Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Figueroa.
Annette, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up I fantasized about being on television. Out of fear I did the complete opposite and played it safe, I became a dental hygienist. I was never fulfilled and realized life is too short to be unhappy and live in fear. Although I succeeded I felt a huge void and I was miserable. So, I quit my job and let my dental hygiene license expire so that I would have no plan B. Sounds crazy, right? Everyone I knew except for my husband thought I had lost my mind and deep down, I was wondering that myself (haha). He is and has always been my biggest fan and supporter. I am a lucky woman! I went to every acting class I could, I started landing commercials, and independent films but nothing big enough to make a living. I was located in South Florida at the time, commercials and hosting gigs were the best way to make a substantial amount of money. I never considered becoming a spokeswoman I actually avoided it.
I figured I should give it a try and not even a month later I booked the job of a lifetime. I came across an advertisement requiring a video audition speaking about a product I loved. At that time it was an electric toothbrush I had recommended to all my patients. Little did I know the company was looking for a TV Spokeswoman to speak about teeth whitening. How serendipitous I was a former dental hygienist speaking about the electric toothbrush not knowing what they were looking for. Everything came together with my past dental hygiene experience, my present acting all lead me to this wonderful career. Six years later I am still going strong and I couldn’t be happier. It is so important to follow what you love because passion fuels success. I am living my dream and for that I am so grateful!!
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it was far from smooth it took eight years from the time I quit my job as a dental hygienist until I was booked as a Lifestyle Consultant/Spokeswoman. I went from making a great salary as a successful hygienist to making nothing, doing student films and certain independent films for food and a copy of my work (which 75% of them never saw the light of day). I landed commercials but it was spotty so my bills were building and my salary was a joke. It was a nightmare and I starting believing all those naysayers in my life were right! I was crazy to do this and now I no longer have my hygiene license. I was ready to give it all up and head back to school to do something else. I was watching “Ellen” to get out of my funk she was interviewing Josh Holloway, an actor. He said after eight years not much was happening, ready to throw in the towel, was asked to audition for Lost, landed the role of Ford and the rest is history. Inspired by his story I kept pressing forward knowing that my dream job was coming. A few months later I came across that fateful ad. I booked it!! You plan and God’s laughs. I was always planning on becoming an actor, not a spokeswoman but as it turns out it is the perfect career for me, fits me like a glove and I love it!! Stay true to what you want and visualize your life the way you want it to be and trust me it will come true.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a TV Spokeswoman, I travel and speak about different products from skincare to teeth whitening. I am so proud that I did not give up. There are just so many obstacles no matter what you choose to do for a living. Once I was finally there I realized if it were not for those hardships and failures I wouldn’t be where I am today. So bring it on, they only make you stronger and better! I found that my decision to change my entire life trajectory is what set me apart from most. I was one of the ones with the least experience, older than most when I started and I am doing very well. It’s never too late to make a change! Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do anything! YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Find someone who is like-minded and doing what you want to do. I have been blessed to have my husband as my mentor, my support and my friend. He is in the music business but has years of experiences ahead of me and he has been able to guide me and give me lots of “gems” along the way. Never stop growing there is always something to learn. I constantly learn from my peers watching them and picking their brains. Doing live television has been the best teacher for me. On the job training, there is nothing like it, internships are priceless. I interned at NBC 6 and learned from some of the best. Classes, classes, and more classes, I am still taking them.
Dim the negative voices and surround yourself with people that support your vision. All it takes is one person to believe in you and that person has to be you!!
Enjoy the journey!!
Contact Info:
- Website:https://www.
AnnetteFigueroa.com - Email: AnnetteLfig@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.
Instagram.com/AnnetteLfig - Facebook: https://www.
Facebook.com/Annettefig - Twitter: https://www.Twitter.
com/AnnetteFig
Image Credit:
Head shots and stills: Lynn Parks Photography
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