The world knows her as "Flaca" in Netflix's hit series "Orange Is the New Black," but actress Jackie Cruz wants you to know that she is more than just the character she plays in the series.

While noting that she shares many traits with her famed alter-ego (mainly their love for music), Cruz has been working in other media to bring recognition to her other talents and desires. She recently released a music video tribute with her own version of Selena Quintanilla's "Como La Flor" and is also working on a web series with Vivala.com entitled "Solo Jackie."

The latter will be dedicated to opening up about her life and career so that people can see her in a different light.

Cruz, who was born in the Dominican Republic, knew from an early age that she was destined to be an artist. At just seven years of age, she told her mother she wanted to be on the big stage.

"I remember watching [a] movie and walking home with my mother and telling her I wanted to be an actress because I loved Whitney Houston," Cruz noted.

At age 15, her mother gave up her career and took her daughter to Hollywood. Cruz had an opportunity to attend an arts school where she took every possible music class she could.

From there, it was a process of overcoming obstacles to find the success she now has. And by all indications, she seems to be looking to expand, auditioning for movies and potentially releasing an album in the upcoming year.

Cruz recently spoke to Latin Post about her recent projects as well as what it means to be a Latina in the current entertainment industry.

Latin Post: Where did the idea for "Solo Jackie" on Vivala.com originate?

Jackie Cruz: I met [Vivala Editor-in-Chief] Zuania Capo when she was working for People En Espanol. We have a mutual friend and we were having dinner. I was talking about my car accident from when I was 17 and she told me about this company she was working for and thought that I would be perfect to do a series for them. Then she explained to me that Latinas would come and share what they are passionate about. She told me the idea and I loved it. People just see me as Flaca in "Orange is the New Black" but I wanted to show that I have other passions. I love to sing. I love fashion. My family is important to me. I was raised by strong women such as my aunts, grandmother. I still have my Dominican culture despite being in America. I feel like this platform allows other people to connect with me in a different way.

LP: When you do a series like this in which you reveal your life, is there ever trepidation about opening up too much?

JC: Absolutely. The whole point of "Vivala" is to be real and show how you really are. I am super vulnerable about showing myself. But people are going to get to know me as more than one type of person.

LP: Moving on to the Selena tribute "Como La Flor." Why did you pick this song for the music video?

JC: I picked this song because it is something I went through once. That song was so powerful. When you're in a relationship with someone, all you care about is their happiness. When I heard that song, I fell in love with it. I make sure to sing it at every one of my shows.

LP: How important is Selena for you as a role model?

JC: I admire her so very much. When she passed away, I was a kid. I learned a lot about her afterward. I love her music, her style. She always had a presence in my life because I always wanted to be a singer. I would sing along to her songs. It was nice to see a Latina in America making it. It made everything seem possible. She was always one of my idols. Singing her songs and making a video was always a dream.

LP: What were the challenges of doing the video?

JC: She was the queen of Latin culture. I am nervous and vulnerable and scared to put it out there because I want to make her proud. What if her fans don't like my song? But I wanted to do it for her. She inspired my life and I wanted to thank her in a way and show that her music still lives. I did it my own way, I didn't want just copy her.

LP: Generally speaking, what has been the key to your success?

JC: Not giving up on my dream of being an actor. I love it. I feel that everything that has happened in my life happened for a reason. Passion and dedication go hand in hand. I feel that one day you will do what you want if you work really hard for it.

LP: Latinos are among the most underrepresented demographics in Hollywood. What do you feel needs to happen for this to change?

JC: It's happening right now. We are pioneering. Shows like "Jane the Virgin" and "Orange Is the New Black" are breaking barriers. This is the time where people start to recognize you for who you are. It is really beautiful to have a platform like Vivala.com where Latinas can express themselves. We are born here but we also have our culture. I think that the doors are opening for us and I am going to scream as loud as I can.