Beauty, brains, talent, success — almost every man is looking for a woman who has it all to call their own. Even if these women might seem like a magical unicorn, ‘LLERO knows that this type of woman exists. Maybe SHE is your vecina, the one who got away, or your sister’s home girl. So right here on our site, we’ll be turning the spotlight on the ladies that we all know and love because we know that “SHE” means She Has Everything.
Vianessa Castanos could make any man’s heart flutter. The 30-something Dominican and Pakistani actress has the caramel skin, raven colored mane and toned frame that will get any man’s attention. But her nine lives, not to mention daring persona, will keep any man mesmerized. The traveling nomad who’s lived everywhere from D.C. to the Dominican Republic, has done a bit of everything: actress, writer, body building competitor. Her gypsy lifestyle came to a halt in college. After graduating from high school at just 16, she attended Florida State University and studied everything from Marine Biology to business until she received a degree in Spanish language and literature before chasing her Hollywood dreams. While she feels “Dominican through and through” she was raised Muslim and has a deep love for her South Asian culture. Learn more about this girl who has it all…
‘LL: Were you always a performer?
VC: Since I was a kid I’ve been obsessed with TV. Looking back it was probably unhealthy. I’d watch TV and put on shows for my family. They started putting me in drama classes. I was really shy, so doing that gave me an outlet to talk to people.
‘LL: When did you decide to pursue acting as a career?
VC: In college I got into local theatre and did The Vagina Monologues. I told my mom freshman year, I was going to L.A. When I graduated, I decided to be logical and I went to D.C. and lived for free (my parents were there) got a job and saved money. I enrolled at the Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. After a semester, I knew that was it. I didn’t want to do anything else unless it was acting. I did industrial films — training videos — I knew in D.C. acting wasn’t going to go anywhere. So I figured I’d move to L.A. — I might as well have bills to pay in a place where I want to be.
‘LL: Is realizing your dream all you thought it would be?
VC: Yes because I came in with realistic expectations. I knew how hard it would be to even get work to begin with. I was aware of how much people struggle and I have gone through it…mentally financially…dealing with constant rejection. So now I think I’m in a good place I work consistently enough. But it definitely took a couple of years of trying different things before I got anything of significance.
‘LL: What’s your next big project?
VC: I’m actually developing my own projects. I’m making opportunities for myself. Right now I’m developing a web series called, The Bathroom Diaries. It’s about growing up Latina in the U.S. It follows two sisters; I’m one lead with another actress. It’s about them trying to figure our what it means to be Latina and they get themselves into really questionable situations. It will be released online in February 2014.
‘LL: How did you get involved in National Physique Competitions or what’s known as bikini competitions?
VC: I put on weight some years ago. When I was younger, I remembered these competitions. I’m gonna train and lose weight and look awesome. When I started doing that I decided to compete. I have a competitive streak. What can I do how can I push myself? I’ve only done one competition in 2012. I love it.
‘LL: I’m sure our readers want to know what some of your faves are. What’s your favorite movie?
VC: I’m a total sci-fi and fantasy junkie! I love Alien, Star Wars, Lord of The Rings.
LL: Favorite food?
VC: Indian food — all of it.
‘LL: On to the juicy stuff. What do you look for in a man?
VC: Someone with a sense of humor. That’s the biggest thing. I’m really sarcastic and goofy. If you can’t take a joke or dish out one don’t be around me. Second, honesty — I don’t want to feel uncomfortable or doubt you. Third, be sane or [a] logical person.