Roller coaster auditions left no room for self-doubt, and filming was magical. But the release was pushed back a year amid the pandemic. The whole process taught Melissa to cultivate patience, underscored the need to constantly reintroduce yourself, and confirmed why diving deep into her own heartbreak was the only way to play Vanessa on her own terms.

Follow Melissa on Instagram @melissabarreram. If you loved this episode, listen to Alicia's to-latina.simplecast.com/episodes/vidas-melissa-barrera-embraces-all-her-identities">previous chat with Melissa here, or this episode about to-latina.simplecast.com/episodes/how-aimee-garcia-breaks-stereotypes-on-and-off-the-screen">How Aimee Garcia Took Charge of Her Hollywood Career. Show your love and become a Latina to Latina Patreon supporter!