Rising Stars: Meet Jesus (chuy) Vazquez of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesus (chuy) Vazquez

Hi Jesus (Chuy), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jesus Vazquez but everyone calls me Chuy. I was born in San Diego, CA, but grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. I am inseparable from both cultures and the experiences both have brought me have shaped my artistic worldview. I have been part of the queer community and the artistic community almost simultaneously. Both communities have helped me be more compassionate towards others and more passionate about myself and other artists. I did colorguard for 10 years and was a dance and colorguard instructor for 7 years. Unfortunately I had to quit teaching during the Covid pandemic in 2020. But my artistic side kept pushing me to create, and I began to create a clothing brand called YESUL.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing up in both Mexico and the US has given me very different perspectives that I am so greatful for. At the same time, I grew up with monetary struggles, forcing my family and I to move back and forth across the border. My parents are hard working, so I was never hungry, but I knew I also needed to work hard to survive. While I was a dance and colorguard instructor I worked at 2 high schools, went to college, worked as a server at korean bbq restaurant and occasionally drove for Lyft on the side. After 10 years of college and many ups and downs, I finally graduated from UCI and solidified how I want to use my time now, which is to give back to the queer and artistic community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The clothing brand I am creating, YESUL, encapsulates everything that I love: fashion, dance, storytelling and art. I am working with local artists from Tijuana, San diego and Los angeles who don’t have an opportunity to showcase their art by making their artwork come to life in a wearable form and promoting it through music videos and dance. What’s different about this brand is that it is not just a “copy and paste” format. I actually dive into the art work, break it apart and reconstruct it with all its elements into clothing. When you look at the garment, you would know it came from its respective art piece. Although nothing has been materialized yet, I am in the process of strengthening my own brand through styling and fashion on my personal social media. I am building my fashion and styling page on instagram and tiktok with dynamic edits with nostalgic themes of y2k futuristic elements. I’ve been calling these edits “Windows 13 virus edits.”

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It’s okay to slow down, but never give up. I went to 3 different community colleges. I took breaks and sometimes only 1 online class per semester. Heck, I was even suspended from my first community college because of my outstanding 1.2 GPA. But I never gave up. I got my act together and after 10 long years, I finally graduated. I’m not saying you need a degree to be succesful or fulfilled. I have many friends who are very happy in their careers as artists who decided college was not for them. The takeaway here, is the perseverance I hope to inspire in anyone starting out a new project. I began my idea for YESUL 5 years ago and although it has been a slow process, I won’t quit even if it takes me another 5 years. Just keep going, even if it seems slow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuyvazbo?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/wearyesul?igsh=N3pmb2x6dDdtcTgx

Image Credits
Jesus Vazquez