Francia Raisa

Interview by VICTORIA SOTO

Photographed by CARISSA GALLO

Styled by MAR PEIDRO

How old were you when you started acting?

I was 16 years old when I decided I wanted to seriously pursue acting, but I didn't know how I was going go do it. At the time, I had fully dedicated myself to dancing and was back up dancing for an artist when the opportunity of a talent manager came my way. The other dancers were also actresses and their manager was looking for a bilingual Latina, which I am, so I ended up signing with her and about 6 months later I booked Bring It On All or Nothing when I was 17.

What is your favorite part of your job?

There are so many things I love. As an artist, I love creating and feeling. My friend texted me when she was watching Life Size 2 and said that it was so funny to see me cry so much on tv because I never cry in real life. I save it all for my craft. So I love when I get the opportunity to use it and bring to life a character that writers imagined. I also love the people I get to meet and the opportunities I get. I've been so blessed to be in so many projects that I was a fan of when I was little, Like Bring It On, Cutting Edge, and Life Size. It's still a bit crazy to me that I'm in the sequels. My job gives me the opportunity to meet and work with artists that I admire. I’m still a fangirl and I have no shame about it. Also, I love my fans. They're awesome. I don't even have words to express how grateful I am for their support and it makes me smile when I meet them and they tell me that something I did really spoke to them.

What was the most fulfilling moment in your career?

This business is so hard, I'm just so grateful to constantly have a job and be able to work in it. The whole experience is fulfilling, especially now. I am beyond lucky to be on the show I'm on, work with the people I do, and have other doors open for me.

As we are all huge fans of the iconic movie Life Size, how excited were you to make Life Size 2?

I can't even begin to explain how excited I was. I was a HUUUUGE fan when I was little and I love Tyra Banks. I still can't believe I'm in it honestly. To have Tyra really take me in and embrace me in this role the way she has is just WOW! As an original fan, I love how this movie turned out and I'm really happy that fans responded so well to it. I'm very grateful!

What do you love most about playing Ana in Grownish?

I love the friends Ana has and I love working with them. We have so much fun on set. It's such a fun job. This season two though, Ana goes through a lot and its stuff I have already been through. For me, it's nice being on the other side of what she's going through, knowing exactly how she's feeling, and bringing her emotions to the screen.

What are some of your personal and professional goals for 2019?

PERSONAL GOALS: Travel, to finally pursue the hobby I’ve been wanting to do, and spending more time with my loved ones. I'm really trying to learn how to balance work and personal time with friends and family.

PROFESSIONAL GOALS: I have so much on my vision board that I'm going to keep to myself, but I really want to book my first feature film next year, and producing the Mendez Project. I'm really excited for everyone to learn this story.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

My New Year’s resolution is to be more organized and to not press the snooze button in the morning. I am the queen of snooze and I want to be able to hear it and just get up. No more five more minutes. Oh, also I want to stop throwing my clothes on the floor when I'm trying to figure out an outfit, and actually hang it back up.

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

I would tell my 16 year old self that not everything is that serious. People want you to win, and everything is going to be ok. I would also give her a list of names of people she has no business messing with and pray she listens.

What do you do to relax from a busy week?

Down time with my boyfriend, yoga with my friends, and church. We try to have Sundays be the day we do downtime. So I will wake up early to go to church, then eat and binge watch something on tv with my boyfriend and do yoga in the evening before I sleep. Its great.

What do you do to stay healthy and fit?

I LOVE hot yoga! It's my go to. I have an awesome trainer at a gym too so I go to him when I can. I drink 2 -3 liters of water a day and I'm a lot more mindful of what I eat. I used to eat so much junk food, and now I'm really making sure I get my veggies in. I eat a lot of fish, rice and veggies. Oh, and I'm huge on taking my daily vitamins.

If you could go on vacation right now, where would you go?

I really want to go to the three countries my sisters and I are named after. France, Italy, and Ireland. I want to go with them though so, once we can all afford it, we're going. But as I'm answering these questions, I'm actually getting ready to go to Hawaii with my boyfriend. It’s our first vacation together.

Favorite song right now?

I've been having Selena “Quintanilla” on repeat

Favorite food?

Mexican and sushi.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

When people make assumptions and make decisions for you based on assumptions.

If you weren’t an actress, what would you be doing?

I think I would have a few different careers and interests. I think I would go from being a dance teacher to real estate to maybe law school and becoming a lawyer.

Which celebrity’s closet would you most like to raid?

JLO

What would you like to be remembered for?

My heart and hard work. Life is hard and I've had my ups and downs, and I want to be remembered for all the work I put into going up from feeling down and knowing my heart behind everything.

Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I'm producing my first movie and I'm beyond excited about it, Mendez vs. Westminster.

Why do you love Modeliste magazine?

For one, I have to say I really enjoyed my time at the shoot. Everyone was so lovely and fun to work with and relatable just like the magazine. I really like your travel section personally. I'm taking notes.