Meet Annette Figueroa: TV spokeswoman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annette Figueroa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
“No plan B” I know that may sound cliche but giving myself no choice but to succeed, put me into a lazer focused state. I was a dental hygienist for ten years and let my license to practice expire so that I would have no fall back. I was in my early thirties and everyone thought I was crazy, but I knew in my heart that’s exactly what it would take.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Of course, I am a TV spokeswoman and I started my career later in life. I was raised in a strict catholic home and the entertainment business was initially frown on by my family. So for a long time I just internalized my desire to be a part of this wonderful industry. It took ten years for me to finally make a decision to face my fears and go after my dream.

It didn’t take long for the reality of my decision to set in. I was suddenly in a very competitive industry and in where I had literally zero experience. I started looking for a path forward and landed a job working with the music production duo, the Diaz Brothers as Lu Diaz’s assistant. Through that experience, I became comfortable with the entertainment industry and celebrities. It was a whole new world to me, but in the process of working with The Diaz Brothers and dealing with many stars, I discovered I had a natural ability to interview people. That gave me the confidence I needed to step into this business. I enrolled in a local acting school as well as every acting workshop I could find. Slowly, I started landed commercials and independent films. It was not easy by any means and several times I almost gave up.

Hosting and commercials were the best way to get a career started in South Florida, and I never gave hosting much thought, but I came across an audition for a hosting job and thought I’d give it a try. The audition called for me to speak on any product that I loved to use, so as a former dental hygienist I decided to speak about an electric toothbrush. As luck would have it they were looking for a TV spokeswoman with experience in the dental field, so I was the perfect match. My whole life I had been a super nervous air traveler, so you could imagine my stress level when I was informed that the job entailed tons of travel. After couple call backs, I was scheduled to do a final audition with the president of the company. I remember during those couple of days actually thinking of not doing the audition. My husband spoke to be while I was debating the final audition and said if you look at life like a graph the smallest decision can change your entire trajectory of your career and life. After that I said to myself, nothing is gained from fear, and everything is gained from facing your fears. I decided to do the final audition, and as they say, “The rest is history”.

That decision did change the entire direction of my career and my life for the better. Plus won my family over and they are my biggest fans.

Push fear to the side & have no plan B! It paid off!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Georgia: I would take you to the Ponce City Market located in a historic Sears and Roebuck & Co.building in ATL right after I picked you up from the airport because it’s so close. There we can have a wonderful eclectic lunch choosing from food from varies restaurants. Enjoy lots shopping on three diffent floors. Then finish up on the roof top barwhere you can get some great selfies,beautiful pictures of the city and great conversation. Next day: Head to Helen, GA a moutnain-town known for its vineyards and Bavarian-style buildings. It’s as if you stepped into a small town in Germany. Great food, lots to see, shops and even tube down the Chattahoochee River, No worries if you don’t want to get wet there are canoes and kayaks. Wake up and head to Tallulah Falls where you can hike, take in the gorgeous waterfalls and even see the film location where parts the movie Deliverence was filmed. Depending on how you feel when you wake up we can either see Mercier Apple Orchard in Blue Ridge GA the orchards will take your breath away. You can pick aplles, eat in their delicious restaurant where every item on the menu creativitely has apples. Trust I have eaten there and it is fantastic! Then head over to the bar for your choice of big selection of iced cold Apple ciders. Then stroll through there large market at leisure shop, try samples of all the types of apples they produce. Time for the truck ride to pick apples, great photo-op moments and a lifetime memory. How about some nighttime entertainment, head over to Mad-Life in Woodstock GA where they featured cover bands that won’t disappoint. Drinks, Music, Dancing it’s a blast and since it’s located about 45 minutes away from ATL it’s never too crowded. Last stop before you ead out Gracious Plenty in Roswell, GA got to arrive early because there is always a line outside. Here you will choose from a small, unique but comprehensive menu that is delightful for any palate. By far one of the best places I have ever been for breakfast. I travel all that time so that’s saying alot! Homemade donuts, muffins, scones, and cookies are just some of the repeat take homes that are a must!! My mouth waters just saying the name. Great way to head home with a full stomach, homemade baked goods, and a substantial breakfast made, served and delivered with love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this to my beloved mother Sandy Figueroa she was one of my biggest fans, and my best friend. She made me the strong, spiritual and determined woman I am today. Thank you and Love you mom! 1944-2020

Lu Diaz Media LLC Instagram @iamludiaz thebestmixengineer.com 100% my mentor, support, and constant encouragement. Plus he has accomplished so much in his music career I knew watching, listening and following his lead would be priceless. I am forever thankful and in awe of his work ethic, kindness and patience he shows not only to me but everyone he knows and works with.