COACHING WITH KRISITN

MEET DANIELA MALAVE

BY KRISTIN BAUER-GROSS

As an actor, on camera talent and business coach to models and actors, my column here often shares auditioning tips, acting advice, confidence building strategies, and projects related to my “Courage to Dream” mission which is to empower women and girls to go after their dreams. “Expecting Isabel,” in NYC at the Barrow Group. I learned how to act because of my teachers, Seth Barrish and Lee Broch, but they taught me the most important lesson of all that has helped me in every area of my life. That vulnerably is strength and that I’m enough. Being cast in that production was such a full circle incredible experience and I hope to do it again soon

This month, I am thrilled to share an interview with Daniela Malave. Daniela is both an incredibly talented actor and small business owner of Tres Fiori. Tres Fiori creates custom life-like flower cupcakes that are a feast for the eyes and almost too beautiful to eat.

How did you first get started or interested in acting?

I was always a performer since I was a kid. My Dad plays a Venezuelan instrument called, El Cuatro, and I would always sing with him in Spanish. My Mother started a children’s choir in Venezuela, Los Niños Cantores, which then became the 4th largest children’s choir group in Latin America where my brother and I would participate. I then started ballet at six years old when my love for dancing began, and began acting in middle school in the 8th grade.

You are the owner and founder of an organic handcrafted baking business; can you tell readers about that?

My company, Tres Fiori, is also specific to being gluten free. I started it because I couldn’t find desserts that had clean ingredients and that were gluten free as I have a terrible gluten allergy that causes inflammation throughout my body. It also introduced me to the art form of buttercream flowers.

I had no idea that I even had this hidden talent, which is why I tell people, women especially, that if you feel a pull or intuition to start something, do it. You never know!

What is it like juggling your acting career and baking business?

It’s incredibly difficult and I have to pick and choose projects that are worth my while. I’m grateful that the bulk of my income is through Tres Fiori and I’m doing something that is fulfilling. For many years I did work to just pay bills and get by. I love being my own boss and my customers are amazing

What has been your top 2 favorite shoots o notable moments in your acting career?

I have so many memorable experiences. My two most notable, favorite moments was when I was cast in the Off-Broadway production of, moment.

My second most memorable moment was being cast for AE’s ( The Simms, Super Mario Brothers, World Of Warcraft) I tried for years to break in the gaming world of VO and my dream finally came true. It was an

What changes would you like to see in the tv/film and advertising industry?

I’m so sick and tired of the lack of work available for Latinx actors. It’s changing slowly but the progress is like molasses. The work available is stereotypical, “maid, welfare mom,

“ I say there’s nothing worse than regret. I would rather fail miserably trying then not trying at all. ”

drug addict etc… Then the roles that are kick ass, they want you to perform in an accent. It’s annoying, outdated, and frustrating.

How has the pandemic affected pursuing acting positively, negatively, or both?

It’s wild, I actually booked a lot of work during the pandemic. I performed a play in the pandemic. It was one of the hardest projects I was involved in. It was a bilingual play that we decided to make into a film through the bilingual theatre group in Philadelphia, Teatro Del Sol. I was my own costumer, makeup artist, director, and editor at times. It was a wonderful experience. I also booked two online Equity readings, and did a web series, QuaranTeam. It was also during this time that I booked AE’s Knockout City. I stayed pretty busy considering the circumstances and Tres Fiori also took off.

What would you say to women who feel like something is holding them back from pursuing modeling or acting or any dream that feels a little bit impossible?

Perhaps, they feel they are not tall enough, slim enough, talented enough, connected enough, young enough, smart enough or any other type of feeling “not enough”? I say there’s nothing worse than regret. I would rather fail miserably trying then not trying at all. You, as you are, is your “IT,” factor. There’s not a single person in the world like you. Don’t self-sabotage before giving yourself a chance

\Where can people connect with you online and in social media?

Tres Fiori @tresfiori personal IG @daniela_malave_actor DanielaMalave.com What role have you seen Kristin Bauer-Gross play in helping others pursue their model and acting dreams?

Kristin takes all of the bulk work out of trying to figure out this industry. From proper headshots, finding an agent, networking, and auditioning. It can take a performer months, even YEARS to figure it out. She’s literally a one stop shop and is genuine in seeing people succeed. Kristin was my first booking agent when I first started, and she booked me a Halloween Wig photoshoot as Amy Winehouse. Remember that Kristin?! Lol!

Catch Kristin’s free IGTV series “Talent Toolbox” on Instagram @KristinBCoaching Get Kristin’s FREE Printable Checklist to make Packing and Preparing for Photoshoots a breeze at: www.KristinB.com/ checklist

COACHING WITH KRISTIN