Meet Nancy Rivera Gomez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nancy Rivera Gomez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nancy below.

Hi Nancy , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I believe my journey began with my parents, who are both incredibly hardworking and resilient individuals. They never let closed doors discourage them; instead, they always sought alternative paths to overcome challenges. Witnessing their determination instilled in me the importance of looking beyond obstacles and inspired me to create my own opportunities in life. While I was often scared, I faced those fears head-on, knowing that success requires a strong work ethic to be among the top 1% who push beyond the ordinary.

I started with dance first, which not only fueled my passion but also brought me to the U.S. and made me strong mentally. Later on, swimming became a significant influence in my life, enhancing my focus and discipline. Growing up as an athlete in various sports, including volleyball, I learned the importance of resilience and dedication. One figure who inspired me was Michael Phelps; I admired his commitment and the way he trained his mind and body. Although I faced challenges with ADHD, swimming taught me a level of concentration that I applied to my dance career. Ultimately, it was the combination of my family’s support, my educational experiences, and the discipline cultivated through both the arts and athletics that shaped the strong work ethic I possess today.

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

Life in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, but harnessing your strengths and qualities can lead to incredible rewards. For me, L.A. has become a second home over the past ten years, and I’ve seen tremendous growth in my character during this time. I moved here at 19 with a dream of thriving in the dance industry—performing with artists, contributing to TV and film, and eventually directing and choreographing.

I’m proud to say that I have accomplished many of those dreams while still pursuing others. I’ve danced on two world tours with Don Omar and Nicky Jam, performed at the Latin Billboards alongside Bad Bunny, appeared in Times Square on Good Morning America, and created music videos with notable artists like J Balvin, Wisin & Yandel, and Nathy Peluso. Additionally, I’ve shared my dance knowledge in countries such as Peru, Mexico, and Ecuador, and directed several dance films in the U.S., one of which was even screened in France.

Currently, I’m honing my acting skills at Imagined Life School, which I believe will elevate my dance career to new heights. I’m also developing my brand, LEMOVE, where I’m fusing elements from my journey—fitness, dance, recovery, and swimming—to serve others. It’s amazing to reflect on how far I’ve come from my small-town roots in Mexico. I take great pride in my achievements and am excited to continue exploring life’s opportunities, embracing each step while staying true to myself and my heritage.

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?

To stay focused on my own path, much like in swimming, where you must concentrate to win the race, has become essential in today’s world filled with social media pressures. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. I know it sounds cliché, but genuinely focusing on your goals—manifesting them, drawing them, writing them down, and vocalizing them—can ultimately lead to their realization.

One of my ongoing challenges has been self-sabotage. I’ve learned that to overcome it, I need to take ownership of my decisions and commit to them, rather than wavering. We’re all navigating this journey together, and I find it incredibly helpful to be my own biggest cheerleader while surrounding myself with uplifting individuals who support me through tough times. The right community plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future; the energies we exchange can either build us up or tear us down.

Being sensitive beings, it’s crucial we take time each day to check in with ourselves—assessing our feelings, desires, and recognizing what we truly own in our lives. Living in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, but by giving to others what we wish to receive, finding inner peace, and maintaining a supportive circle, we can foster a healthy environment. Starting projects without fear and fearlessly showcasing our unique footprints is what sets us apart and helps us remain resilient in the race ahead.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Self-sabotage is a significant challenge I’ve been grappling with, and I want to emphasize its impact on my progress this year. When we are young and fearless, obstacles feel surmountable, but as we grow older, self-doubt creeps in, leading us down a dark path of negative thinking. This internal dialogue can become our biggest adversary, manifesting in various aspects of our lives—relationships, friendships, career, and business—making us feel unworthy or inadequate.

I found myself trapped in this loop, even when I achieved the milestones I’d always dreamed of, like dancing in front of millions. Despite these accomplishments, I often felt empty, questioning whether I was chasing the right dreams or measuring up. Thoughts like “Why aren’t I as successful?” or “What am I doing wrong?” drained my energy and left me feeling isolated, convinced that others perceived me as undeserving of my achievements.

Recognizing this pattern was a turning point for me. I decided to cultivate gratitude by actively acknowledging and writing down the blessings in my life each day, which has helped shift my perspective. Living in Los Angeles can amplify those feelings of inadequacy, with endless comparisons that can easily overshadow the progress we’ve made.

I’m still on this journey, attending therapy, which has been incredibly beneficial for my mental health. The support of my family, close friends, and boyfriend has also been crucial in helping me reclaim my identity as a woman, an artist, and an athlete. They remind me of my value and the unique gifts I bring to the table. I am learning to celebrate what I have achieved while continuing to heal and grow.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@johnkiefier
@victoriariveragz

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