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Dreams have a peculiar way of shaping our paths, sometimes leading us across oceans and borders. For Costa Rican-born actress Elisa Lucia, a childhood fascination with Hollywood transformed into a life-changing journey that brought her to the very streets she once only visited as a tourist.

Elisa's story begins with movie nights led by her mother, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for cinema and performance. When given the chance to choose a destination for her quinceañera celebration, she immediately selected Los Angeles – a city she'd never visited but somehow knew was where she belonged. That first trip confirmed her intuition, leaving her in tears when it was time to return home. "I felt such a belonging in a way," she shares, describing the powerful connection that would eventually pull her back to pursue acting professionally.

The path hasn't been smooth. Elisa candidly discusses the challenges of building a career as an international artist in Hollywood – from the comfort of having her sister blaze the trail before her to the complex, expensive process of securing an artist visa. "It's a really tough process," she explains, detailing the requirements for press coverage, recommendation letters, and proof of future work – all while paying substantial legal fees. These hurdles came alongside the typical struggles of the entertainment industry, further complicated by recent writers' and actors' strikes.

Yet through persistence and passion, Elisa has carved out her place. She's produced theater shows at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, created a solo performance about pioneering journalist Nellie Bly, and now celebrates having her work featured at the iconic Chinese Theatre – a full-circle moment for someone who once visited as a starstruck teenager. When asked how she maintains her mental health through it all, her answer is beautifully simple: connect with loved ones, surround yourself with supportive peers, and remember that "the only voice that matters is the one inside your head." Ready to be inspired? Listen now to hear how one woman's determination turned a childhood dream into Hollywood reality.

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Produced and Directed by: Drew Glick

Hosted by: Drew Glick

Co-Host: Sam Ailewi

Edited and Arranged by: Drew Glick

Studio Intern: Elisa Hernandez

Intro+Outro created by: Music Radio Creative

Ambient Music Provided by: Envato and Music Radio Creative

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