Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Meza.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up in LA as a young artist and in a lower-income community, I did not have much access to being part of performing arts programs. It really inspired my mission to explore and share the gift of performing arts with as many people as possible.
A lot of my work is focused on access to music performance. Currently, I manage an orchestra program of over 300 students who use music as a tool to lead successful lives. This program is a partnership between Harmony Project, LA Phil, and the EXPO Center. I have also been running a community chorus, which I’ve helped found as a non-profit. We offer performance opportunities for over 75 singers. We still meet virtually, but hope to soon be able to meet in-person.
Lastly, I’ve been running a YouTube page that focuses on adulting as a millennial. From finding an apartment in LA to building a personal budget. It’s been a surprisingly fun journey, and while the pandemic brought my page to a quick halt, I will be putting out new content very soon!
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?
Not at all. I was raised in poverty, basically. My parents are immigrants and had to work most of the day. As a result, my siblings and I grew up to be super independent.
My parents have always had an entrepreneurial passion. We moved to Palmdale, CA in 2000, with nothing. My father built a landscaping company and we used to help him in the hot summer. (Yes, I know how to install sprinklers!) He built a strong business from scratch. We were even able to buy a second home. In 2007, while I was in high school, my dad became very ill, all while the recession was starting. We lost it all. Homes, cars, all.
As I graduated from high school, although I had a high GPA, we had no way to get me to a four-year college. I didn’t even know what financial aid was. I attended a community college, which ended up being a great choice.
After 2 years in community college, I transferred to CSUN to major in music. My focus was in Vocal Performance. (opera, choir, etc..)
Right after graduation in December 2015, I was so broke. I literally had no money to buy my family Christmas presents that year. I decided to use my creative side and make something for them. I made them wooden signs with inspirational quotes painted on them. They loved them and suggested I sell some.
I blindly opened an Etsy shop. No business plan in hand. It was a hit, and it grew larger than I could could have imagined. I ultimately ended up closing because it grew too large to be manageable. While I learned so much, I knew wooden signs were not my passion. What I did discover was that I had a big interest in business and arts administration.
I made the hard decision of refocusing my career path. Letting go of my music career was a very hard decision. It almost made me embarrassed. All the long hours in the practice room felt like they were in vain, but I knew I just had to let go.
I quickly refocused and got a masters in Music Industry Administration and got a job with the Harmony Project. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I have always felt like a strange person because I have so many different interests. My company is me. Me as a brand.
It took me so long to accept that. In our society, it seems like we are asked to focus on one thing, master it, and make it our career. But what if you like many things, and you are good at many different things? My friends make fun of how if I don’t know how to make or do something, I can definitely figure it out.
For many years, I boxed myself in as a musician. When I was an undergrad, I focused on my voice and my singing career. I obsessed about it so much that when I graduated I was so lost. I lived in a bubble that supported my one focus, but stepping outside of that bubble felt overwhelming.
I can firmly say that I am very versatile. I have many talents, and while that may sound arrogant, it’s something that I’ve had to come to terms with. The one connecting thread is that I am an artist, and art is what I love.
I am known for being a great administrator in my daytime job, but I also run a youtube channel. I still gig and perform as a singer in the LA area, and I help plan and design weddings. I do floristry for weddings and events, and I give interior design tips. I help individuals come up with business plans, company websites, branding and help them get started with their small businesses. To top it all off I run a small nonprofit. So many things…
Ultimately, I am passionate about helping others in need. Aside from working with underserved communities in LA, I set up yearly fundraisers to provide children in Guatemala backpacks for the school year. In 2019, I raised enough money to give over 150 new backpacks with school supplies to children affected by the volcanic eruptions. This year, I raised enough money to provide 65+ families groceries, especially with the current situation in Guatemala due to COVID.
This is why I say my company and brand is me.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I flexibility, creativity, and imagination are so important.
I haven’t had the easiest upbringing, but that made me very flexible. Also knowing that things change whether we like it or not is very important.
Creativity was needed when money was an issue. That forced me to think outside the box, and that’s how I feel like I think all the time now.
Imagination helped me get through the hard times and also helps me see that there is a brighter future past COVID.
Contact Info:
- Website: proudmillennial.co
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jose.m.meza
Image Credit:
Flourished Co.
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
