me via email to inquire about promotional or project opportunities.
Check out #Secuelas On YouTube: https://youtu.be/7bls1ZHs_a4
To support my journey to Miss Florida USA, You can donate on GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/680f9622 OR go to the ‘Sponsor A Delegate Page” on https://www.missfloridausa.com/sponsor
Thank you so very much for your support!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@valeriafeliciano.com
- Website: www.valeriafeliciano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeria.feliciano_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeria.feliciano.official/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVd2pP9U3_RVPEvSvh_mog
Image Credits
Gustavo Jimenez Photography Houston McCullough Photography Carlos Velez Studios
