Today we’d like to introduce you to Juelz Velasquez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juelz. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started back in 1992. I’m kidding….. My name is Juelz Velasquez and I do comedy, write and act. 2010-2014 I was active duty in the Navy for four years. I always danced not professional but I was okay. On deployment in Thailand my friend, Toy and I were able to convince people I was a backup dancer and we stood in front of one of the bars, danced and collected money in a hat.
I made the decision not to reenlist. Moved back home to The Bronx and I guess take a break from trying to find a purpose and just worked different jobs. One night I walked into this bar downtown called Rudys with my best friend Chris. I met this attractive young lady with this hat from a film school that ironically had sent my squadron care packages on deployment years prior. She told me I should check out their dance program. So in 2016, I went to the school and unfortunately actually a blessing my benefits didn’t cover the dance program. The Veterans coordinator suggested I do the one-year acting program. Being vulnerable with actual words was something I could not get jiggy with, letting strangers in was a no. I started to get somewhat comfortable and a few weeks into school I did an open mic for my poetry. The host was out for a cigarette so I was on stage…..alone and said “fuck it, I’m going to tell you guys a story.” I shared my Thailand experience and afterwards a comic told me I should’ve just did stand-up.
My first thought was “so my poetry clearly sucks” but my second thought was hmmm. So I ran with it. After finishing the one year program, I worked two jobs, sold a few things and moved to LA still broke. My friend and I couch surfed for a while, walked almost everywhere but it got me here. I’ve had the chance to act in a few plays, stage manage, be in a couple of music videos, do comedy and share the stage with great comics, write a short film “DAC”, direct short films, and direct a play. This year 2020 things are better than last year career-wise. I was a part of Teresa Lo Presents in January and will be sharing the stage again in May. I’ll be hosting a 420 comedy show called “Budz on Stage”. Also support from friends and family is how I got here but what’s driving me to really push is a friend, Elan Vega who passed away last year. Being out here working on my dreams is a blessing that a lot of people don’t get the chance to do so I’m taking full advantage and bringing family along too.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. There were so many times I’d call my mom and she’d always say “you can always come home.” lol As much as I miss my family and bodegas. I have to keep going. There’s this gut feeling I have, you know? Last year I didn’t have a home for a couple of weeks. A good also talented friend of mine M’jay Milligan let me stay with him for a bit and man was that helpful. We all hear these struggle stories trying to work for rent, eat, network, continue working on your passion. People always say “you’re from New York”. Nah Los Angeles is a different beast in its own way.
Most days I’m sure of myself and my future. Then we all have those bad days. I remember this one time I bombed on stage wasn’t the first time but this one hit me different. It took a lot for me to reassure myself that failure is good, better to fail now and learn then keep it pushing. I call those muck moods, I’m only allowed to be angry, sad, mad for a day that’s it! Once you’re stuck in that muck mood time is wasted that could be used for postivity and good work. Having friends and family telling you it’s going to be okay is one thing but only we can convince ourselves at the end of the day.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
The more I post my videos on Instagram or people talk to me in person a common thing someone mentions is that I don’t try to be liked. Honestly, I just believe in happiness and laughter that we all should have that. Other people’s opinion doesn’t make my happiness. When I go on stage I share MY stories, my unfortunate events and my feelings because if I feel how I do, I’m sure someone else feels the same or been in a similar situation. At least they know they’re not alone. Being liked or not has nothing to do with relate. Which is why I really can not stand the term “fake it til you make it” (ironic I did a web series with that title). Very long winded answer my focus is continue to be me on stage and sharing my experiences. To continue writing the moment an idea pops up no matter where I’m at.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Determination. Regardless of where I been or what other mishap is on the way. I’m still pushing to have my comedy special on one of these networks. Another characteristic is standing up for myself,if that would be considered one. A quality I have speaking my mind. Which can be a blessing and a curse but I feel just because someone has power doesn’t give them a right to disrespect anyone. But since its 2020 we have plenty of platforms today to be our own boss, ya feel me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Juelzpage
Image Credit:
M’Jay Milligan @Mjay_milli; Noah Eberhart @enemypixels
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.
