INTRO BY SARA SANTORA
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
Photographer: Birdie Thompson
Make-up: JaeLynn Schneider Represented by Michelle Q Beauty
Actress, producer and traveling podcaster: Melissa Carcache does it all. Best known for her recurring role as Lily on Nickelodeon’s hit series Every Witch Way, Carcache’s acting career is only beginning. She recently joined former Nickelodeon star Carlos PenaVega, and former spy kid Alexa PenaVega, in the Hallmark original movie Lost at Sea. She is also the co-creator, executive producer and star of soon-to-air comedy series Hialeah. Alongside her acting career, she and her sister run their own multimedia company, Millennial Women, and are currently on their mini tour for the company’s hit podcast Millennial Women Talk. With so much in the works, we sat down with her to talk about her career, past projects and future plans.
How did you first get your start in acting?
MELISSA: “I’ve always wanted to act but my mom wouldn’t allow me until I was older. My dance coach told my mom about an acting school she was going to and my mom finally gave me the chance I was praying for! I was 14 at the time and I auditioned for the school, got accepted and began taking classes. They also had an agency division which allowed me to train and go out on auditions.”
What do you remember from your first audition?
MELISSA: “I can’t even remember! It was so long ago but auditioning is so hard I’m sure it wasn’t my best work lol.”
You star in the new Hallmark move, Love at Sea. Can you tell us a little about the film and your character Alexandra?
MELISSA: “The film is about a young woman named Olivia who is trying to make something of herself and prove to the world she can be successful on her own but what she doesn’t know is she’s about to fall in love with a man who will change her life forever in the best way. My character Alexandra is Olivia’s best friend and a successful YouTuber. She’s having a major event on board the world’s biggest cruise ship Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas but when things don’t turn out the way she planned, Olivia is there to save the day! It’s a film about being true to who you are and open to the magic of life because sometimes it leads you to the most unexpected places.”
What was it like working alongside Alexa and Carlos PenaVega on the film?
MELISSA: “It was amazing! They are such a joy to work with and we truly had a great time on set. I love how freeing they are on set. They make you feel comfortable to improv and be in the moment. It was an honor working with them.”
Most people know you from your role as Lily on Every Witch Way. What are some of your favorite memories from working on the show?
MELISSA: “I have so many but definitely my first table read was such a highlight. They kept so much info regarding the show so low key I didn’t realize how big the project was until my first day and I couldn’t believe I was a part of it. I waited 10 years for an opportunity like this and I was so excited!”
Do you find that you favor a specific genre of film?
MELISSA: “I don’t actually. I focus more on the story that’s what drives me. I have to be invested in the story and the characters.”
Of the roles you have done, which would you say has been your favorite and why?
MELISSA: “I simply can’t choose lol I love them all the same and they have all come at the perfect time in my life. I’m grateful just to call acting my career.”
Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?
MELISSA: “Yes! I have my multimedia company Millennial Women founded and created by my sister Stephanie and me. The heartbeat of the company is our traveling podcast Millennial Women Talk where we interview an inspiring thought leader in front of a live audience in a meet up setting. We are currently on our mini tour and head to Nashville October 2nd. I also have my comedy series Hialeah in which I co created, executive produce and star in that launches soon!”