Romina D’Ugo Talks About Her Role In ‘I Like Movies’ And Shares Dreams For Brand WILYMI

The sky is the limit!

Romina makes balancing careers look easy. From her incredible acting skills to starting one of our favorite jewelry brands, she makes us want to take up a new hobby.

We had the amazing honor of speaking with Romina about her current writing project, advice for young girls, and more!

Congratulations on your recent role in ‘I Like Movies’! What was the filming experience for the movie like?

R: “Oh thank you so much! What a complete gift to have this film resonate with so many people, and so many COUNTRIES/Cultures!  Crazy. I know that Chandler LeVack (our fearless writer/director) traveled it all over the world to various film fests including Taiwan, Norway, France, and Argentina. Just wild that everyone could laugh and cry about a movie so distinctly Canadian. So yes filming. We did this during Covid, prevaccines, so we’d come in every day and get our noses swabbed by a doctor haha. A nice, casual way to start the day. The entire crew wore masks 24/7. We were basically all craving human interactions and simultaneously forgot how to do that a bit. Filming during Covid was a gift for my mental health. Alana (the character I play) was just the perfect place for me to lean into — complicated, not particularly all-together, trying her best, making mistakes. Growing. I cried an ugly cry the whole drive home when we wrapped. Loved Alana so much and it was hard to say goodbye.”

The film is set in a video store. Do you have any fond memories of going to video stores growing up?

R: “Popcorn. Movie store meant getting free popcorn, bottom line. Also, I was a kid so for me, choosing a movie was like literally judging a book by its cover. The DVD/VHS cassette cover is was caught my eye every time and the deciding factor in my vote. Then again I was the youngest of four children and my vote was more like a mild suggestion. So I ended up watching a lot of movies about complicated adult
relationships I didn’t understand, or violent explosions I thought were real, or paranormal stuff that gave me nightmares. And I loved every second of it.”

Is there a type of character that you haven’t played yet that you would like to in the future?

R: “I feel like I never know what I want to play until I read a script and suddenly I realize this character on the page is someone I have no business really relating to or understanding but I can fully imagine them, and I get this butterfly-knot in my stomach and I NEED a shot at becoming them. That’s always the next character I want to play. It’s a combo of the writers’ imagination and mine.”

We have to talk about your amazing jewelry brand WILYMI! What has been your reaction to the success of your brand?

R: “Oh thank you for the jewelry love!  Jewelry is the best, isn’t it?!! Whenever I go on vacation I bring like four basic interchangeable outfits but always about twenty pounds of jewelry! Honestly, it’s been awe-inspiring to see how people have taken to my creations and ideas. It really made me realize that anything is possible. I didn’t go to school for artisanal crafts, I’ve never taken a course, I just know what I love and I set out to make it… trying all sorts of failed attempts along the way. But eventually, I craft the thing I imagine, I wear it, and I feel extraordinary. The fact that I can elicit this good feeling for others too is really special.  And again, just has me so in awe that truly whatever we can imagine can be made into reality.  WILYMI (which stands for Wear It Like You Mean It because every piece has an intention to help support the wearer) has been a great lesson in imperfection. Just go out and do it. You’ll be fine, it doesn’t need to be perfect, if you love it someone else will too.”

What are your main goals for WILYMI going forward?

R: “I have this vision of my WILYMI team collaborating out of this gorgeous window-to-window loft studio in downtown Toronto.  This talented team of artisans handmaking a small number of luxe collections with me. I want to give more people jobs and creative outlets. I want to collaborate with business-minded individuals who understand the gorgeous benefits of an intentional, eco-conscious jewelry brand like ours. I want to grow our consumer community in a way that leaves them feeling more connected with themselves and each other.   I want to continue supporting youth empowerment charities like GirlsInc through every proceed (as we do) and eventually really making an impact with our own foundation to educate and empower young girls and women. All while focusing on my true strength & love, designing new collections and custom work. I also envision a Fine Jewelry line for consumers who want meaningful, modern family heirlooms.  We’re already crafting and repurposing diamonds and gold into one of a kind creations for our amazing clients. So.  It’s all growing in a really fluid way.”

From acting to dancing to entrepreneurship, you have done it all! Is there any other career field you would like to pursue in the future?

R: “Hmmm, well thank you so much for that, firstly! I suppose I never really feel like I’ve done it all, or done it to the max, and sometimes that I’ve even done it well. I can be hard on myself which is a trait I really work at shifting. It’s happening. I always feel like I can squeeze a little more outa the lemon (I’m the lemon I suppose).  But there does come a time when I do feel at peace and feel ready to move on to something else my creativity is drawn to.  I don’t necessarily know what that is until it metaphorically smacks into me. I am already in the midst of writing a dark comedy series so, perhaps this is the next smack in the process. Writing, and I think producing would be up my alley too. I think I’d love to produce. The jewelry journey makes me think this. “

What is your best piece of advice for young girls who want to do a lot with their careers but
don’t know where to start?

R: “Oh I have so much compassion in my heart for young girls. I love them and I get them so hard. I feel like I was one so recently. I remember that time, my teen years, so so distinctly. I remember how much I wanted to do well by the adults in my life. My dance instructors, school teachers, parents, society etc. I think the pressure can be immense.  I think in today’s world the pressure on young people to become something significant is even more prevalent. I mean we have actual jobs now called “Influencing” where your job is to literally impact others into doing and buying things. A lot of pressure to be impactful! I would tell young girls to seek mentorship. Seek out the people and women who are doing what you want to do. Ask them questions. Don’t be embarrassed, lean into finding the right support you need to empower yourself with information. Then try things. Try it for the love of it. Allow yourself to fail, many times, without being mad at yourself for it.  Know that failure is truly the fastest way to success.  I really mean it. Be nice to yourself along the way. You deserve that, for no good reason. You just deserve that.  Ugh, I believe in you so much.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

R: “Come follow me on IG @RominaDugo.  Also, my jewelry handle is @WILYMIjewelryCo. DM me, I’d love to hear from you!  Wishing you goodness, always and always and always.”

Photo Credit: Vita Cooper

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.