Check Out Barbie Mantecon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbie Mantecon.

Hi Barbie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, surrounded by amazing food and a loving family. Overall, I was a very lucky girl. I’ve always been interested in music; it’s something I’ve done for the longest time. There was never a question about who I was going to become, but rather when it was going to happen.

It all started when I was about three years old, pretending to be a singer in my living room. My mom said I used to grab two pencils. One was my microphone and the other was for my “co-star” and I would just go through my day singing. At the age of six, I told my parents I wanted to be a singer. Being who they are, they supported me and made sure I sang at every family event, whether it was a birthday party, a simple gathering, or a Quinceañera.
However, it wasn’t until I was nine that I started formal vocal and piano lessons. When I was twelve, my teacher told my family I had the potential to do this for a living. He invited me to a musical talent show he was hosting where judges provided feedback. It was one of the first times I felt truly scared to sing, but it was so worth it because they told me they could see me becoming something big in the industry.

At fifteen, I entered a Ranchero music contest and took first place. I remember performing “La Bikina” in the style of Luis Miguel when, halfway through the song, the power went out! However, the show must go on, so I sang my heart out. I think that’s what made the judges choose me as their favorite. Ever since I was little, my mom and aunts have told me that the most important thing to have while performing is charisma it’s the one thing that can never leave the stage, no matter what happens.

When I turned eighteen, I took a sabbatical year to work and save money because I had told my parents I was going to Los Angeles to follow my dreams. My first goal was to study music and my second was to make a living from it. Now, I can truly say that anything you put your mind to is possible. I worked hard for a whole year, and right when COVID began, I took a job as a nurse and receptionist at an allergist’s office. That is how I saved most of the money to pay for my student visa in 2021.
In September 2021, I packed my bags and headed out to follow my dreams. I studied Vocal Performance at LACM, where I recently earned my Bachelor’s degree. I had the best three and a half years there; I grew immensely as a musician, and I have enough stories from that time to last a lifetime. It was my first time away from home it was hard, but so worth it to make it happen.

I graduated in March 2025 and I am now an independent artist. My debut single, “Changes,” is out now and has surprisingly done amazing in Germany, Mexico, and the U.S. I’m currently preparing my debut EP for release this October. I’m so excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to show the world what I’ve been working on!

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?
It has never been easy. I think one of the biggest challenges for me was sacrificing everything to move to another country and follow my dreams. By 2022, I hadn’t seen my family for almost a year. I was dealing with a difficult roommate situation, and I was grieving the loss of both my grandmother and my dog (whom I had since she was three months old). Being away from home during all of this was incredibly hard; I couldn’t say goodbye to them, and I was constantly longing for a hug from my family.

On top of that, I realized I had nowhere to live. I felt lost, both emotionally and physically. That’s when the real challenges began. I started experiencing panic attacks and anxiety to the point where my body just couldn’t move. I remember sitting in an advanced songwriting class while the teacher was giving a presentation; my eyes couldn’t focus, my heart was racing, and I felt like I was going to pass out. That was the moment I realized I needed help.

Luckily, the storm doesn’t last forever. I eventually found a place to live with a friend and finally got to see my family after a year and a half. My now-husband was there for me every step of the way. He even let me stay at his place for a long time and kept most of my furniture in his car and room! I also had the most amazing friends who always understood me.

For a long time that year, I was terrified to perform. I kept asking myself: What happens if I get anxious halfway through? What if I start to cry? Well, guess what? It happened—and I was just fine. In fact, some people thought I was so moved by the music that I just had to cry. In a way, that was true, but it went beyond that. It showed me that the stage is a true home for me and a place where I will always be safe. Funnily enough, I still feel safer performing on stage than I do going out to parties!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer-songwriter focusing on R&B and Pop. Currently, I’m leaning into my Latin roots, incorporating them into my videos and my upcoming debut EP. I also have a second EP in the works featuring Spanish lyrics and Latin rhythms.
To support my career while my music takes off, I work as a vocal teacher and a DISCO administrator. I’m also currently in rehearsals for a musical at The Hudson Theatres running from mid-April to the beginning of May.

I am incredibly proud of my journey so far. I’ve performed the National Anthem three times at the L.A. Galaxy stadium, singing both the American and Mexican anthems. I’ve collaborated with major talents like actress Katey Sagal, whom I am currently working with, and recorded with producers like Andrew Murdock and pianist Mitchell Forman. My performances range from sets at Westfield Century City to appearing on Telemundo, where I performed Afro-Peruvian festejo with the Afro-Peruvian Experience.

I am so excited about the music I’m creating right now, and I hope people love it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it. What sets me apart is my determination and my personality. I’ve been told I have a big personality (in a good way, haha!). I’m friendly, outgoing, and I love the stage more than anything. I always make sure to truly interact and connect with my audience.

What makes you happy?
Life makes me happy. Sounds cheesy, I know but it is true.
My dad always says ” we came to this world to be happy, that is our only job”

Making music brings me so much joy; there is nothing more exciting than creating art that is entirely your own. Beyond the studio, my safe place is in the kitchen. I grew up with my Nana Angie, the best cook I’ve ever known, and I love recreating her recipes because they feel like home. Whether I’m going on dates with my amazing husband, hosting friends, or filming music videos, I try to find the fun in everything.
Also, I have a massive weakness for chocolate. It’s probably bordering on unhealthy, haha!
Specifically, the 85% cacao bar from Trader Joe’s is a 10/10 for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @barbiemantecon
• Facebook: @barbiemantecon
• LinkedIn: Barbie Mantecón
• Youtube: @barbiemantecon

Image Credits
Abdulrahman Al Khawashki (Bass), Louis Cheong (Guitar)