Ahnnika Velasquez is going places! This young model and actor has the drive to be the best she can be, and she is learning as much as she can about all aspects of the modeling and acting industries. Whether it’s walking hot new designs on the runway or putting up a teary-eyed façade for that next dramatic role, Ahnnika is positioned to master her crafts.
Tell us what you are working on now – any acting / modeling opportunities in New York?
Well, I recently returned from a fun few days in New York for Fashion Week. It was a really great time and I met so many new friends! I walked for five different designers during fashion week with Drisha Closet being the highlight of my runway walks at the Sony Hall. It was chaotic at times having to change clothes quickly to walk for the other four designers. But, at the end, I was also able to wear my sash and crown as Miss Jr. Teen Hollywood US Nation to represent my city — Hollywood, CA. I really loved all of the pieces that I modeled but my favorite one was from Drisha Closet. It was very elegant and the color really popped. My next runway will take me out of the country at the end of September to Paris for Paris Fashion Week, followed LA Fashion Week which is closer to home.
Speaking of NYFW, how do you prepare for walking the runway? Tell us about planning your trip, meeting with designers, hair/make-up, etc.
To prepare for NYFW and any other runway, I usually make sure that I eat more healthy about a week before I go on the runway. I have to avoid processed sugar and carbs as much as possible and drink a lot more water so that my skin glows and I don’t get any unexpected zits or pimples. I also make sure that I stick to my skincare regimen to avoid any blotchiness so that my skin looks nice and glowing. Hours before the runway, it’s a battle trying to get hair and makeup done as sometimes the show is short-staffed for hair and makeup artists. My mom will usually bring a makeup bag in cases where there isn’t enough time to wait, so I’m thankful for her tremendous help. Backstage, when I’m with other models, we will practice our walk and poses, and I’m fortunate to have learned a lot from other models! Fashion week consists of very long days of chaos, but to me it’s all worth it!
If you could walk any runway in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could walk any runway in the world, I would love to walk the most prestigious runway in Milan during its fashion week. It would be such a great experience, and it is one of the top four biggest fashion weeks in the world. I’ve walked NYFW, will be walking Paris Fashion Week soon, and up next year I plan to walk runways at Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week next year.
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Additionally, as an Actor and Model, I would love to be a part of and attend the Festival de Cannes (aka, the Cannes Festival) and support as an Actor and show off a high fashion and elegant collection to the world as a Model. You know how they have their red carpet and the stair photography? I would LOVE to be a part of all that publicity.
Tell us about your acting – what are your favorite types of roles?
My favorite kind of roles are dramatic roles. I feel like I play those kinds of roles well and that I can convey feelings and meaning through my emotional acting. I love working on my acting by lip syncing different scenes from movies or shows because it helps me to improve my skills for these types of roles. I really do love drama, and because I am able to cry on demand and I can use that to my advantage in drama scenes. I’ve practiced crying on demand now all I have to do is think about something sad, then keep my eyes opened long enough to trigger some tears. If that doesn’t work, I am able to trigger tears by starting to yawn. It works for me even though it may sound weird. If I can really connect to a scene that is sad or emotional, I can cry a lot without applying my method to start tears.
What is your favorite movie, and how has that had an impact on your acting / modeling career?
I would say that my favorite movie is Finding Ohana. It’s an old one, but I love this movie because the actors show a mix of emotions – sadness, comedic, sillyness, seriousness – and there is a lot of adventure and bravery which I love. There are things in the movie that I’m sure many can relate to and the actors were perfect for the roles. There are many movies out there, though, that I’d love to still see, but of the age-appropriate movies that I’ve seen, Finding Ohana is my clear favorite, and it has helped me see the characters get to the audience’s heart through their acting skills.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself as a successful actor in major films. I am working on additional skills [and to hone those skills] which I feel will contribute towards my goals of being very successful in this business. I’m also working to hone my other talents in dance, vocals, and a few others. It’s never-ending, but I’m determined to be the next Zendaya or Nicole Kidman. I started acting just a few years ago and I’m well on my way.
Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @theofficial.ahnnikamv