Daily Inspiration: Meet Jose Arce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Arce.

Hi Jose, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up with a speech impediment has discouraged me from pursuing my dreams, which has prohibited me from essential opportunities in my life, but being creative helped me express myself and build confidence in ways I could not do with speech. As a child, I would lock myself in my room, blast the radio, and dance all of my emotions away. Those experiences made me realize that I wanted to make others feel the joy I felt during those times. Growing up in the 90s, I was constantly told that pursuing a creative career would not bring me success because it was considered a hobby. Still, nothing gave my life more meaning than expressing myself through music; it helped me escape from reality during life’s toughest challenges.

Once I started college, I decided to pursue a career in health care because I believed I needed a stable job to live a happy life. I became a certified nursing assistant and began working towards nursing school. In 2011, I got accepted into a nursing program, but I also had the chance to move to Los Angeles. It was a difficult decision, but I followed my heart and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream. After working in health care for the last 14 years, I finally found the courage to follow my music industry dreams and build my recording studio. Today, I have no regrets and genuinely enjoy being a part of the creative community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing a creative career and building a recording studio is a considerable risk, and it comes with struggles and setbacks, which I was unprepared to take on. Developing the studio was quite challenging in so many ways: location, space, and budgeting, to name a few. We found an intimate space in a prime location and are very proud of the space that we have created for artists to feel comfortable in a space that can allow them to work free of distraction. The road to where we are today has not been easy, but it has provided us with many lessons for the future and we are excited and grateful for the path forward.

During the studio building, we were excited to have an investor who was interested in working with us to realize our dream. Unfortunately, because of the uncertainties related to COVID-19, our investor elected not to move forward, which was a devastating blow to the development of GRL SND. After months of figuring out ways to purchase the equipment needed for the studio, my parents and in-laws were extremely generous in helping the studio come to life. Their support has been invaluable to the development of GRL SND.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets GRL SND apart from other recording studios is its focus on female and LGBTQIA talent. Most studios aim to bring in as much business as possible, regardless of genre, talent, or sound. At GRL SND, we specifically cater to female and LGBTQIA artists seeking a safe environment to explore their creativity or realize a project they have conceived. I am incredibly proud of the GRL SND concept because, throughout my experience working in other studios, females and LGBTQIA individuals have been given second priority to male artists or artists with the most money. At GRL SND, our primary focus is ensuring the artist has the tools and resources to realize their vision. I’m proud that it took only nine months to build GRL SND fully.

The most crucial part of GRL SND is our focus on female LGBTQIA artistry. We aim to create a lane within the music industry where females and LGBTQIA individuals are empowered to stay true to themselves and become authentic, unique, and empowered artists and entrepreneurs.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I binge-watch “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” whenever I am home alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.grlsnd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grlsndrecordsstudio/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrlSnd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ6mPjoKKl0uSIw0YKgAyfw