Paula Maria Esteves Labaredas, a Portuguese American Actress and Producer, was born in a small town in Portugal, where she spent her early years before migrating to America with her family at the tender age of two. Her journey to the United States was marked by a life-threatening episode at customs, where she lost consciousness and stopped breathing, only to miraculously regain consciousness moments later.
Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Paula attended school, where she developed a strong foundation in her education, including taking Catechism and Portuguese classes for six years, which enabled her to read and write in her native language. She later attended Sacred Heart University, where she studied Social Work, completing an internship that involved working with vulnerable populations, including AIDS patients, the homeless, and individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Throughout her academic years, Paula's passion for the arts was evident, as she explored various creative outlets, including dance, choir, painting with acrylics, singing, songwriting, and poetry. She even wrote a children's book in her Creative Writing class. Prior to the advent of smartphones, Paula and her friends would film scenarios using a VHS film camera, showcasing her early interest in filmmaking.
As a high school student, Paula produced her first project, a documentary on teenage pregnancy, which aired on her local news station. This early success laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Today, Paula is perhaps best known for her parody, Selfie Girl, a Barbie Girl parody, which she starred in and produced. She has also collaborated with Richard Hatch on The Silicon Assassin Project, a web series, and co-produced a documentary on cosplay, ComicCosplay. As a model, Paula has been featured in various publications, including Sports Illustrated, and has appeared regularly in print media.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Paula is drawn to spirituality and healthy living, practices yoga, Reiki, and crystal healing, and follows a pescatarian diet.
