TV’s Victoria Konefal - Shares Insight on Creativity and Failure

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Victoria Konefal knew she wanted to be an actress at the age of seven. Her journey to the entertainment industry began in the fourth grade, when she went on a class trip to see an off-Broadway production of The Hobbit. She was so captivated during the show, her mother had to keep her from standing up and joining the performance. After the curtain closed, they sought out the director, who invited her to audition for a production of The South Pacific. She quickly booked the role and went on to perform with the theater company for the next six years. In an effort to hone her craft, Konefal attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia Performing Arts High School in New York City, where prestigious actors such as Ansel Elgort, Timothee Chalamet, Jennifer Aniston, Adrien Brody, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Al Pacino, Sarah Paulson, Adrian Grenier, and Liza Minnelli also studied. Shortly after graduation, she made the decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.

Konefal’s big break came when she was cast as Ciara Brady, the daughter of power couple Bo and Hope, on the Emmy-winning soap opera, Days of Our Lives. A fierce young woman who overcame issues with the law and her parents’ tumultuous relationship, Ciara is making her mark on Salem as she matures. Konefal’s portrayal of Ciara earned her a 2019 Daytime Emmy nomination in the Best Younger Actress in a Drama Series category. Other television credits include dramatic performances in the Lifetime movies, The Wrong Crush alongside Vivica A. Fox and Lesli Kay as well as Deadly Exchange with fellow soap actress Lindsay Hartley. She was also seen in a guest role on the hit ABC comedy Modern Family. In addition to her work on the small screen, Konefal brought her talent to the world of film in Circus Kane, opposite Jonathan Lipnicki. She will further showcase her acting chops in the upcoming horror thriller Fog City, which is set to release later this year.

When she is not busy acting, Konefal enjoys working out, traveling, camping, hiking, biking, and writing music. She loves to be outdoors, enjoying nature and a good game of basketball or softball. A passionate environmental advocate, she lends her support to organizations dedicated to conserving our planet. Konefal currently resides in Los Angeles with her beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Lola.

RAINE: What’s been a funny behind the scenes moment that you could share?

One of the funniest moments to date was this one time I thought we were rehearsing, but we were actually going straight to tape. I was goofing off the entire take and going up my arm to retrieve a hair tie that got stuck on my bicep. I was totally out of it, and the scene was supposed to end with a kiss. Instead of kissing my scene partner, I leaned towards his ear and started singing a butchered nursery rhyme. They yelled, “Cut! Moving on,” and the look on my face was as if I’d seen a ghost. They ended up keeping that take and it’s going to air pretty soon. 

RAINE: If someone asked you how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give?

I would say, connect to your inner child as much as you can. When we are children, our imaginations run wild and we were able to create a magical fantasy land with a roll of aluminum foil, a plastic garbage bag, and some wooden spoons (I’m speaking from experience). Something happens as we age that stifles our creativity. We get so caught up in being a proper adult that we lose our free spirit. Find it. Get out of your head and think with no limitations. Anything is possible with some faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust. 

RAINE: What three traits do you feel are most needed to pursue entrepreneurship?

First and foremost, you must be prepared to put in the work. Nothing comes easily, even though it may appear that way from an outside perspective. That brings me to the second trait, patience. Be prepared to fail relentlessly, and consider each “failure” a success, because it brings you one step closer to where you’re supposed to be. And third, true desire and passion for whatever you’re accomplishing is essential. If you find that’s something you lack, figure out what it is that fuels your soul. Life is too short not to pursue the things that make you happy.

RAINE: What wellness tips do you swear by?

Hydration, happiness, and sleep. 

RAINE: What did you want to be when you grew up?  Has this stayed the same or changed throughout the years?

I’ve always been a very inquisitive and adventurous person. I consider myself to be somewhat of a jack of all trades, and my interests are vast in range. I’ve wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer, the president, an astronaut, a race car driver, a fashion designer, a chef, a dancer, a musician, and an actress. Throughout the years I’ve found that my love for acting outweighed anything else, so I stuck with it. I have an open mind though, and it’s never too late to change my career path. 

RAINE: Word to the wise: What advice would you lend to a budding talent on the rise in your chosen field?

Make sure your heart is in the right place and don’t allow yourself to be discouraged. It’s a grueling industry, and you have to make sure you’re in it for the right reasons. And work hard! Opportunities seldom fall into your lap. Expect rejection, but strive for the opposite. 

RAINE: What is your viewpoint of failure and how best to deal with it?

Take it with a grain of salt. Failure is just an opportunity to learn. 

RAINE: Describe yourself in five words or less.

Brave, Głupawki (a polish word for someone who is silly), beautiful (inside and out), spiritual, and a risk taker. 

RAINE: If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur, what would it be and why?

I don’t know. I’m a believer in that everything happens for a reason, and everything that I’ve gone through in life is meant to teach me a lesson and help me grow. I wouldn’t change a thing. 

RAINE: Talk about how technology has changed your industry for newcomers?

Auditions are now 90% self taping, which is great, but it also sucks. I like going in the room and showing the casting directors my energy. But the benefit of a self tape is that you can take your time with it and perfect it. Then again, that opens the door to overthinking; I tend to get stressed out while filming a self tape because I second guess most of what I do. I would rather do it once and do my best. Whatever is meant to be will be. 

RAINE: Regarding fashion, what would you describe as your signature “look”?

I was born and raised in New York City, so that influences my fashion choices greatly. You can usually see me in a leather or denim jacket and sneakers. I love jackets, I have about 40 of them, and I can’t even wear them because Los Angeles is so hot all the time. I love wearing neutral colors like black and gray, but a lot of my closet is also red. That’s my power color. I like a simple laid back style all the while being high fashion. Not sure if it makes sense, but it’s me. Oh, you can also find me in a pair of black thigh high boots for most events. They’re comfortable and make me feel sexy and confident.

RAINE: What is your favorite city for work and play and why?

New York City. It’s my hometown and the energy is so special. I’ve traveled quite a bit in my short life and have never seen anything like it.