Leli Hernandez: Creating Opportunities - #65

In this episode, Alex Quin chats with Leli Hernandez – a Miami based actor and entertainer. Leli Hernandez was born in Miami, Florida. She began her career as a part-time model in Miami, before moving to Los Angeles to work in the TV and film industry. Leli has amassed more than a million followers and has now become a superstar that is recognized across multiple ethnic groups. In 2018, she appeared on the Netflix bio-series “Nicky Jam: El Ganador'' as the popular reggaeton artist's sister, Stephanie Rivera. Her story of how she began and how she reached where she is today is truly inspiring. She covers the importance of believing in yourself and seizing on opportunities that come in today’s episode.

Wisdom Nuggets

• Work from the ground up: Never settle or feel entitled to something. Whatever your starting point was, you can put in the work in order to be successful. Start by learning the basics. Once you have that in place, you will continue to grow by making the most of the opportunities that may come your way.
• You create your opportunity: You cannot wait for things to happen always. Sometimes it's about making things happen for you. Opportunities come to those who are looking for one. Many of your best opportunities are those that you made for yourself.
• The good things come with the bad: Failure is a part of success. Adversity can be your best friend if you are able to learn and grow from it. Setbacks can be a stepping stone to moving forward. It is all about the perspective with which you look at it. Never let success get to your head or failure get to your heart.

Podcast Outline

[01:15] What's going on everyone 

[01:36] Leli’s origin story 

[01:50] Saved my mom’s life 

[02:01] The Hero - getting a spotlight at such a young age

[02:20] Taking up hobbies and passions 

[02:30] The family performer

[03:13] The personal vs acting personality

[03:40] Learning about the entertainment business  

[04:40] Understanding the industry 

[05:14] Study the business, not just the arts

[05:40] Taking the plunge at 18 years old 

[06:50] My first job - behind the scenes of the business

[09:35] Leveraging social media to create a niche 

[10:20] Timing is everything

[11:20] Create your own opportunity

[12:00] My family, my support 

[19:00] Always work hard towards your goals - no matter what

[21:20] Leverage your experiences to your benefit 

[23:50] Hey (break)

[25:18] Always seize every opportunity

[26:35] It’s a long term game

[27:25] Go all in! 

[28:10] The bad comes with the good!

[29:30] Find a way to connect with your audience  

[30:15] Opportunities can come out of nowhere

[34:30] Not everything goes according to plan

[36:23] Consistency is key

[37:33] Breaking through the fear barrier

[38:32] Have a story to share  

[39:54] Be real with your audience 

[43:00] Finding your niche   

[44:24] God only puts us in situations we can handle 

[47:27] Set an example and be an example

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Power Quotes

• “I’m going to give myself an opportunity. I’m not going to allow Hollywood or anyone judge my acting or make me sit down when I’ve been studying this my whole life” - Leli Hernandez
• ‘’Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard’’ - Alex Quin
• ‘’Through your art, your work, your message, that’s where people get to know you more” - Leli Hernandez 

Resource

Alex Quin’s Instagram

Hustle Inspires Hustle App

Hustle Inspires Hustle Instagram

Leli Hernandez YouTube

Leli Hernandez Instagram

Leli Hernandez Facebook