Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria Figueroa.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was in born in 1995 to Salvadoran migrants that fled the civil war. My father settled in Hollywood in 1983 and shortly after met my mother (again) they’re both from the same city; Santa Ana, El Salvador. I grew up in Highland Park, in a strong Salvadoran household.
Being Salvadoran was absolutely normal to me. I never really had an issue or trouble trying to identify myself, especially in Highland Park. We had Las Cazuelas and other pupuserias around us, so I never felt the need to hide my culture or assimilate to one. It wasn’t until I moved to Montebello at the age of 12 and started middle school, where I felt things changed. Living so close to East LA, I experienced the wave of Chicano and Mexican culture. It was a complete culture shock. It was then and there where I felt like an outsider. The kids would mock me for being Salvadoran and, it was always a reminder that I wasn’t one of them.
When I graduated high school, I began my education at East Los Angeles College. In 2015 ELAC introduced their first Central American studies courses. I was one of the first students that took those classes, and it was at that very moment when I knew things were changing again. Two years later, I created my own platform, Radio No Jodas, a podcast where people from my community could finally share their stories and have their voices heard. I decided I was finally going to bring the proper representation that Salvadorans deserved. It’s only been a year but, the amount of support I received has been amazing! This is just the beginning.
Great, 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?
I’m very lucky to say it has been, so far! I’ve met many wonderful creative people in the community that I can now say are close friends. I even consider some of them family! But, the smoothest part has really been the support from the listeners. Without them, the podcast wouldn’t be anywhere near where it’s at. There’s such a demand right now for Salvadoran and Central American culture to finally be represented in the media.
So it’s my job to do my best and bring forward the right representation. The only real struggle I can think of is that I’m doing this on my own. But, it doesn’t really feel that way anymore, because of the amazing people I’ve met along the way that have continued to give me their support and help. So I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Radio No Jodas – what should we know?
Radio No Jodas is a podcast that brings Salvadoran content and stories from people within the community. I invite guests to share their stories with me or talk about their personal business or work that they’re doing that highlights or represents the Salvadoran diaspora.
Every episode is dedicated to a specific topic or conversation. I give my guests the liberty to speak about whatever they want. It’s important for me to continue with this podcast because I want my people and others to know that their voices are just as important in the Latinx community. My work is specifically for those who never felt represented in the media or in the outside world.
I’m trying to change the perspective and negative image that people have had about Salvadorans for so long. We’re wonderful people that deserve the same recognition that others get! This is for my community, a platform and space they can finally claim and also share their own personal stories.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Quality over quantity. That simple. I don’t want to sell or share anything that is mediocre to my listeners and supporters. It’s important to me that I bring the best content to them and to the show.
Pricing:
- Radio No Jodas T-Shirt $20
- Radio No Jodas tote bag $15
- Retro El Salvador T-Shirts in blue and black $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.radionojodas.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radionojodas/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/radionojodas
- Other: https://radionojodas.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
printful, @boyofzoot art
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
