Amazing Asians in the Arts: Christy-Anne Lopez

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Christy-Anne Lopez is a multidisciplinary artist based in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. After getting a taste of emceeing in middle school, she fell in love with entertaining and pursued it (between odd jobs as a zumba instructor, cheerleading, and go-go dancer!). She’s since worked on the Food Network docuseries Chef Dynasty: House Of Fang on Food Network and Fox's America's Most Wanted. Offstage, Lopez reigns in the pageant realm as CEO and Director of Regency International West Coast Pageant and owner of Studio Sash Pageant Consulting, a pageant coaching business for International, National, State, and Local pageant winners. She also serves as a content creator and advocate for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to bring endangered kids to safety. Her advice for young people in the arts? “Be brave and never give up.” Read on to learn more about Christy-Anne Lopez and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts! 

Name:   Christy-Anne Lopez

Heritage:   100% Filipina

Hometown:   Torrance & Victorville, CA

Current City:   Las Vegas, NV

Current project:   Food Network's Chef Dynasty: House Of Fang

What are some of your favorite credits/projects:

To date, being a part of the Food Network docuseries Chef Dynasty: House Of Fang on Food Network has been the best project I've ever done, especially because this is the first docuseries on the network and it's an all Asian-American cast. And being the CEO and Director of Regency International West Coast Pageant.

Any advice for young people getting into the arts? 

Be brave and never give up.

How did you get your start? 

I started emceeing events and doing on-camera hosting gigs when I was in middle school, and I knew I always wanted to become a host or entertain. 

Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share? 

One of my favorite moments was meeting Kristi Yamaguchi while filming this show. She was my childhood idol and hero! We did an event for her nonprofit, and Chef Kathy introduced me to her. She was so kind and down to Earth. I let her know that I'd love to work with her and her charity, so I hope to make that happen.

What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career? 

Well, the most challenging yet also most fulfilling part in my career is that I'm Asian, specifically Filipino. I constantly experienced feeling "so close" to big roles and opportunities, but casting would always go with a different mainstream "ethnic" look (whatever that means), or I would be told that Asians are usually more of a supporting role. However, at the same time, I feel very grateful that a lot of opportunities I have gotten are because of my look and people wanting to see more diversity and representation,

What are some interesting facts about yourself? 

The very first piece I produced for national TV on the investigative program, Fox's America's Most Wanted, which resulted in a child molester getting arrested. 

Do you have any organizations or nonprofits you work with you’d like to highlight? 

I am an advocate and content creator for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. We have utilized the power of social media, especially TikTok, to help bring home missing children return home safely. The mission of this non-profit is so powerful, and I hope the public will start to really focus on keeping children safe. 

Who do you admire?

Do you have any mentors? My cousin Angeline Hartmann who inspired me to take on a path in media & entertainment. She is a big reason why I am where I am today. 

Did you have any interesting “odd jobs” you worked at between shows to pay the bills? 

I've had so many interesting jobs and side hustles, from zumba instructor to high school cheerleading coach to go-go dancer.

Do you have any side projects you’d like to highlight? 

I own a pageant coaching business called Studio Sash Pageant Consulting where I've trained 20+ International, National, State, and Local pageant winners. I am currently hosting a pageant workshop tour and running an online model/pageant-focused activewear fashion store Slay Queen Nation. It's so rewarding to see my girls gain confidence and achieve their goals.

If you come from parents who aren’t in the arts, what parts of them do you see in yourself that have helped you succeed in the business? 

I definitely see that I've taken on my mom's work ethic. She is the type that has always had multiple projects going at the same time and constantly challenges herself with learning new skills. From my dad, I know that I've adopted his networking skills. This man can make a friend anywhere. 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self to learn how to not care so much about what other people think and that there is never the perfect time to start anything, you have to just start and execute. 

What skills did you find to be the most helpful in your career? 

The ability to improv and think on my toes. As a host or emcee, you have to be prepared for the unexpected, roll with the punches, and always have fun with it!

Where did you study? 

Cal State Fullerton.

What is your greatest accomplishment? 

The very first piece I produced for national TV was for Fox’s America's Most Wanted, and it got a child molester arrested. That is my greatest accomplishment. That's when I knew that my job was important and that I can truly make an impact. 

What are some goals you hope to achieve? 

I hope to host a travel show one day. I'd also like to be the Executive Producer and Host of a televised pageant competition reality series. 

What do you love most about what you do? 

I love working with our youth and seeing young girls build confidence to go after their goals. 

What helped you most to rebound from what you considered your biggest failure or mistake in your career? 

A positive support system. It's important to surround yourselves with people that truly support and have your best interest at heart. I've always had a strong understanding that life is full of ups & downs. 

Do you have any self care practices you do to stay focused and sane? 

Positive affirmations, morning journaling, and walking my dog to get fresh air and clear my head. 

If you’ve crossed the table from performing to being on a creative team, what made you take the leap from performing to writing or directing/music directing, and how did it change your way of thinking? 

I actually started on the creative & production side, then transitioned to talent in front of the camera. I think that really helped me understand the needs of the production crew, director, etc. I enjoy wearing different hats, and I actually prefer to produce and direct more than anything. 

What inspires you? 

My nephews. The younger generation. The Filipino community. They inspire me to push myself and to keep going as a representative of our heritage. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

As the Director and Executive Producer of the Regency West Coast Pageant, I'm excited that we have opened registration for the 2023 Pageant which is taking place in May in Orange County, CA. We are accepting contestants from ages 4 to 45+. I'm proud to share that I have recently been nominated for "Best Pageant Director/Producer" by the Global Beauty Awards and also nominated for Best Director and Best State Pageant by Pageant Planet's Best In Pageantry Awards. I'm so honored for these nominations. Wish me luck! 

To find out more on Christy-Anne Lopez, please visit her at: 

Instagram: @christyannelopez and @regencywestcoastpageant 

TikTok: @yolowithclo