Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Lorenzo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jonathan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Miami, FL to first generation Venezuelan parents and as a result I was raised pretty rigorously. I participated in many activities: piano, baseball, gymnastics, karate, and violin to name a few. My parents expected a typical life for me: go to college, get a job as a doctor/lawyer/engineer, have kids, retire, etc. I was never like that. Believe me, I tried. I was busy writing songs, playing sports, exploring countries and studying myself. After a failed stint as a financial advisor (yikes) I got a job at a popular restaurant and used that lifestyle to continue to explore and develop my talents. Along the way, I moved to Los Angeles, started making music, became a breathwork meditation guide, began fostering dogs and began creating all sorts of art.
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?
Haha no… and that’s part of the beauty of it. I’ve had to live on friend’s couches, sleep in my car because I had to secretly airbnb my apartment to make rent (don’t tell my landlord). I’ve quit jobs, gotten fired from jobs, gone through heartbreak… pretty standard stuff. But I’m so grateful for all of these experiences. They were like little fear vaccines that helped me realize that no matter what happened I could get through it. Not being afraid of being unemployed or broke or alone is one of the most liberating feelings I’ve experienced. It also taught me that nothing external could ever validate me and that no matter what happens on the outside, the inner work must always continue.
Please tell us about TypewrittenCo.
First and foremost I am a singer/songwriter. Music has provided an avenue for me to reach so many people. After years of self-doubt, I managed to confront my fears by volunteering with an organization named Musicians On Call. Every month we go to hospitals and play for patients of all ages and in all kinds of conditions. These experiences of shared vulnerability have changed the way I view my music. In place of judgment there now was healing. This has led to other opportunities from playing weddings to playing a show highlighting the struggles of the migrant caravan. My goal with music is to be able to help people get out of their own head and into the moment, however brief that may be.
I also teach a breathwork meditation class. It happens the last Thursday of every month at Madcity Boxing on La Brea. Breathwork has changed my life and because of that I’ve vowed to share it with as many people as possible. With this practice, I’ve been able to deeply reconnect with myself and with others. I’ve been able to get out of my own way and help my community. Breathwork is an active meditation that moves stuck energy, uprooting deep traumas, emotions, and limiting beliefs so you can access your deepest truths. Come try it for yourself!
Finally, I have a small online business in the works. I have always tried to inspire the people around me. Probably because I myself have benefitted so much from external motivators. This has manifested itself in the art that I create on my typewriter. The notes began as “reminders” for myself, but when I noticed other people resonating with the messages I was creating I began to share them. Eventually culminating as part of an art show, I decided to sell these pieces online through Etsy!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood was hearing my uncle play guitar and sing for the first time in my life. I was in Venezuela and I had no idea my uncle sang much less write songs but after dinner my mother asked him to play some music for us. I remember him cooly and confidently announcing that he would play an original song and even I was nervous for him. What came next floored me. He bared his soul through that performance and I was instantly transported into a state of awe. This was an example of real magic on earth. I was stunned. How could someone be so effortlessly vulnerable and create something so moving? From that moment I knew that was my goal. To move people. To inspire them. To try and make them feel the way I did that night in my uncles kitchen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TypewrittenCo
- Phone: 3055194899
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jo_looo
Image Credit:
@sarahskyann, @bananagraham
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.
