FACE OF THE WEEK: Andrés Mejía Vallejo – The Colombian Talent Conquering Hollywood On and Off the Screen

From the vibrant culture of Colombia to the global entertainment stage, Andrés Mejía Vallejo has built an impressive career that spans acting, athletics, and even fashion. Best known for his roles in Jane The Virgin (The CW), Ghostwriter (Apple TV), and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Andrés has captivated audiences in both English and Spanish, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

But his journey to Hollywood wasn’t easy. At 19, he moved to the U.S., taught himself English, and worked relentlessly to carve out his place in the entertainment industry. Starting as a junior publicist in music, he climbed the ladder of TV production before stepping into the spotlight as an actor. His determination also led him to become the first Colombian actor and athlete to compete on international stages, winning El Domo Del Dinero on Telemundo and representing the USA in a competition show filmed in Moscow, Russia.

Beyond acting, Andrés has made waves in the fashion world by launching his own swimwear brand and winning the prestigious Mister Colombia title twice, solidifying his presence as a global Colombian icon.

Now, Andrés is embracing a new challenge—writing. His debut books, The Upstairs Neighbor and El Vecino Del Segundo Piso, have just been released on Amazon, offering readers a humorous and personal take on his life in Hollywood, particularly his experiences with a disruptive neighbor.

As he continues to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues, Andrés Mejía Vallejo proves that success is limitless for those who dare to dream. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

Andrés Mejía Vallejo by Jonathan Williamson | DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACE OF THE WEEK

Exclusive Interview with Andrés Mejía Vallejo

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
My name is Andrés Mejía Vallejo. I was born in Colombia and moved to the USA at 19 years old. My upbringing has played a huge role in my career and choices. I grew up influenced by various artistic and athletic disciplines—playing instruments, competing in sports, and receiving a solid education. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades.

My mother, a strong and disciplined woman, was my biggest inspiration. She was a teacher, musician, and triathlete, all while being a single mother. I inherited her drive and passion. Today, my career spans acting, writing, corporate music business, TV production, branding, and digital marketing.

At 19, I left Colombia, taught myself English, and worked tirelessly to legalize my status in the U.S. Seven years later, I drove across the country to Los Angeles to pursue acting, working in TV production before fully committing to my craft. Now, I balance acting, entrepreneurship, and writing, with my books The Upstairs Neighbor and El Vecino Del Segundo Piso marking a new creative chapter in my journey.

What inspired you to pursue your career or business?

“What inspired you to pursue your career or business?
My family’s influence and my inner passion. Growing up in an environment that encouraged education, discipline, and creativity gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams.”

Did you overcome challenges in your career/business, and how?
Yes! My accent was one of my biggest challenges in Hollywood—sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse. Another challenge was leaving my family behind. Living in a foreign country for 20 years, working my way up, and staying mentally strong has been a journey in itself.

To stay motivated, I practice meditation, affirmations, and manifestation. I also paint and sculpt as creative outlets.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career/business journey so far?
You can only compare yourself to yourself. Focus on growth, not competition.

How do you define success?
Success is achieving your goals—both tangible and intangible. Tangible success is measured by accomplishments like published books, promotions, or fitness milestones. Intangible success is about inner peace, happiness, and self-growth.

What is your biggest dream, and how are you working towards achieving it?
I have two:

1. Winning an Oscar – I continue to develop my acting career, study, teach, and gain experience. But I also trust the process and allow my journey to unfold naturally.
2. Helping others through inspiration – I’ve always had a gift for guiding people. My dream is to host a talk show where I can help others on a larger scale.

How has your faith or spirituality played a role in your career/business?
Spirituality changed my life. Though I wasn’t raised spiritual, I’ve always been highly intuitive. Los Angeles introduced me to a more spiritual lifestyle, and it transformed how I approach my career. I practice daily gratitude, mindfulness, and manifestation, and it’s something I share with my family in Colombia.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
You have to be selfish with your energy. I prioritize self-care, morning routines, meditation, and exercise. I also set boundaries, take breaks, and ensure that my work doesn’t consume my well-being.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

“Find ways to make money digitally. Do not rely on just one income stream. Adapt, learn, and stay ahead of trends.”

What is something that people often misunderstand about your work/business?
People sometimes misunderstand my swimwear brand, assuming it’s overly sexualized because I modeled my own designs. Others misinterpret an actor’s hustle, mistaking our self-promotion as attention-seeking when we’re just showcasing our work.

Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
My mother. She was an incredible musician, teacher, researcher, and athlete—all while raising two sons alone. She instilled in me a love for excellence, discipline, and self-improvement.

What is the most valuable skill you have learned in your career/business?
As an actor, controlling my emotions.
As a digital marketer, creating digital products.
As a bilingual individual, navigating both languages fluently.

What is something you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
The importance of digital income.

How do you deal with failure or setbacks?
I reflect on what’s within my control, allow time to pass, and adjust my approach. If something doesn’t work, I move forward knowing there’s another opportunity waiting for me.

What is your philosophy in life?
I GO WHEREVER MY CAREER TAKES ME!

What is one life lesson you learned a little too late?
Don’t chase—attract.

What is one thing that you have accomplished that you’re most proud of?
Moving to the USA, building my career, and achieving financial stability while helping others.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work/business?
Impacting people—whether through acting, writing, or social media. I love when my audience tells me I’ve inspired them.

How do you give back to your community or make a positive impact?
I create motivational content, donate to the homeless, and share my personal story to inspire others.

What is your biggest regret in life?
I have none.

Do you have a favorite quote?
NEVER GIVE UP!!!

How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing circumstances in your field?
I stay informed, explore social media trends, read about mindfulness, and challenge myself with new activities.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Give it to God. Let go of control and trust that your best effort is enough.”

How do you see yourself and your career evolving in the future?
Acting, writing more books, producing TV shows, and becoming a mental health advocate.

Can you share a funny story related to entrepreneurship?
When I first entered pageantry, I competed for Mister Supranational USA but lost. Instead of giving up, I reached out to the competition and asked to represent Colombia. They agreed, and I became Mister Colombia, earning the title Mister Friendship. Years later, another competition saw my success and crowned me Mister Colombia again! The lesson? Never stop trying—you never know where persistence will take you.

ABOUT DIZZYDIDDY+MAG FACES:

“Celebrating Impactful Achievements Across Various Fields”

DIZZYDIDDY+MAG has launched a new initiative called “Face of the Week,” which aims to showcase the achievements of men and women who are making an impact in various fields, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, education, communication, and more. Each week of the year, from January to December, a new face will be introduced to the public through DIZZYDIDDY+MAG’s platform.

Many of these faces of the week will also be honored at the Crownys, which are the DIZZYDIDDY+MAG Awards and where all the faces and people who worked or partnered with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS will be celebrated. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to give recognition and exposure to individuals who are making a positive difference in their respective fields.

The initiative will culminate with the release of a printed magazine in December for the Face Of The Year.

By highlighting the achievements of these individuals, DIZZYDIDDY+MAG hopes to inspire and encourage others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.