Model/actress Reyna Love is beyond beautiful in all imaginable ways though the parts of her story have been the complete opposite. On the heels of starring in Miasha Coleman’s Secret Society and the recently released sequel, she discusses her role, working with Vivica A. Fox and Miasha, and the importance of believing in yourself and never giving up.
Tell us about your latest movie, Secret Society 2.
Secret Society 2 is a part two that originated from part one, a New York Times best-selling novel by Miasha Coleman, the film’s executive producer. Secret Society 2 continues based on where the first part ended; it shows Celess and Si Si. I would say we got back for my girl Tina who passed away in part one.
How do you feel about returning to your role as Celess?
I love my character, Celess; I was so happy that Miasha had green-lighted part two. Celess is like this high fashion diva; she mostly knows what she wants when it comes to money; she wants to be accepted for who she is. Being able to step back into my character’s shoes is a blessing, to be in front of the camera and give her life once again. It was great being in Celess’s shoes and wearing the diamonds and designers.
What was the experience like working for Miasha Coleman?
Working with Miasha was a fantastic experience to see a Black woman killing it in this industry. Secret Society was her first film, and she is growing her platform; she has a Miasha production company. It was such a huge blessing to see her shine. She invested in herself. Miasha was hands-on when choosing the cast, styling, and location. When we were shooting the film, I had forgotten my line, and right before I remembered the line, she said the whole scene word for word. She loves her craft, and to be able to see her do what she loves and inspire the youth to be in her position was amazing to see.
Do you think that there are any differences between the novel and the movie?
Well, when it comes to a book, it is always more detailed than a movie. The novel expresses every little detail like moments, locations, and emotions, so you can get the just of it by reading a book. When it translates to film, it must be broken down a bit for it to be executed in the time frame. The difference between the book and the movie is that the book has a little more action.
How was it working with Vivica Fox, someone you truly do admire?
Truly do admire is an understatement. I love Vivica so much; from growing up and seeing her on tv, then to be working with her again was exciting. She is a true gem, also very sincere. In this industry, many people are one way when the cameras are on and a whole other way when off. She is a sweetheart, always advising me to carry along with my career. While shooting part two, she had paused production and told me to drink some water because of how emotional Celess. I remember her telling me to keep myself hydrated so I could express myself and continue crying. She is a great actress, and I consider her one of my favorite actresses.
How did you prepare for the role itself?
I can relate to Celess in a sense. Growing up, I always wanted to be accepted for who I was and to meet the right one to fall in love with. Since I related to her in that way, being in her shoes, I wanted to make sure I was representing the LGBTQ+ community. I wanted the viewers to enjoy the character, relate, and understand her and the community to know that some women go through similar situations.
Do you feel like you had gone through similar experiences as Celess did?
I would say not similar situations, but I can say the emotional rollercoaster was there. I sympathize with my character from a hurt standpoint of view. Reading the script, Miasha’s penmanship is fantastic. I had fallen in love with my character. Certain things I read made me cry off camera, I felt the pain, and it reminded me of the hurt that I had gone through in my personal life. So, to be able to deliver the emotions of Celess was easy because I had tapped into things that affected me in my past.
What is your standpoint on Trans-women going through the same troubles as Celess and Tina?
Well, I never really thought about the things that trans-women go through or experience. I can say that I am glad to be in a position to bring the situations to light. The story of Celess and Tina is not every woman’s situation. Everybody goes through different things in life, but to be able to shed light on the topic and to have people sympathize with everyone’s situation regardless of who they love and how they love or who they portray themselves to be. Being Celess has opened my eyes as well because I did not know that half of the things they go through. They do not need or deserve it. We should be open-minded to everyone’s feelings and the decisions they choose to make because of crucifying someone for who they are. The first person to sin shall cast a stone; to judge another, you should look in the mirror, and nobody wants to do that.
What is your message to young Afro-Latinas that are looking up to you?
My message is to believe in yourself and to keep dreaming, praying, and manifesting; with all that and to put the work in as well. There are a lot of naysayers, but nobody will have the same dreams as you, see your vision board, put the tears in, or have sleepless nights. Continue to live a healthy lifestyle, and believing in yourself is the key to everything; if you can see yourself there, you have already made it. Since I was seven years old, I always wanted to see my name on a credit screen in a movie and to be an actress and a model. I have gone through so much in life being a teenage mother of two, and I always thought I could not be a model with stretch marks, and here I am among the top paid models in Miami. I used my pain to push myself forward, from being homeless and abused by my children’s father for eight years and for crucifying myself. Every trial I went through brought my character to life. I do not regret anything I have gone through, nor do I want anyone else to regret what they have gone through. Use the pain and the hurt that you have gone through to push you forward and, in the process, help those that may need it.
Deanahi
