I had a super fun time producing this video.  I had a chat with the writer about the video and how she came up with the idea.

Mishell Livio: I met you in October of 2017 when you auditioned to be a part of the Generation LatinX (GLx) ensemble.  Outside of performing, what do you do?

Emilie Sepúlveda: As a dog behavior specialist, walker, and runner, I spend all day talking with animals, and am always excited for any opportunity to have a captive human audience.

ML: Where did the inspiration for the sketch “Chola Wisdom” come from?

ES: Since I was nine, I’ve been a 5’9, blonde, fair-skinned Latina. Fitting in took effort…and I’m still trying to figure it out. In middle school, I came to the brilliant conclusion that joining a gang would be a sure fire way to, not only fit in, but have guaranteed friends. 

The sound and overall image of the character came from my childhood alter ego: “Osa Avondale.” I created her to inspire my “get hard” persona that I had fully intended to take me far in life.  I imagined her kicking asses, but I also knew she’d be intensely connected to world issues because being an educated, well-rounded Chola was key.  

All I had to do was commit a crime or two… Luckily, I was never taken seriously, so I didn’t need to be “knifed in” or “knifed out.”