Helena Geraci, From Catania to Los Angeles—and Back, One Day: “I Took a Creative Leap That Changed My Life”

Born and raised in Catania, Helena Geraci describes herself as “deeply curious, resourceful, with a wide range of interests—a traveler and an athlete.” From an early age, she says, she was drawn to theater and cinema, while also nurturing passions for foreign languages, marketing, fashion, and advertising. “I was lucky to grow up in a family of travelers,” she explains. “Moving between countries from a young age shaped my worldview. I see myself as eclectic and unconventional.”

When did you leave Catania, and what were you doing in Sicily before moving abroad?

“I lived in Catania until I was 20. I studied Foreign Languages and Literatures, with a focus on International Communication. I’ve always had a strong inclination toward languages and a deep curiosity for different cultures. After completing my bachelor’s degree and refining my English and French, I moved to Paris for my first job abroad. That experience marked the beginning of a global journey that has ultimately brought me to California.”

Where are you based now?

“I’ve been living in Los Angeles since 2018. I moved here in search of new professional opportunities, initially in marketing and project management. I completed a Project Management program at UCLA, which opened many professional doors. Alongside my corporate career, I gradually developed a parallel path in cinema—working on independent productions, commercials, and theater. Over the past five years, I’ve transformed a long-held passion into a full-fledged artistic career. It’s been an adventure that truly changed my life.”

What has your professional journey looked like so far, and what do you do today?

“I’ve studied and worked for about ten years in marketing, international communication, and digital media—between Catania, Milan, Paris, Barcelona, New York, San Diego, and Los Angeles. I’ve worked for both companies and creative agencies, gaining extensive experience in international teams. At the same time, I always nurtured my passion for the arts and acting, taking classes, performing in theater, and working as a model.

In 2019, after relocating to Los Angeles for further professional training and being surrounded by artists and creatives, I rediscovered my passion for acting. I decided to fully embrace it after years of putting it aside. Today, I work full-time as an actress in Los Angeles, while also consulting as a marketing advisor and project manager.”

How was your initial impact with the U.S.?

“America welcomed me warmly from the start. I felt particularly at ease on the West Coast, where opportunities truly feel limitless. Speaking English fluently when I arrived made integration much easier and allowed me to be competitive professionally. Having previously visited the U.S. with my family also softened the cultural adjustment—I already knew, in part, what awaited me.”

What do you miss most about Sicily?

“My people—my family and lifelong friends. I miss our family traditions, especially around holidays, and that deep sense of community. In the U.S., relationships tend to be more business-oriented, and building truly deep personal connections can be challenging.”

How are Sicilians of the ‘new generation’ perceived in the U.S.?

“Sicilians are highly respected here, likely due to the strong historical presence of Sicilian immigrants in America. Every time I share my Sicilian roots, the response is extremely positive—it’s almost like earning bonus points.”

And your view of Americans?

“They are a people of immense resources and contradictions. They excel at business, are forward-thinking, and open to innovation. Social relationships, however, are managed differently than in Italy, and adapting to that takes time.”

You also found love in Los Angeles.

“Yes. I met my husband here—he’s from Kenya, and together we’re a truly cosmopolitan couple. We both arrived in Los Angeles with dreams and projects and met by chance, eventually building our American dream together. Navigating visas, residency permits, and bureaucracy was challenging, and having him by my side was essential. Together, we speak eight languages.”

Do you see yourself returning to Catania?

“Absolutely—but later in life. My husband and I often talk about spending our retirement years in Sicily. Right now, my ambition keeps me here. I want to make sacrifices now, build a solid future, and eventually return to invest in my territory, creating something meaningful locally. As they say here, I want to give back to the community that shaped me.”

Looking back at the day you boarded the plane, knowing you wouldn’t return soon—would you do it again?

“Yes. It was difficult and required many sacrifices, but I would do it again. That decision opened the doors to an international career and allowed me to truly discover who I am and what I wanted to do with my life. Surrounded by creatives in Hollywood, I transformed a distant dream into a tangible reality.”

How do you handle moments of nostalgia?

“Especially in the early years, nostalgia was strong. I always dealt with it by booking a flight back to Catania every year. Knowing I already had a return ticket—six or eight months ahead—gave me peace of mind and helped me focus on my work.”
Your wish for 2026?

“To find greater balance between my life in the U.S. and in Sicily. I hope to develop projects in my homeland—especially a film set in Sicily, possibly between Catania and nearby cities. I want to bring Sicilian stories to international festivals and aim for U.S. distribution.”

Do Sicilians and Italians have an edge?

“Absolutely. Italians have what’s called street-smart thinking—the ability to adapt and find creative solutions. For centuries, Italians emigrated with little more than dreams, working hard and starting from zero. They put heart and passion into everything they do, and that’s why they’re so respected.”

How do you describe Sicily to Americans?

“I tell them it’s a place of extraordinary beauty—historic, natural, and human. A land of warmth, unforgettable food, and people who stay in your heart. They often ask me: ‘Why are you here if you come from such a wonderful place?’ I explain that, unfortunately, the professional opportunities—especially in cinema and entertainment—simply don’t exist there at the same level.”

And how would you describe the United States in a few words?

“It’s a country where dreams can come true—if you arrive with determination, clear goals, and a plan. The U.S. can open every door, if you know which ones you want to open. It’s also home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, from national parks to deserts, mountains, and coastlines.”