Thank you for being part of our zine.  Tell us more about your beginnings in the industry!

 

I started out as a TV journalist, transitioned into hosting, and then I found stand up comedy which led to opportunities in podcasting, writing, producing, and acting. I began my career as a writer, and that's still what I consider myself to be above all else. I'm very lucky to continue to have opportunities to act, and perform as a stand up, but writing  my own projects for TV and film is what I find to be most exciting right now. I love collaborating, but I also think it's very important to create stories, roles, opportunities for yourself.

Where are you located now and where are you originally from? 

I live in Los Angeles. Born in the Silicon Valley. I still rep the Bay pretty hard.

Goals for 2020 and beyond?

My goals are to work on projects that elevate women and minorities. I'm a Mexican-American woman, and I think now it's more important than ever to use your voice for the people who came before you who didn't have the opportunity to do so. The world is changing in so many ways, it's a very unique and pivotal time in our history, culturally. Although there are more opportunities for women and Latinx people in media, we are still severely under-represented.

What have been the specific challenges in your career so far?  What have been the greatest achievements so far?
 

The challenges are being taken seriously, and not being taken advantage of by men in this industry. There are a lot of untrustworthy people out there who will promise you the world because they want something from you. Pay attention to red flags and run as soon as you see them. My greatest achievements are moving past disappointment and perceived failure. Sometimes a loss isn't actually a loss. Keep moving and believe in yourself. 

 Where can our readers catch up with you out there soon?
 

Follow me on Instagram @dahhhhling, I'll be launching a new podcast soon!

Please answer the following... "If my fans really knew me,  they would know that... " 

This is really me... in all my weird, wacky, flawed, and vulnerable glory. When people meet me in person who only knew me online they almost always say something like, "You're exactly how I thought you were going to be." The first couple of times it happened, I didn't know if that was compliment or not, because I'm so real with what I put out there - it's easy to feel insecure about being that open - but since authenticity is a big part of my brand, I have to consider transparency a win. What you see is really what you get!

Who are your top inspirations? 
 

Anyone with the courage to live their truth on a daily basis, and the bravery to go for the things they want in life with an open heart. The road is so long, and so difficult - we don't give dreamers enough credit. I find daily inspiration from all of the dreamers out there. 

Having accomplished so much in your career, are there more dreams you hope to conquer?
 

So many! I haven't even started. I'm going to do so much with my time here. 

Any words of wisdom for your fans out there? 
 

Don't believe in anything more than you believe in yourself. No relationship, no job, no creative partnership is ever going to be more fulfilling or important than the integrity and relationship and you have with you. Other people will let you down. Put your faith in you. Invest in your education, cultivate your talent, explore things you want to explore, and create opportunities for yourself even if you have to do it solo. Prioritize your growth. You're worth it!

Please list your social media links so our readers can follow you everywhere!
 

IG: @dahhhhling

FB: Facebook.com/erindarlingfanpage

Twitter: @ErinADarling

COVER PHOTO in PINK:  SCOOBY MIRANDA
TOP Photo in Article: MICHAEL VIERYA
COVER PHOTO Upclose: DANA PATRICK