For Korrina, Hollywood was never the destination—it was just the beginning. Actress, writer, producer—she’s the woman behind the lens and in front of it, telling stories that matter and building her own cinematic universe. In this exclusive with Mojito Magazine, Korrina opens up about transformation, truth, and what it means to create powerfully in a world that’s still catching up. From indie grit to red-carpet grace, she’s not following trends—she’s setting them.
Korrina, you’ve been in the industry for over a decade, appearing in both indie films and major productions. What initially drew you to acting, and how has your relationship with the craft evolved over the years?
I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling—the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and bring their world to life felt magical to me from a young age. Acting started as a creative outlet, almost therapeutic, and over time it’s become this deep form of human connection. Early on, I was focused on performance and hitting the right beats. Now, I’m more invested in the emotional truth of a scene—how it breathes, what it reveals. The longer I’ve been in this industry, the more I’ve come to appreciate the collaborative dance between cast, crew, and story. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about seeing the bigger picture.
One of your most talked-about projects is Glass Jaw, where you wore multiple hats—actress, writer, and producer. What inspired you to step behind the scenes, and what was the most rewarding part of that experience?
Glass Jaw was a turning point for me. I wanted more input in the stories I was telling, and stepping behind the scenes gave me that freedom. It wasn’t just about creating a role for myself—it was about building a world from the ground up and even using some truthful stories of what I experienced in real life. Producing taught me how to trust my instincts and how to lead with both vision and flexibility even when you’ve ran out of money and making it to the finish line. The most rewarding part was seeing it all come together—watching a team of talented people bring a story we believed in to life. The same team that brought Rocky and True Romance to life!! There’s nothing like seeing a film you helped create resonate with an audience.
From In Time to Horrible Bosses 2, you’ve appeared in some major Hollywood productions. What lessons did you take from working on those sets that you now apply to your own projects?
Working on studio sets was like getting a front-row education in the art of filmmaking at scale. My partner and I always say it was film school 101. I learned how crucial preparation is, but also how vital it is to stay adaptable—things change on set constantly. I watched how the top-tier actors stayed grounded and collaborative, even under pressure. Steven Williams came straight from the hospital to film his scenes. That stuck with me. I also saw how much detail goes into every moment, every shot. Now when I produce or act in indie projects, I carry that same standard with me. Big or small budget, the commitment to excellence should always be there.
Your roles often balance emotional depth with strength. Is that intentional in your selection process, or do you gravitate toward roles that challenge you in new ways?
It’s a bit of both. I’m definitely drawn to complexity—characters who are layered. It’s usually femme fetal roles where she has two sides. I love roles that challenge the idea of what strength looks like, especially in women. Sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes it’s fierce, but it’s always grounded in truth. I think as I’ve grown in my career and in life, I’ve become more selective. I want to tell stories that move people, that leave them thinking or feeling differently. If a role scares me a little—in a good way—it usually means I’m on the right path.
You’re also involved in producing. How do you decide which stories are worth telling—and what makes a script stand out to you?
For me, it always comes down to truth and purpose. I ask myself: Does this story need to be told, and why now? A great script has a heartbeat—it moves me emotionally, makes me think, or opens up a world I haven’t seen before. I’m especially drawn to stories that give underrepresented voices a platform or explore themes of resilience and transformation. If I can’t stop thinking about it after I read it, that’s usually a sign it’s something special.
Representation in film is shifting, but still has a long way to go. How do you see your role in that conversation, especially as a woman with a richly diverse heritage?
I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege. Representation isn’t just about being visible—it’s about being authentically seen not just through the characters I portray, but through the stories I help bring to life. Whether it’s creating more inclusive casting or championing diverse writers and directors, I want to be part of that forward momentum. Diversity of cast in our films is always important. We want to try and represent as many as we can. Two films I dream of making are my parents stories. They need to be told. They’ve gone through so much and I admire them making something for themselves with no help.
The industry is fast-paced and demanding. How do you stay focused and aligned with your long-term goals?
I’ve learned the importance of grounding myself—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I check in with my goals often and remind myself why I started in the first place. I also surround myself with people who keep me inspired and accountable. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, but I try to stay in alignment with my vision and trust the process. I’m big on setting intentions, visualizing success, and doing the work—daily and playing with my dog Zen! That’s what keeps me centered.
Finally, can you give Mojito readers a hint about what’s next for Korrina Rico—on screen or behind the camera?
Let’s just say I’m cooking up something. I’ve been developing a few projects that blend thriller, romance, and a little bit of magic—stories rooted in strong female leads and striking visuals. One of them is set in the jungle so it’s visually stunning and emotionally charged. I’ll also be producing more and collaborating with new voices behind the camera. This next chapter is all about expansion—for me as an artist and as a storyteller
CREDIT TEAMS:
Model: Korrina Rico
Photographer: Valeriia Butylska
