Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our “Inspiring Women” series, with this exclusive interview with Kimberly Dawn Guerrero, star of the movie “Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays“.

Guerrero will next be seen starring as Victoria Frost in the highly-anticipated ION holiday movie. Her character is an egotistical social media influencer who wakes up one morning to find that her dog has been kidnapped overnight. In an effort to find the puppy before Christmas, Victoria’s long-suffering assistant Emily teams up with charming local vet James Conway. As the two investigate suspects, including a rival influencer, a crazed fan, and the father of a spoiled little rich girl, they form a romantic bond along the way – until she suspects her charming vet isn’t all he seems to be. The movie premiered on November 27th and you can see Guerrero featured on the official movie poster above.

Guerrero also appeared in the hit comedy Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues alongside Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, and Kristen Wiig.

She co-starred in the rom-com A Holiday Heist alongside Lacey Chabert, Vivica A. Fox, Chris Kattan, Cassandra Scerbo, and Anand Desai-Barochia and recently wrapped production on the film Deadly Draw alongside Ed Asner.

She was seen as Janet Turnbill in the drama/romance film Southern Comfort and has also showcased her talent on hit shows such as Blackish, Ray Donovan, American Horror Story, Two Broke Girls, How I Met Your Mother, General Hospital and CSI: NY.

Take a read and find out what inspires Kimberly and more about her role in “Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays”

Interview with Kimberly Dawn Guerrero

Thank you so much for joining us, Kimberly.  Can you tell us a little more your ‘backstory’?

I grew up in Tucson, AZ and was very fortunate to have an incredible family who always encouraged me to follow my passion for the arts. I grew up acting in community theatre and spent my early years performing in a children’s performing group. When I was in high school, I attended a modeling and talent competition in New York where I ended up getting signed by a manager and talent agent. A few years later I packed up my car and moved to Los Angeles and never looked back. 

Interview with Kimberly Dawn Guerrero
Photographer: Dylan Lujano @dylanlujano
Hair: Mika Fowler @mikahairstylist
Makeup: Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup

What first inspired you to consider an acting career, and how did you first get your start?

For as long as I can remember, performing is where I always felt most at home. I was the kid who put on performances for all my friends and family and spent my childhood dancing, singing, acting. 

I got my first professional break doing voiceover work when I was 8 years old. It’s a career path I always wanted to take. 

Who or what was your greatest inspiration in pursuing a career in acting? 

My Mom. She left home at 18 to model in New York when she landed a contract with Ford Models. I grew up looking at old pictures of my Mom in magazines like Vogue and was so inspired from a very young age to go after my dreams. 

Can you tell us a little more about your role in “Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays” and your character, Victoria Frost, in the movie?

I play Victoria Frost, an egotistical famous influencer whose dog ends up getting kidnapped before the Holidays. She’s a bit of a villain but I found so much comedy playing into her complete lack of self-awareness in any given situation. 

What was it that attracted you to this role?

When I first picked up the script and read Victoria, I knew she would be such a fun/out-there character to play. 

Interview with Kimberly Dawn Guerrero
Photographer: Dylan Lujano @dylanlujano
Hair: Mika Fowler @mikahairstylist
Makeup: Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup

What was your favorite part of filming this movie?

Working on a holiday film is so magical. If I could film Christmas movies 24/7, I definitely would. I’m also a huge animal lover so filming a holiday dog movie was an extra bonus. 

How do you rise above the pressures of the industry when it comes to the acceptance of certain jobs and staying true to your image?

I’m always going to take roles that feel authentic to me as a person or challenge me in some way. I love to work on projects where I can grow as an actress. 

What tips would you give to other women in your industry to help them to avoid “burn out”?

I’ve learned to not take the rejection personally. I truly believe that what’s meant for you will not pass you by. That’s helped me so much in staying positive in a business that is 90% rejection. You’re not going to be right for every role and you have to accept that this is okay. 

This series is all about representing and empowering dynamic women everywhere; can you recall a particular moment in the last year that influenced your growth and evolution as a woman? 

I really started manifesting positive energy this past year. I focused a lot on well-being. I took an amazing workshop with Shannon Bills, a former casting director and acting coach in LA, who is also a mindset coach. She really brought a lot of positivity back into my career. I’ve prioritized “me time” for the first time in a long time and I felt so much growth because of it. 

On a more personal level, can you share your strategies about how to stay calm and sane during these difficult times?  Are there any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help you stay grounded?

I try to spend the beginning of every day with 15 minutes of quiet meditation and prayer. It starts each day on a more positive note. That’s really helped me keep grounded and allowed me to find the gratitude in these times. 

What do you want to be known for in your life and career?

I dream of a career like Betty White. I know that’s a huge feat but she was just so inspirational. Not only by staying relevant and having a career of such longevity, but also her dedication to helping animals. It’s a mutual love for animals that we also share. 

What has been the biggest challenge/ hurdle you have faced so far?

I think learning to push myself out of my comfort zone. The most amazing things I’ve accomplished in life and in this business have been when I have put myself out there. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and I firmly believe that. 

What has been your biggest milestone / achievement so far?

Booking the lead in a Christmas movie was at the top of my list this year and I am so grateful I got that opportunity to work on such an incredible Holiday film. 

What are your aspirations for the future? Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now and are there any imminent plans that you’d like to share?

I would love to be working as a series regular on a sitcom. I love the trajectory my career has taken this year and hope to keep growing in my career as an actress. I also would like to do a lot more work with animal welfare and raising awareness for adopting animals from shelters which is a passion of mine. I have a rescue dog who has inspired that so much. 

Finally, what advice do you have for other women, who are aspiring to launch a career in acting?

Go for it! If you are willing to put in the work and have self-confidence, the sky is the limit. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today, Kimberly?

I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season! 

I hope you enjoyed this inspiring interview with Kimberly Dawn Guerrero, star of “Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays and don’t forget to check out our other inspiring women posts.

Instagram : @itskimberlydawn Facebook :  @itsKimberlyDawn

Featured Image Credit : Courtesy of ION Television Promo