Rising Stars: Meet Michael Garcia of Pomona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Garcia.

Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in the late 1990s, during my high school years. I gradually shifted my focus from baseball, football and hanging out with “The Home Boys” up to no good to immersing myself in the local creative scene DJing backyard parties and warehouse events throughout Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley, I.E. Flyers were essential for promoting these events, which led me to start designing my own. Around that same time, my high school offered a screen printing trade class that became my formal introduction to the craft. The process back then was far from the streamlined digital methods of today it required a true hands on approach and a lot of patience to prepare each screen manually.

My peers at the time were all hustlers in their own ways DJs, graffiti artists, skateboarders, gang members, punk rockers, and athletes. Many of them have since become internationally recognized artists, while others, unfortunately, are no longer with us. Rest in peace to “Little Tokes.”

By 2001, I invested in a four-color press to produce apparel and support my Homies brands. The mindset was simple “No one was going to hand you success you had to create opportunities for yourself”. For several years, I operated out of garages until 2005, when we converted a backhouse into a hybrid music studio and print shop. Today, our base of operations is in Pomona, where we remain fully committed to domestic production. Our focus is on local craftsmanship and reinvesting in the community rather than outsourcing overseas.

Ultimately, it’s about authenticity and economic sustainability. When you cut corners with overseas manufacturing, you compromise quality and disconnect from the very communities that shaped your vision. Our ethos has always been to “keep it real” for the culture, for the people.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My professional journey has been shaped by both privilege and adversity, each leaving a lasting mark on my personal and professional growth. I was fortunate to be raised in a family of successful entrepreneurs who built and operated thriving restaurant businesses across Los Angeles, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez. That environment instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, business acumen, and the complexities of managing success. Yet, I also learned early on that success can be fragile.

A pivotal turning point came during my senior year, when our family business faced legal challenges involving the DEA—an experience that profoundly reshaped my understanding of risk management, resilience, and accountability. These professional trials coincided with personal hardships, including a difficult divorce in my late 30s and the evolving landscape of medical marijuana laws that disrupted traditional business models.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to see struggle not as a setback, but as a catalyst for transformation—one that has strengthened my adaptability, perseverance, and perspective. The journey has not been easy, but each challenge has imparted valuable lessons that now guide my leadership philosophy: that sustainable success demands determination, ethical grounding, and the humility to learn from every experience.

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?
Gliese Media is a versatile provider of entertainment and nightlife branding solutions, specializing in custom prints for a wide range of clients — from DJs and bands to concerts, businesses, and events. Our portfolio includes collaborations with both independent artists and high-profile individuals (whose confidentiality we respect), as well as partnerships with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, schools, and local businesses.

We offer a comprehensive catalog of products, including apparel, vinyl jackets, hats, and promotional materials tailored to the music and entertainment industry. Notable collaborations include work with DJ Hyperactive (Chicago/LA-based DJ), music producer/Dj Truncate, Gorgazma, Gel Rock, Awol One, OnyxRecord Press, M.C. clubs, Lowrider clubs and various emerging artists.

What distinguishes Gliese Media is our commitment to in-house production, ensuring quality control, efficiency, and affordability. Our mission is to deliver high-impact promotional materials at accessible prices — making premium branding attainable for all
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Visit us at www.gliesemedia.com

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born in Downtown Los Angeles and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. This city holds a special place in my heart, not only for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and exceptional culinary scene but also for its world class attractions and local sports teams. Los Angeles is truly unparalleled in its energy and opportunities, making it the only place I’d ever want to call home.

However, one pressing issue deeply concerns me the homelessness crisis. In the near future, I plan to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless and disabled families and children. By fostering collaboration and community engagement, we can work toward making Los Angeles and its surrounding areas a better, more inclusive place for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.GLIESE-MEDIA.COM