EMELINA ADAMS

Ifyou haven’t heard the name Emelina Adams, odds are, you will soon. The Las Vegas native left one entertainment capital for another when she decided to pursue a career in Los Angeles where she recently took the big screen alongside Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock in Bullet Train.

Growing up in Henderson with a father who worked in the show ticket business, Emelina was always around entertainment. She knew she wanted to be in the performing arts industry and found her way to the stage at a young age through theater, choir and modeling.

Recognizing a common stepping stone for many successful actresses, she found her way into the pageant world. Her first time competing in Miss Nevada she made the top 10. While in college at University of Arizona, she was crowned first runner up in Miss Arizona in 2014. As a proud Nevadan, she wanted to win for her hometown and went on to be crowned Miss Nevada USA 2016.

Emelina attributes her success to never giving up and believing in herself.

Modeling since age 18, Emelina continued to reach for the stars. Winning Miss Nevada really kick-started her modeling career, and, after nearly 10 years in the industry, she secured her dream brand: Guess x Marciano. You may have even passed her billboard on La Cienega near Beverly Center featuring her in their latest national campaign.

With her passion for performance, she went on to book Bullet Train in 2020. The SONY Studio in Culver City was the biggest set she’s ever been on. “Everyone was so nice and welcoming,” she says. “It was a dream come true.”

She admits that she was scared to move to LA but she is so happy she did.

“It’s scary taking risks, but they can really change your life. You just have to go after what you want, be persistent and don’t look back.”

It was a full-circle moment for Emelina filming another movie, this time in her hometown, with Back on The Strip starring Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Wesley Snipes.

“I am living my dream,” Emelina says. “If you would’ve told me I would be doing this five or ten years ago, I would say no way.”

Reflecting on her pageants, Emelina says they prepared her for everyday life – not just in the entertainment industry. They shaped her into who she is today and taught her about etiquette, presenting herself and always having an answer to any question.

What’s next for Emelina? The recently-engaged, up-and-coming actress booked a co-star role on a HBO show coming soon and has more movies on the way.

— By Miranda Lopez