LILIANA MIJANGOS

At just 13 years old, you’ve accomplished so much in both fashion and acting. How do you balance your work as a designer, model, and actress with your everyday life?

I am currently homeschooled and I am so thankful to have supportive teachers to help balance my work and school. Of course I could not do this without the support of my family. My family makes sure that I balance my work with my everyday life. They are there to make sure that I have time for myself and do all the fun things I love to do.

You started acting by portraying the childhood version of Olivia Munn in Violet. How did that experience shape your passion for acting?

The role of young Violet shaped my interest in acting because I got to play the part of another person/character and being able to step out of your comfort zone and seeing everything that goes on behind the scenes was so fascinating and made me want to play more parts.

You’re the youngest designer to showcase at both New York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks. What was it like to see your designs on such prestigious runways?

To see my designs on such prestigious runways is a blessing. Everytime I showcase my designs it feels like the first time and it is unbelievable to see them on the runway. I am always thankful and blessed for every opportunity given to showcase my designs. It is an out of this world experience. To see my creations on the runway is a major milestone and always excited to finally see the hard work that was put on each design finally be on the runway.

Your fashion designs are inspired by inclusivity, especially creating clothes for your sister Cecilia. What does accessible fashion mean to you, and how do you bring that vision to life?

Accessible fashion to me means that clothing designed to be easy to wear for anyone. It is clothing that is designed to be comfortable, functional, and stylish. How I bring that vision to life is making clothes that bring comfort, independence, and confidence.

As a Latina artist, how does your cultural background influence your work in both fashion and acting?

My cultural background influences my work in both fashion and acting by shaping my design choices, and allows me to have access to a deeper character understanding through my personal experiences and enabling it to portray in my designs. It draws inspiration from my heritage and traditions to create unique and meaningful work across both fields.

Social media has played a role in growing your influence. How do you use your platform to share your mission and inspire others?

I love to engage with my followers. I love to hear from them. I like to show my appreciation through my social media. I always try to encourage meaningful and positive conversations. Social media is a way to build relationships, a way to connect. The messages that I spread throughout my social media is to always be yourself and believe in oneself. There is absolutely no limit to what you can do.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far, whether in fashion or acting?

I feel that everything that I do in my career is rewarding both in fashion and acting but if I have to pick one moment so far in fashion, was having His Royal Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg wear one of my designs during New York Fashion Week. Meeting him was an honor and having him ask to wear one of my designs was the highlight of my career. Definitely a moment to remember. As for acting, working with the amazing and talented director and producer Justine Bateman was the highlight of my career. Such a memorable experience that is definitely at the top of a rewarding moment in my acting career.

You’re carving out a space for yourself in the entertainment and fashion industries at such a young age. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Being young I have faced many challenges especially being told that I am too young and might not make it big in the industry.. Yes, this industry is not easy, but I have a plan so I can stay focused and motivated. I overcome all the challenges by surrounding myself with positive people and visualizing my success. I don’t give up and most of all I believe in myself and keep a positive outlook.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in fashion and acting, and how have they influenced your journey?

My biggest inspiration in fashion is Anna Wintour. She is such an admired and fierce fashion icon. She has greatly influenced fashion trends and has shaped the careers of numerous designers. She has influenced my journey to be unique and have a distinctive style with my designs. My biggest inspiration in acting is a long list. So many amazing and talented actors such as Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Marlon Brando

and many more. I admire them for their transformative abilities and range in performance styles across various genres. And that has helped me in my acting journey to be able to portray many personalities/characters.

Looking to the future, what are your ultimate goals as a designer, actress, and advocate for inclusivity in fashion?

My ultimate goal as a designer is to showcase in Milan and Paris Fashion Week and to one day open up a small boutique. As an actress I hope to one day be part of a series or feature film, and as an advocate for inclusivity in fashion is to promote acceptance, opportunity, and diversity in fashion and beauty industries.