Meet Valery Rozo

We recently connected with Valery Rozo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Valery, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

I want to believe that my self-discipline comes from the way I was raised and educated. I grew up in a household where I was taught to do my best in every aspect of life, and that if you start something, you finish it no matter what. I’m grateful for that, because it taught me to follow instructions, respect the people around me and their roles, and understand my own role in each situation. It gave me the discipline I needed to approach anything I wanted to do.

As someone with ADHD, discipline hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something I’ve worked on for years. Now, in my twenties, I feel I’m pretty good at it. Discipline has brought me to where I am in my career, both in work and education. And although I’m someone who is constantly fluid—always trying new and different things whenever I get the chance—I’ve learned that discipline isn’t healthy without balance. You can’t be just one thing forever.

This reminds me of something Guillermo del Toro once said: “yo odio a los personajes buenos, buenos, buenos y malos, malos, malos. Todos somos una mierda a las 8:30, un santo a las 10:30, un imbécil a las 12:00, un pendejo a las 3:00 y podemos ser todo”. Because we are humans and can be both. In the same way, we can have discipline in certain parts or moments of our lives and still be chaotic in others—and that’s completely okay.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Greetings everyone!

My name is Valery Rozo Palacios, though I professionally go by Valery Rozo. I use she/her pronouns. I’m 21 years old and from Bogotá, Colombia, born and raised. My main career focus is acting—it’s where I’m putting most of my time, energy, and heart. I also explore other creative paths like modeling, painting, crafting, costuming, and music.

I’m currently living in Los Angeles, pursuing my dreams in one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world—Hollywood. I’m officially part of The Theatre Academy at LACC, where I’ve learned so much and expanded my understanding of the craft.

What excites me most about my career is the ability to work in an environment where every day is different. I get to be surrounded by creative people, and instead of being confined to an office, my “workplace” can be anything—from a cold forest at night to a fantasy-like mansion. Acting allows me to reconnect with my inner child, to explore parts of myself that I never want to abandon or silence. Of course, this career comes with challenges and sacrifices, but the price is worth it when you’re doing something you truly love—because when you love it, it doesn’t feel like work.

Alongside being a full-time college student, I’ve taken on acting and modeling opportunities whenever possible. Right now, I’m involved in a project we’re currently filming. I can’t share details yet due to NDAs, but I’m excited for the moment when I can talk more about it—I’m really happy with my characters.

I’m also working with other film colleagues on producing (and eventually acting in) a short film this summer about the experience of being Latinx in the industry. So stay tuned—there’s more to come from our project, “Not Enough Latina.”

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?

Three of the skills I stand by the most are persistence, responsibility, and passion. They may sound like obvious traits for any career, but the truth is that not many people truly embody them, and in this industry, they are essential. Many people want things immediately and expect results just because they tried once or maybe for a single year and didn’t see what they wanted. But the entertainment industry is not something you conquer overnight. It becomes even more challenging when you come from the bottom, without connections, without money, without being a “nepo baby,” and especially when you belong to a minority group.

Persistence is what keeps you going after hearing “no” thousands of times per month. It’s what makes you get up again and continue. Responsibility pushes you to do things the best way possible, to bring the same energy you had when you first started, and to remain professional at all times. Passion is the foundation of everything, especially for an actor. No one wants to watch someone who shows no emotion or spark, and no one wants to work with someone who clearly has no love or interest in the craft. Passion is loving what you do, appreciating every second of it, and relying on that love to keep you from giving up when the journey becomes difficult.

My advice to anyone is to never let anyone tell you that you’re not capable. Don’t let anyone dim your spark. Maybe you weren’t right for the role this time, but you might be next time, and if not then, the role after that. The right role will find you—just be patient, and don’t be afraid to be a little crazy. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and don’t fear failure. Every failure brings experience, and if you learn from it, then it isn’t really a failure at all.

I also tell people who say, “I want to achieve this, but I need someone to get me there first,” things don’t work that way. If you don’t do the work for yourself, no one else will, and even if they do, it will never be as strong or meaningful as what you could have built on your own. You are the only one who can truly open the doors that matter. This doesn’t mean that people can’t or won’t help you—it means you should never make your career dependent on someone else. Depends on yourself and your abilities. And never walk around thinking you know everything; none of us do. Train whenever you can, learn from others, and apply that knowledge in the best way possible for your own growth, while always being kind and respectful. In this industry, kindness and respect open doors too.

How would you describe your ideal client?

For me as an actor, I don’t really think in terms of “clients,” and I wouldn’t call them that. Instead, the ideal people for me to work with are those who are dedicated to their craft, who are truly passionate, creative, and confident in their own artistic style. Those are the people I feel inspired by and the ones I want to collaborate with.

It would be an honor to work alongside some of the greats, and I want to call it here that one day in my career I will be part of major franchises like Avatar, the MCU, and Star Wars. One of my biggest dreams is to act in an A24 film—and not just one, but several. A24 feels different; it has remained fresh and unique over the years. I would love to work with directors like Guillermo del Toro, Greta Gerwig, Tim Burton, James Cameron, and many others.
I would also be incredibly happy, honored, and grateful to share the screen with actors such as Pedro Pascal, Florence Pugh, Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Andrew Garfield, Zendaya, Ariana Greenblatt, Oscar Isaac, Isabela Merced, and so many more.

I truly hope to one day work alongside the people I admire. Those are my ideal collaborators—whether in a film, a franchise, a company, or any creative setting. I am manifesting it now and believing that in the near future, I will achieve it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Main picture: April Staso @ aprilstaso
Leopard picture: Violetta @violett_pic
bts pictures: Eliam Weinstock @ecweinstock_photos
headshots: Abiu Izquierdo @omniemon

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