Paulina Chávez: From Shania Twain DVDs to Hollywood Screens — The Rising Latina Star Redefining Representation
Growing up between El Paso and San Antonio, Paulina Chávez found her first spark for performing not on a stage, but in her living room—imitating every move in Shania Twain’s iconic “That Don’t Impress Me Much” video. What began as childhood play quickly transformed into a calling shaped by her family’s musical traditions, the telenovelas she watched with her abuelas, and the powerful Latina women around her.
Today, Paulina stands as one of Hollywood’s most compelling young voices—an actress, musician, and advocate who carries her heritage into every role she chooses. In this intimate conversation, she opens up about the sacrifices behind her journey, the emotional depth of portraying Ariana Medina in Landman, her mission to uplift the Latinx community, and the unwavering drive that brought her from community theater to working alongside Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore.
Dress: S/W/F Necklace: Tarina Tarantino Earrings: 8 Other Reasons
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Can you share some of your most memorable childhood moments growing up in El Paso and San Antonio that inspired your love for performing?
One of the most memorable childhood moments is watching Shania Twain’s “UP” music videos. We had them on DVD’s and I would imitate everything she would do in her “That Don’t Impress Me Much” video.
Who were the key influences or role models in your early life that motivated you to pursue a career in acting and music?
There are many people who influenced my love for acting and music. From my memories watching my abuelita Maria Elena and my dad sing at family gatherings, to getting the theater bug in my elementary school, to growing up listening to Selena Quintanilla, Juan Gabriel, Shakira, Juanes and so many talented musicians as well as Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives and watching telenovelas with my grandma Elvia.
Top: Carolina K Skirt: ANN ANDELMAN Necklace: Brosway Earrings: Tarina Tarantino
Do you have a special memory from your time performing in local theater at age seven that still resonates with you today?
Mr. Carl Dickerson, my theater director, always made every production and every role so important. As a seven year old, I felt like we were already making it so big. To have other elementary schools come to our school to see our plays was impressive. I believe art has the power to inspire anyone, as it did me.
How did your experiences as a Mexican-American shape your approach to acting and the roles you choose?
In the beginning, I would audition for everything. Positive representation is very important to me. I’m so grateful that the roles that have found me have been three dimensional characters. I thrive to be a voice for my community and for every young latino to see themselves represented on screen. When I got my audition for Ashley Garcia, I was blown away by the depth of my character and I saw my oldest sister Celeste, civil engineer. I was immediately drawn to it because it was so rare to see a latina in an eponymous role.
Set: Nana Jacqueline Bracelets: Tarina Tarantino Tights: Wolford Earrings:UNOde5 Socks: Falke Heels: Femme Scarfs: 8 Other Reasons
What talent or skill from your early years do you feel played the biggest role in your success today?
My parents taught me the importance of working hard, perseverance, dedication, and never forget where we come from, staying grounded and of course training and preparation is key.
Moving from community theater to national screens, what was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?
In middle school when I told my mom I wanted to do film and tv, she did the research to find a film program that would prepare me. The sacrifice was traveling to Lewisville, TX to Catherine Sullivan Acting for Film for weekend intensives and at times weekly classes. My mom would drive 5 hours each way to get me to train in film/tv. When you find your passion, my mom and I believe we have to give it a try and do everything to prepare and make it happen.
Set: Black Halo Belt: B-Low The Belt Earrings: Retro Chic
Can you describe the emotional connection you felt portraying Ariana Medina in “Landman,” and how your background influenced your performance?
I feel Ariana is all the nitty- gritty of all the powerful Latina women in my life. The good, the bad and the ugly, life is messy, people are messy, I embrace it.
What was it like working alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore? Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments?
Credited along Demi Moore and Jon Hamm is surreal. Working with Billy Bob is an amazing experience and I love how grounded and humble he is, hearing his experiences is pretty awesome.
Dress: S/W/F Necklace: Tarina Tarantino Earrings: 8 Other Reasons
Your musical roots as a mariachi violinist seem to be a big part of your life. How do your musical influences and heritage inspire your acting career?
The women in my life influence me personally and professionally. I believe that my heritage and my culture are a part of me in many ways and the experiences of my loved ones will continue to inspire me.
With a career spanning theater, television, and film, which medium do you feel most connected to, and why?
Whether it’s theater, television or film, my focus is on the stories I want to tell and the people I get to work with are the most important to me.
Top: Carolina K Skirt: ANN ANDELMAN Necklace: Brosway Earrings: Tarina Tarantino
You’re also an advocate for the Latinx community. What inspired you to start the “Be Your Own Kind of Genius” scholarship, and what does it mean to you?
I started the scholarship for my HS graduating class 2020. I grew up volunteering and supporting my community. In 2021 I partnered with The Salvation Army SA, offering the opportunity to continue giving back to young latinos who want to pursue their education. The plan is to extend it to the entire state of Texas and eventually nationally.
Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to young Latinas dreaming of making it in the entertainment industry?
Follow your dreams, as Selena Quintanilla said, “The Impossible is Possible”, I believe it, do your research, prepare, go for it. Surround yourself with positive people who add value to your life.
Set: Nana Jacqueline Bracelets: Tarina Tarantino Tights: Wolford Earrings:UNOde5 Socks: Falke Heels: Femme Scarfs: 8 Other Reasons
What are your dreams for the future—both professionally and personally? Are there any roles or projects you hope to pursue next?
I want to continue finding roles that challenge me. My future goals are to produce and direct.
As someone deeply connected to your heritage, how do you see your role in representing and empowering Latinx culture in Hollywood?
It is important for the young generations to see themselves in a positive light. There are so many of our stories that need to be told that aren’t just a latino issue, it’s a human issue. Latinos offer way more than what we are given credit for. We are more than just being identified as Latino. I crave well rounded characters that happen to be Latinos.
Set: Black Halo Belt: B-Low The Belt Earrings: Retro Chic
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida García D Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Wavey (@waveybased)
Photography Editor: Brandon Madrid
Videographer: Amador Flores
Wardrobe Stylist: Branden Ruiz (@branden.ruiz)
Makeup Artist: Jade (@jadeandalon_)
Hair Stylist: Amador (@teasedbyamador)
Location: The Gunter Hotel (@thegunterhotel)
