As a actor and a woman determined to carve out her own path, Melissa Carcache is a vivacious and determined entrepreneur. Previously known for her work on the Nickelodeon series “Every Witch Way,” Melissa radiates enthusiasm, energy and excitement. She is a firm believer pursuing women-empowering opportunities. So it is no surprise that while promoting her new Hallmark film “Love At Sea,” in an exclusive interview Melissa enthusiastically talked about her new series “Hialeah” and being a part of the Millennial Women Talk tour.
What was the initial appeal for you about working on Hallmark’s “Love At Sea”?
MELISSA: The story and message. That there is no perfect life. You get thrown into so many directions that you just can’t foresee. If you allow life to happen to you and you ride that wave, the most amazing things happen that can change your life forever in a great away. Live your life in the moment, you will always end up where your supposed to be.
How would you describe who your character is in the film?
MELISSA: Alexandra is a big YouTube star known for her cooking and lifestyle brand. She’s a perfectionist and really values her work. I relate to her in those qualities. It funny because in the movie, my character is stressing about the BIG event she’s doing on the ship for her YouTube channel and big book launch and at the same time, I was in real life planning my first live podcast meet-up event, Millennial Women Talk tour, so I was really able to pull from some real life feelings and put it into the character.
Was it a bit confusing portraying a character by the name of Alexandra while co-starring with Alexa PenaVega?
MELISSA: Not at all actually! The cast and crew called us all by our real names 🙂
What do you most admire about your character Alexandra?
MELISSA: How she can balance work, baby and her friendship with Olivia. No matter what she’s going through, she’s right there for the people she loves most. She’s the epitome of work, life, balance.
What is it like working alongside Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega and Audrey Landers on “Love At Sea”?
MELISSA: Absolutely incredible! I’ve known Carlos since I was 16, so it was nice working alongside an old pal and Alexa was incredible! She’s got the most beautiful soul. Very sweet and kind. Audrey is a legend and I really enjoyed getting to hang out with her and hearing about her amazing career. She’s very giving and so sweet. I got lucky with the cast. Great people!
How would you describe the dynamic between your character Alexandra and Tony?
MELISSA: They are fun together because they both want what’s best for Olivia. They deeply care and know that if they work as a team, they will be able to help her find her way.
Any favorite scenes that you can share from working on the film?
MELISSA: The cooking completion was so fun! I performed in front of a lot of extras in the Aqua Theatre on the ship! I was super nervous, but it was the most fun.
What challenges did you face working on the film and how did you overcome them?
MELISSA: My biggest challenge, as it is on most projects, is my nerves. The way I overcome it is taking my time. I don’t overwhelm myself with seeing how much I have to do, I just enjoy the journey.
Has working with Hallmark left an impression on you in your life? If so, in what way?
MELISSA: The biggest impression is that I would really like to continue working with them. (LOL) I love their films and how each project has a meaning behind it. It’s beautiful stories with a great message that you can really apply to your life.
Then as an actor, what has been the one thing you have taken away from the experience of working on “Love At Sea”?
MELISSA: To live in the moment. We shot on a cruise ship for two weeks and not many people can say they shot a movie on a cruise for two weeks! I promised myself that I would enjoy and soak in every moment and I did. I made some amazing memories.
What inspired you to create Millennial Women and what do you hope to accomplish with it?
MELISSA: Millennial Women started because my sister and I were searching for something to inspire us, motivate us and in a way let us know everything was going to be ok. Three years ago, she and I were at a crossroads with our life and career and through that process we created the multimedia company. Our vision and mission is to inspire and create resourceful content for the women of our generation through our traveling podcast Millennial Women Talk. We wanted to highlight amazing women doing incredible things that are changing the world for the better. By meeting these women first hand it has inspired me to be better, do better and change my perspective about life. All along Steph and I were trying to inspire others when truly they are all inspiring us. Our goal is to be a global company and generate perspectives from women from all over the world in hopes we can better understand and respect one another better. It is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I truly found my purpose in life.
What has surprised you most about your career so far?
MELISSA: How much it became something I never expected. I just thought I was going to be an actress and jump from job to job. I not only get to make other stories come to life, but I am creating my own stories through my company Romdon Productions and building a multimedia company Millennial Women with a traveling podcast. I never expected this, but I am so happy God has guided me to this place.
At this stage of your career, what do you think you have learned from the roles and projects you have worked on?
MELISSA: Trust the process and don’t force anything. If I don’t get a job I want celebrate the woman who did and there will always be something waiting for me on the other side. I will always end up where I am supposed to be.
Then what are the perks of where you are in your career right now?
MELISSA: That I get to connect with so many people and build companies that can help them in whatever they are going through.
What has been your proudest achievement as a working actor at this point in your career?
MELISSA: Every job and opportunity is an achievement. I remember the days when I couldn’t even get an audition, so I really enjoy every moment as if it was my last. Being a working actor is my biggest achievement.
Has there been any great advice you have gotten about working as an actor?
MELISSA: To have patience and enjoy the process. Everything will always work out in the end.
What advice would you offer to other upcoming and aspiring actors?
MELISSA: Funny enough, the first thing I would say is don’t move to Los Angeles. Right now, there is a HUGE shift happening in the industry that you don’t need to physically be in LA. I would find creatives in your city and start making stuff and put it online. Begin building your resume that way instead of trying to get into casting offices in Los Angeles. It’s easy to fall in love with an illusion of what this business looks like and that’s the worst thing you can do. Know yourself and what you want, have patience and always be obedient to your calling. You’ll always end up where you’re supposed to be.
At a time when women’s voices are rising to be heard and respected around the country and world, what do you recommend your fans do to lend support in that endeavor?
MELISSA: To champion each other. We can’t continue thriving if we are not working alongside each other. We must begin to celebrate all the amazing qualities we all bring to the table. Show respect and kindness, always, no matter what.
Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can share that fans should keep an eye out for?
MELISSA: Yes! I have a new series called “Hialeah” that I co-created and starring in that comes out soon, “Love at Sea” August 11th, and Millennial Women is heading to its fourth stop on the tour — Nashville! I’m so excited to have you all onboard this awesome ride!
To see Melissa bring her new role as Alexandra to life on screen, be sure to tune in for the premiere of “Love At Sea” on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, August 11th at 9:00 p.m. Then to see what Melissa is up to next, you can follow her on Twitter @MeliCarache and her new series “Hialeah” on Twitter as well @hialeahseries. She also posts videos on her YouTube blog at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXEwb7ssRnUnmc6E6DKzVtg/videos
Then for tickets and more information about Millennial Women Talk, you can visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/millennial-women-talk-meet-up-in-nashville-tn-tickets-48759017534
On Location behind-the-scenes video for “Love At Sea”:
SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER | Tiffany covers events such as San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon and press junkets, as well as covering events at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills. She has a great love for television and believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored. Tiffany is one of the newest members to the prestigious Television Critics Association and is happy to be able to share her passion for television shows with an even wider audience of fans and her fellow critics..
