Interview with Young Actress & Model Ahnnika Velasquez

Magazine Contributor
5 Min Read

Ahnnika’s journey from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles is a tale of determination and talent. Starting from live musical theater and transitioning into both acting and modeling, she has made a notable mark in the entertainment industry.  In addition to acting and modeling, Ahnnika is passionate about Hip Hop dance, martial arts, and singing. I recently caught up with Ahnnika to see what drives this young Actress & Model.

Photo credit: @michaeldambrosiaphoto (IG) 

What drew you into the entertainment business? I think my motivation for acting started when I was bit younger while watching TV shows, such as Bunk’d and Jessie, and I would tell my mom and myself that I wanted to act in shows like these. When an opportunity to audition for a web series came to a city near us, my mom asked me if I wanted to audition. I was so excited and said “Yes!”; I wanted to give it a Go! After auditioning, I eventually got a callback and was booked. When I started filming my first episode, I really loved the experience and I loved meeting the rest of the cast and crew. I realized how much fun I had on set and that really pushed me to try get more bookings in the entertainment business. 

The glamour of modeling drew me to jump at the opportunity to walk the runway for several designers last February [2024] during the New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week last March [2024]. I am going be on the runway again this upcoming September at the NYFW at Sony Hall and in Paris for Paris Fashion Week. 

What do you love the most about acting / modeling? I love that I get to meet so many new people on set and I get to show my emotions through different characters I play. But I especially love the interactions I have with others while on set. My character can be super fun or more serious. For modeling I really love the glamour of it all! Who doesn’t like to show off cute or fancy outfits and have photographers taking your picture?

Photo credit: Premiere+ Production

How do you balance school with your acting work?  Balancing school and work takes a lot of discipline. My mom helps me to stay focused by telling me to do some of my schoolwork in class when I have extra time, and then finishing the rest as soon as I get home. Sometimes my work is a lot though because I not only have homework, but I also have acting, dance, and martial arts classes for about 8-10 hours per week. Sometimes I go to bed very late at night or I have to get up really early to get self-tape auditions submitted on time. 

Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.  Something people would be surprised to learn about me is that I only have one parent, my mom. I don’t have a dad because my mom explained to me that she was high-risk for having children so late, so she went through IVF to have me. I am an only child. 

What are your goals for the remainder of 2024?  My biggest goal for the remainder of 2024 is to get a big booking as a series regular or to have a lead or supporting role in a big movie. As for non-acting goals, I would like to get straight A’s again for the new school year and get into Level 5 Hip Hop so that I can be more challenged at a higher level. 

Any upcoming projects you can share?  I am constantly auditioning for upcoming projects, but I did just finish filming a Paramount project for some major brands that I can’t talk too much about at this time. I can’t wait for it to air! 

Where can we follow you on social media?  You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @theofficial.ahnnikamv 

Photo credit: @randramoreproductions (IG)

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