Local StoriesMay 22, 2023

Meet Andrea Zambrano

Local Stories

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Zambrano . Andrea was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Myleka Barnett. (@mylli_visuals)

Hi Andrea, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started at 7 years old with Ballet Nacional Integrado (BNI) in Quito, Ecuador. It was here that I learned that there were multiple ways of expressing myself besides talking; as a shy kid, I always felt out of place everywhere I went. I thought there would never be a space for someone like me, always dreaming, always moving, always creating. BNI opened its doors and helped me with my development as an artist. But more than that, with my overall growth as a human being.

At 19 years old, I moved to the U.S. to pursue a career in arts. I was still unclear as to where this journey would take me, the outcome, and where I would end up. But I did know that I had found my calling and would not stop until my dreams came true. For me to do that, I needed to complete my education. So, I enrolled in Seminole State College of Florida, where I obtained my Associate’s Degree in Arts, and after much work, determination, and drive. I graduated not only Cum Laude, but as a Member of the Grindle Honors Institute, and as a Scholarship Officer for the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.

Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
I’m an Ecuadorian dancer and model passionate about creating and meeting amazing people through art. I have had the honor and privilege to collaborate with popular brands such as Fuego Dance Shoes, Yami Dance Shoes, not to mention an array of amazing artists, photographers, MUAs, fashion designers, and event planners. I’ve also had the pleasure and privilege of performing at several national/international dance and performing arts festivals in some of the most important theaters and platforms throughout my hometown, Quito, as well as renowned live TV shows and commercials. As of today, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Entertainment Management, with a Mass Media Minor, at the University of Central Florida. I have participated as a Translator, Production Assistant, BTS Photographer, and Script Supervisor in several student films in the Orlando, area, such as “Tales of Sunshine, “Gene in a Bottle,” “Michelle,” and “The Well.” My most recent leadership experience includes working as a Director of Volunteers at the Orlando International Film Festival, and I just finished working as a Costuming Assistant for Central Florida Community ART (CFC Arts) during their “Mary Poppins” production for their Youth Theatre Program. So, I guess you can say I’m a jack of all trades; yet, a master of none. What sets me apart from the rest is my ability to explore a wide range of talents and skills that I’ve been blessed with. But more than that, is how resilient and hard-working I am. I hardly like to take no for an answer – which can be a blessing and a curse. If I see an opportunity that I know I’m good for, I will fight, prepare, and study until I can hear that glorious “yes” that we artists live for! I don’t settle. I make it a point to work on my skills and become the best version of myself possible. People tend to think of artists as prodigies that were just “born” with talent, and we just sit and wait for opportunities to come to us. In reality, It takes a lot of work, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Being an artist is not easy. It takes a lot of determination, grit, and somewhat stubbornness to get to your goal. Something that you must know about me is that I’m incredibly proud of my journey, heritage, and nationality. I’m a firm believer that in order for me to go far in life, I can’t forget where I came from. It keeps me grounded and humble. I love being Latina. I love being part of a community where despite how hard we’ve been treated, humiliated, and taken for granted, we have an incredible sense of community and togetherness that no one can take away from us. I think about Hispanics as a hybrid between a chameleon and a phoenix. Because no matter where we are placed, we can adjust to any situation, no matter how difficult. We also have the ability to rise from the ashes and continue our journey until we get where we want. What I love most about my work is that I get to meet amazing people from all over the world! To be able to hear from different perspectives, learn from different cultures, and see the amount of talent each of these individuals brings to the table. It inspires me so much. I have met and worked with BIPOC, Asians, LGBTQIA+ members, people with disabilities, and on the spectrum. They have all taught me the importance of leading and living a life full of kindness, compassion, love, and empathy. Which I think is something that this world is in desperate need of. I do what I do because of them because I think everyone should be able to look at a picture, in a commercial. or at movies/TV shows, and feel represented. To feel seen, and to feel like they matter. They are my inspiration, and my measuring stick for all the work that has yet to be done.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Myleka Barnett and Mylli Visuals and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Photos By Sunset.
Mylli is amazing! She is the epitome of creativity, progress, growth, kindness, and passion. I actually met her through social media! She was looking for models to help her on a project she was working on. It was what she calls the “Monochrome series”. The goal for this was to assign a color to a model and have them wear clothes and accessories of just that color. It was incredible. Not only did I have fun while working with her on this, but watching the rest of the series unfold as she kept putting content out of the different colors she was shooting was amazing. She inspires me so much.

There have been times were I’ve had questions on the business side of things. Such as how to maximize my brand and promote my work, what platform I could use for bookings, etc. and she has been beyond helpful. She was open and willing to hear my concerns and my goals while giving me tips and being there for me. This industry needs more people like her! Venturing out on a business or idea can be incredibly intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to do; but, it’s people like her that make it so easy to never give up, and to keep going.

She is also super organized and honest when booking a session! Her website has everything that you need to book her services, and if you have questions or something may not be as clear for you, she will answer every and any doubt to make sure you get what you want. She knows how to pose her models, she will send you inspiration if you don’t know what to wear, and she always gives her 110% on every photoshoot. I cannot stress enough how incredible, talented, and knowledgeable she is.