From São Paulo to Hollywood, The Brazilian-Born Actress, Director, and Changemaker Is Redefining Success Through Purpose, Sustainability, and the Unity of Latin Voices.
At the edge of grace lies intention—the quiet discipline to create with conscience and lead with empathy. Few embody that balance as seamlessly as Carolla Parmejano, the Brazilian-born actress, director, and changemaker whose journey bridges art, activism, and the power of small, deliberate acts. From her performances in Secrets of an Influencer and the upcoming Blow for Blow to her advocacy through Love for Upcycling and We The Latin, Parmejano’s work reminds us that strength can be tender and that real influence begins with purpose.
Born and raised in São Paulo, she began acting at the age of eight and graduated from the Macunaíma Academy of Arts with a focus on film and storytelling. Now based in the United States, she brings her multicultural background into every project, using her craft to connect stories, cultures, and communities.
When discussing her recent work in Secrets of an Influencer, Parmejano reflects on the complexity of her character, Jaclyn—a devoted mother driven by ambition and love.
She explains that the film’s message resonates far beyond the influencer generation. “What’s beautiful about this film,” she shares, “is that it resonates beyond teenagers and young influencers; it also speaks to parents, teachers, professors, and anyone responsible for guiding the next generation of underage influencers.” The film became a conversation about values, loyalty, and the emotional cost of chasing perfection.
Following its success, Parmejano stepped into an entirely new genre with Blow for Blow, a martial arts drama soon to premiere on Amazon Prime. “There’s always a first time for everything,” she says with a smile. “Being surrounded by people so passionate about their careers as athletes was truly inspiring.” Drawing from her own experience in Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga, she found a personal connection to the film’s deeper message. “We highlight resilience and the deeper message of bullying, which resonates strongly with me and with my younger self.”
Beyond acting, Parmejano’s passion for storytelling led her behind the camera. “Directing is a uniquely powerful position,” she explains. “It requires not only vision and leadership but also vulnerability, kindness, and above all, humanity.” Her directorial work grew naturally out of her time on set, where she often collaborated closely with creative teams. She recalls how a director’s openness to her ideas became a turning point. “I realized I could wear that hat too,” she adds, emphasizing that leadership in art must always begin with respect.
Her creative mission extends beyond film. As the founder of Love for Upcycling, Parmejano has become an advocate for environmental sustainability, transforming resourcefulness into a movement. “Love for Upcycling was born from my experience growing up in a middle-class family where being resourceful wasn’t just practical; it was necessary,” she says. “At first, it was about not spending too much on fabrics or big brands, but soon I realized it had a much deeper purpose: caring for the planet and addressing the urgent challenges we face.” (Love for Upcycling, 2025).
Carolla’s approach to sustainability is both accessible and personal. “For me, sustainability begins at home— being mindful of water use, reducing plastic, and reusing whenever possible,” she explains. Even her wardrobe reflects that philosophy. “Ninety percent of what I wear is secondhand, carefully chosen and cared for.” Through small, intentional steps, she demonstrates how consistent habits can shape cultural change.
In addition to her environmental work, Parmejano is the co-founder of We The Latin, a platform dedicated to uniting Latino and Brazilian voices in American media. “We exist to break those divisions and celebrate our shared
Voyage LA. (2024, August 30). Meet Carolla Parmejano of Internationals Couple LLC in Hollywood. National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). (2024). Program Summit Overview. Love for Upcycling. (2025). About Us.
identity,” she says (Voyage LA, 2024). “Whether you come from a Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking background, what matters is connection.” Her recent collaboration with NALIP has strengthened that vision, building pathways for greater representation and inclusion across the industry (NALIP, 2024).
Still, Parmejano acknowledges that her journey has not been without challenges. “One of the biggest stereotypes I’ve had to confront as a Latina is being seen only through my accent or being offered secondary roles instead of being trusted to carry a story as a lead.” For her, breaking barriers is not about confrontation but consistency—showing that talent, discipline, and authenticity transcend labels.
When asked how she balances acting, directing, and activism, her answer is grounded in intention. “I stay grounded by remembering my purpose,” she says. “Whether through acting, directing, or Love for Upcycling, I focus on creating impact and opening doors for others.”
Looking ahead, Parmejano is working on two new film projects set for release in 2026, while Love for Upcycling prepares for its first international summit in Panama the same year. Yet she remains centered on what she calls “the responsibility of care.” “Beyond staying true to yourself,” she reflects, “we must also respect the world we live in. My legacy is simple: no matter how small your action may seem, take care of yourself, take care of your home, and take care of the world that was given to you.”
At its heart, Carolla Parmejano’s story is one of evolution— of learning that strength and softness can coexist, and that purpose, when lived daily, becomes its own form of grace. In an industry defined by speed and spectacle, she reminds us that progress often begins quietly, one small act at a time.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Christina Rosas Anastasiou
- Photography
- Gerson Lopes
