Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Villarreal.
Hi Claudia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started when I was 10 years old. I discovered acting at a young age and immediately fell in love with it. I didn’t realize I was developing a passion that would shape so much of my life.
As I grew older, that love of storytelling expanded into a love of wanting to help others. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology before becoming a Texas certified Special Education teacher. Teaching wasn’t just a job to me—it was a calling. Every child deserves to feel important, capable, and seen, and I wanted to be someone who helped make that happen. My years in education taught me that one encouraging word or one caring adult can change the course of a child’s life.
I’ve also always had an entrepreneurial spirit. At one point, I became the owner of an Edible Arrangements franchise, an experience that taught me firsthand what it takes to build and run a business. It challenged me in ways I never expected and gave me invaluable experience in leadership, customer service, marketing, and perseverance. Looking back, it was another stepping stone that prepared me for the businesses I would later create.
Eventually, I realized I could reach children beyond the classroom.
I wrote my first children’s book with the hope of creating stories that were entertaining while also teaching a valuable lesson. That dream grew into Dreamstar Publications. What began as a single idea has grown into a career that has allowed me to independently sell over 50,000 books and visit schools across Texas, speaking to thousands of students about the importance of reading, bullying prevention, kindness, and believing in themselves.
One of the greatest honors of my career has been partnering with H-E-B to bring literacy and kindness programs into elementary schools throughout Texas. Walking into a cafeteria, library or gym filled with hundreds of students never gets old. Some of my favorite moments are the ones that happen after the presentation, when a child quietly tells me they want to be a great buddy, or a teacher shares that one of my books opened the door to an important lesson. Those moments remind me exactly why I started writing.
While my education career was growing, another dream was still calling my name.
I spent nearly nine years living in Los Angeles pursuing acting. It was exciting, humbling, and full of lessons. I had opportunities to work in television, film, and commercials, and every audition taught me resilience. Acting has always been another way for me to tell stories, and it’s a passion I continue to pursue today because I believe it’s never too late to keep chasing the dreams that first inspired you.
Not every chapter has been easy.
Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer changed my life. Like so many people facing a serious illness, I was forced to slow down and reevaluate everything. That experience taught me not to take tomorrow for granted. It reminded me that life is too precious to postpone your dreams, and it strengthened my commitment to living with purpose. Instead of allowing that chapter to define me, I chose to let it motivate me.
Today, I continue to wear many hats. I’m an author, publisher, educator, entrepreneur, actress, and speaker, and somehow all of those roles fit together. Whether I’m visiting a school, writing my next children’s book, stepping onto a commercial set, or building one of my businesses, my mission is always the same: to make people feel seen, encouraged, and hopeful.
Recently, being named a finalist for Author of the Year was an incredible honor, but the achievements that mean the most to me can’t be displayed on a shelf. They’re the handwritten notes from students, the hugs after school presentations, the parents who tell me their child finally found confidence through one of my books, and the librarian or counselors who invite me back year after year. Those are the moments that remind me success isn’t measured only by awards or sales—it’s measured by the connections we make along the way.
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that life rarely follows the path you imagine. Every experience—from owning a business, to teaching, acting, writing, surviving cancer, and speaking to thousands of children—has been so meaningful.
I’ve never really been very good at choosing just one career. Although I realize there has always been one common thread running through everything I’ve done—I love telling stories and making valuable connections.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, not at all! Some of the struggles along the way included ovarian cancer, break ups, surgeries, moving across the country. Not having enough finances. There was an 18 month period that included my grandmother’s death, being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, two surgeries, chemo, moving back to Laredo from Los Angeles, a break up, my mom in the hospital for 3 months, my nephews being born micro-preemies (less than 2 lbs each). It was an extremely hard year and a half.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love that I get to travel and visit different cities and schools throughout Texas. I love that I still get to shape and hopefully inspire little minds. I love that I get to include my three loves in one job. Teaching, acting and owning my own business. I have said this a few times now and will continue to say it, this is the job I never knew I always wanted. I am most proud of being able to inspire students. What sets me apart from others is that I’ve been blessed to be able to do all the things I love in one lifetime.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am absolutely a risk taker. Aside from having a job that makes me have to hustle and never being secure enough, you’re constantly thinking, will this month be enough. I am currently single so everything falls on me.
I can also mention that I have a deep fear of heights but still zip lining everywhere I go!
Pricing:
- 350 for a 1/2 day school presentation-up to 2 presentations
- 450 for an all day school presentation-up to 4 presentations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreamstarpublications.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudia_isela2?igsh=MXBtNHNlbWc5ZHVwag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/199bRPeBi2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
