Exclusive Interview with Natalia Cruz: Channelling ‘Joie De Vivre’
Profile: Three-time Emmy Award Winner. News Anchor. Actress. TV Realtor. Entrepreneur. TV Real Estate Agent. Director & Radio Host
MFS Magazine: We remember when you were chosen in the “Top Real Women in Fashion 2012” list. Tell us how you feel about being on our “Top Real Women in Fashion & Business 2022-2023” list and what you remember most about the 2012 awards.
Natalia Cruz: I feel very honored and grateful to MFS for this recognition. As a communicator, I can not only make an impact as a journalist but also inspire others through fashion, which defines me and is an extension of my personality and style. I remember being named one of the “Top Real Women in Fashion” in 2012. Seeing strong, beautiful, intelligent, and influential women was a huge inspiration for me to continue growing in all aspects of my life and to understand that we never stop learning and undertaking new challenges.
MFS: From 2012 to today, ten years have passed and as we know everything evolves. How do you think your style has evolved in the last decade?
NC: Without a doubt, my style and personality have evolved over the last decade. I believe that over time, simplicity with elegance while also feeling comfortable is very important. I have found endless pleasure in pants in all their styles, including capri, wide-leg, straight, high-waisted, and so-called “jumpsuits.” I also consider jeans to be the best invention, and I love combining them with elegant blouses and blazers in vibrant colors. My favorites are the white and nude-colored pieces. Similarly, good accessories make a big difference and can take us from casual to formal in an instant.
Supporting Local Talent and Her Passion for Fashion
MFS: How do you choose the designers who dress you for those glamorous red-carpet appearances on TV and social media? Do you support local talent?
NC: My designers are generally creative, they know me well, and they get it right. I look for someone innovative with classic flashes, who is skilled with colors, combinations, and fabrics, and who knows how to build. For me, the quality of the materials used in the design is essential to attain a clean, fine, and overwhelming appearance. I adore designers like: Viviana Gabeiras, Tammy Apóstol, and Silvia Tcherassi, among others. Fortunately, there are great exponents of Hispanic talent in the world of fashion.
MFS: You’ve had a celebrated career as a journalist and news anchor on shows like “Primer Impacto,” and on Telemundo 47 and MegaTV. How do you combine your passion for fashion with your successful career? What are the criteria when choosing your outfits for each program where you are a presenter?
NC: For presentations and in everyday life, I try to dress according to the occasion and always remember the motto: “Less is More”. Typically, I prefer vibrant, solid colors for television. Personally, I am drawn to raw colors and, on occasion, pastels. Prints fascinate me, particularly in the spring and summer.
Her Passion for Acting, Entrepreneurship and Women Empowerment
MFS: In 2016 you appeared as a guest actress in the series “Between Heaven and Earth” and at the end of 2019, you decided to pursue a full-time career in acting. Hence the short film “Perfect Mom” and the film “Melt on this”. Tell us a little about your passion for acting.
NC: As a child, I dreamed of being an actress. My mother used to read me children’s stories in a dramatic manner from a young age, and I remember being captivated by them. Later in school, I was always in plays and recited poetry in addition to writing it. When I was ten years old, I discovered Shakespeare’s works, which inspired not only a love of literature but also a passion for dramaturgy. I studied Social Communication and Journalism at my mother’s suggestion, and the career snatched me away from my acting dreams for many years until I recently decided to give that desire free rein, and I’ve been able to participate in several films. And let me tell you that I’m currently filming a series that will hopefully be available on a major streaming service soon.
MFS: You have proven to be an excellent entrepreneur, through businesses and partnerships that we have seen you carry out successfully, such as the real estate TV show “Esta es tu Casa”—and now you have a podcast called “Good Morning, Doral” where you work as director and host. How do you manage your time to coordinate so many commitments and at the same time develop the most important role of every woman, such as being a mother of 4 children?
NC: I enjoy both my job and I love being a mother, so the time required by both roles is not a sacrifice for me. I actually enjoy them. My children are the lifeblood of my existence. I am currently the host and director of “Good Morning Doral,” a responsibility entrusted to me by the founders and directors of the “Doral Voice” station, Juan Carlos Esquivel and his wife, Nancy, whom I adore, respect, and admire very much. I present the program daily with Sergio Silva, my partner, and friend.
MFS: This edition is dedicated to female empowerment, we would like to ask you what makes Natalia Cruz, the woman, mother, and entrepreneur, feel empowered?
NC: I feel empowered knowing that I was able to bring my children forward in the midst of joy, sadness, challenges, and trials. Having them by my side, receiving their love on a daily basis, and seeing how special they make me feel like the effort was worthwhile. Personally, and professionally, I also feel empowered because when ideas come to me, I strive to be diligent in materializing them, even if some are still in the works. That is what life is all about: not stopping until you achieve the goals and purposes that God has for everyone. You must build every day, be grateful to celebrate your blessings, and accept life’s lessons with confidence and security.
MFS: And how has Natalia Cruz helped other women feel empowered?
NC: Through the media, I have been blessed to reach many places and people with a message of hope and inspiration. From my social reports and community service to the day-to-day on the radio, microphones bring testimonies of life that inspire other women to love and accept themselves, to start their businesses, to not give up, and to keep fighting for their dreams. Each of us is a mirror in which many people can be reflected; everything we do must be done with love and responsibility because we never know when our example will change someone else’s life.
More information about Natalia Cruz: IG @nataliacruznews
