Going from the US Navy to the entertainment industry is an unusual journey, but for Timeca Seretti it was necessary because it finally put her in the place she dreamed of being: in front of the cameras.

She has carried many weights, rejection, lack of time, a broken marriage, self-doubts... but today all that is part of the past, because now if Timeca wants something, she just cleans her boots and goes after it.

In this interview, the actress from the reboot of The Wonder Years reveals part of her effervescent essence and the intellectual restlessness that has led her to explore different artistic paths.

⦁ What do you want to denote by the title of "Renaissance Woman?"

I was conversing with a friend and I told her that maybe I was crazy for trying to do it all: Acting, singing, comedy, songwriting, writing and directing. She said “ No! I think you are a renaissance woman.” So I adopted it to say that I am well versed in a lot of things. And no, I’m not crazy…I am just a Jack Of All Trades!

⦁ Being on the ABC series, The Wonder Years, can you tell us how you went from being in the Navy to landing a role on this amazing show?

I wasn’t the best student in school and I didn’t want to go to college. Mixed that with the fact that my mom really couldn’t afford to send me to any private schools, I enrolled into ROTC for my whole four years of high school. Many of my off days consisted of me singing and dancing in my room by myself out of boredom. So after I was discharged, I wanted to use those skills and give the entertainment industry a try. I started out doing background acting while taking classes and honing my craft. After years of doing that, I finally landed my first big speaking role which was playing “Lydia” on The Wonder Years.

⦁ Yours is a story of persistence and determination, that's for sure. But if you could go back in time and change something from the past, a decision, an action… what would it be?

I would have tried to figure this entertainment business out sooner. I know that things happen in their own time, but I wish I started learning and growing my craft when I was much younger. I might be the black Meryl Streep by now, who knows.

⦁ What are the types of roles that attract your attention the most?

I like flawed women and roles with women who are flawed are the most intriguing. I also love playing women who are brave and unapologetic, but have a heart. The complexities of these roles always draws me in.

⦁ Being the lead singer in your own rock band is an awesome accomplishment. How did you get your start in music and what are you working on now with your music career?

Music is my first love, so I often go back to it. My first real attempt at singing was at a lip sync contest. That was when I first realized I could sing. The contest aired on the local channel in my hometown of Gary where my family still has that footage. Looking back at it now, I realized I came a very long way since those days. Two years ago, I started making my own music, where I even recorded a few songs on my own. That has been one of my biggest accomplishments to date.

⦁ What are the toughest challenges you've had to face in the industry so far?

Rejection is the hardest part of this business, but unfortunately I have no control over it. I have learned to take the good with the bad and move on with my life with the no’s and celebrate the yes.

⦁ I once read that you want to “inspire and provide insight for all women and especially those of color on how to conquer the entertainment business”. That’s a tough task, how is that going? What elements do you think people have to keep in mind in order to conquer the industry?

I get so many inbox messages on FB and IG from people, who are watching my growth. They tell me how I am inspiring them, and their words make me feel so good to know that what I am doing is making somewhat of a difference. I also get a lot of people who ask me for advice on how to navigate this business. I try to help whomever I can, but people need to realize this is not a one size fits all. What worked for me may not work for others. With that, your progress happens according to the attention you give it. They also need to know that this is indeed a business, so they should treat it as such in every aspect of your journey.

⦁ When it comes to mental health, what makes you happy in personal and professional life? What advice can you give our readers on maintaining good mental health?

I am a huge advocate for self care. A lot of times women of color don’t have that luxury to make time for ourselves. However, I understand the importance of giving time to yourself, so I don’t deplete myself quickly. As for me, I get frequent massages, and love to soak in my tub after a long day with scented candles or my lit sage. Every two weeks, I even see a reiki master to align my chakras and clear my energy.

⦁ What plans are there for this 2022? What projects are you working on next?

I already have three film projects on the books for this year. The one I am the most excited about is going to be filmed back in my hometown of Gary, Indiana. I love my hometown so much and getting to collaborate with other people I grew up with makes me so happy. I’m hoping to release more music this year, maybe an EP. I also want to shoot a few music videos to go along with my songs.

“There is no road map, you make your own path”, this seems to be Timecas's personal brand when it comes about make things happen by ourselves, because if passion brought her to this point, it has been perseverance and determination that have kept her going in such a competitive industry.

Timeca Seretti is a Jack of all Trades

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