Meet Brenda Di Quinones Barrenechea

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brenda Di Quinones Barrenechea a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda Di, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep passion for helping others and for the arts. Films, music, theater, and dance have always been a part of my life, thanks to my parents and school. From the difficult lives my grandparents endured, I learned valuable lessons about living with respect, kindness, and striving to improve the lives of those around us.

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, veterinarian, and even a nun. However, those aspirations shifted when I discovered the wonders of storytelling and its profound impact on people worldwide. Realizing I could be part of the filmmaking process ignited a passion that changed my life. My studies in film, theater, and psychology further reinforced this realization, and from that point on, I dedicated myself to collaborating with artists to share inspiring stories.

This passion led me to leave my loved ones and my home country to study in the U.S. The challenges I faced—related to health, family, friendships, school, and work—taught me the importance of healing, self-awareness, and self-love. I realized I couldn’t truly help others until I first cared for myself.

The journey has been magical, often challenging, but undeniably beautiful. It continues to inspire and amaze me every day!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

The most exciting part of working in film, TV, and new media production is bringing together creative, like-minded individuals to craft a piece of art. There’s something truly magical about the way a shared passion for storytelling ignites an artist’s drive. In those moments, we become unstoppable, and anything feels possible.

I’ve been fortunate to experience this magic many times, most recently while collaborating on a short film called Nadine. Written, directed, and produced by the wonderful and outstanding Tash Ann, Nadine tells a powerful and timely story about a famous actress from Hollywood’s Golden Era who boldly stands up to her oppressors. It’s a significant narrative, especially in today’s context. Be sure to follow the social media channels of the film for updates—exciting developments are on the way!

Producing is a long-term endeavor, so while I develop a slate of film and TV projects, I’ve also been diving into other creative pursuits. I began a light painting photography project, which has been both fun and creatively rewarding; I’m also working on a YouTube channel and podcast focused on the entertainment industry; and lastly I’m putting together an event production project for EDM enthusiasts in Peru.

If you’re a fan of hummingbirds, subscribe to my YouTube channel, a short documentary about these these beautiful and mighty birds will premiere soon!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Studying psychology has been incredibly transformative for me, and I highly recommend learning the basics. My resiliency and independence, enabled me to connect with people and explore places that few have the chance to experience; and my ability to self-reflect and maintain an open mind, has helped me grow into the best version of myself.

I’ve come to understand that personal growth requires continuous learning and self-improvement. Stepping outside our comfort zones, seeking new perspectives, and spending time alone to reflect on how we navigate life are all crucial for meaningful progress.

As emotional beings, we often let our feelings take the lead, sometimes at the expense of logical thinking. Without self-awareness, our emotions can have a negative impact. Cultivating this awareness is essential to maintaining balance and making thoughtful decisions.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past year, my greatest area of growth has been in cultivating self-love. I realized that without this key ingredient, many of my actions were driven by a need for validation and attention, which distanced me from my authentic self. By learning to fully embrace and love myself—the good and the bad—I discovered that this love naturally extended to others as well.

I came to understand that fear is the opposite of love. Once I internalized this, I became a more compassionate, understanding, considerate, and kind person.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

The photo of me and the three fantastic women was taken by Ryan Weaver. The photo of me the male director and female actress was taken by Alix. The rest of the photos were taken by me.

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