Rachanee Lumayno grew up always playing pretend and creating things. At her 4th grade birthday party, she wrote a play and made all her friends participate in it. She went on to pursue a degree in photojournalism, followed by an independent music career. As a musician, actor, writer, and online personality, Rachanee embodies the Millenial hustle culture of the twenty-first century.

After four albums, over 1000 live shows, training at Upright Citizens Brigade, performing with Steveie Wonder, J-Hope of BTS, Buzzfeed, College Humor, Google, HBO, video games, podcasts, and narrating over 60 audiobooks, she’s still going strong.

Why did you get into the entertainment industry?

I’ve always loved creating. When I was in the fourth grade, for my birthday, I wrote a little script and assigned characters to all my friends, and we put on a play for my family. I wish I knew where that script was, all I remember was that it had something to do with the power of friendship.

What was the first project you worked on?

The first film project I worked on was a student film back at Michigan State University. (Ironically, I worked on it after I graduated). The first project I worked on with someone of note was a docudrama. I auditioned with this dramatic monologue I filmed in my studio. My cat thought I was truly upset and kept popping up in the frame to make sure I was okay. I probably should have re-taped it, but I sent it in as is — and got the job!

What were your goals when you started?

I really wanted to be a series regular on a TV show.

What did you do for a day job while looking for showbiz work?

I used to work at the library! For a book lover like me, it was the best job. If I wasn’t pursuing an entertainment career, I would totally go back.

When did you decide to stop working for free?

I stopped accepting free gigs early on in my career. A friend of mine gave me some great advice that I’ve followed my whole career, and it’s led me to accepting only those jobs that I really love and want to do.

Did you ever embarrass yourself in front of a celebrity?

Ha, yes! I totally have! I worked as background on a TV show a few years ago. The scene was in a nail salon, I was a nail technician, and the two leads were supposed to be getting pedicures.

While the crew was setting things up, I was just spacing out in the general direction of the two leads. They were both so nice — one of them waved at me. I waved back and then said, “Is there actually water in there?” (Meaning the pedi foot bath.) The actress lifted her foot and was like, “No,” and was super cool, but I couldn’t believe that was the first thing out of my mouth.

Where’s your favorite place in Los Angeles?

Hmm, I don’t know if I have a favorite spot, there are so many cool places to explore here! But lately I’ve been obsessed with boba so I’ve been trying every boba shop I can find.

Where can people find you and your work online?

The best place is my website, http://www.rachanee.net or on Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube @rachaneelumayno

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