We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazlyn Rich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazlyn, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Balance can be such a hard thing at times, which is ironic, being that I’m a Libra & our symbol is the scale. I find my balance has been everywhere now that things are getting busier & my time is being spread around more with events and other social aspects. I’m the type of person who wants to have my hand a part of everything. For instance, if there’s anyone that needs help with their social media or content, I’ll offer my assistance. If there’s someone who is looking for a photographer, I’ll offer to shoot some quick photos without realizing that I need to take care of my own responsibilities first. I want to help in any way that I can. I’ve always been the type of person to put everyone before me but I can definitely feel my balance becoming more aligned as I take on higher responsibilities as a DJ & Entertainer. As I’m growing my business, I’m understanding the fundamental & operational side of things and know that once I keep a consistent routine going, all of the boxes on my to-do list get checked off & can enjoy myself a bit more.

I think balance is easier said than done but I also think it’s one of the first things you have to master if you want to take your career from something short-term to something long-term. Consistency & balance are the true keys!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Music is my art and always has been. Becoming a DJ has allowed me to transform my love for music into a story that I’m able to share with others in a way I could never verbally express.

Coming from multiple ethnicities, Black, Mexican, & Filipino, has given me a look that sets me apart from others & may even inspire other woman who look like me, to see that dreams are able to come true for everyone, from all different backgrounds. I feel capable of being able to represent all of the cultures that reside in my blood & I’m never shy to represent who I am & where I come from.

I recently just threw my first solo event called Nostalgia @sincerelynostalgia & it was more memorable than I ever dreamed of! I’m proud of myself for taking that leap of faith & not relying on any supporting acts to carry on the show. It was the first time in a while that I felt like my heart was laid out on the table. I truly felt like that party & DJ set was my heart in music form & seeing where this journey goes is so exciting to me! 2022 has given me so many things to be proud of. I recently just DJ’d at Drais Nightclub which was mind blowing. It feels like I was just celebrating my 21st birthday there and fast forward, I had the opportunity to DJ there a week after my 25th birthday. I got the chance to spin for some of my favorite artists this year including meeting Usher which was a dream come true!

I’d say, lots of networking, connections, risk, & hard work have gotten me to where I am as a professional. As fun as it is, it’s definitely been challenging. Many people don’t understand how hard it is to not only be a DJ but to be a woman in the DJ industry. There are many obstacles and hurdles you have to jump or go through just to feel respected or taken seriously. Not including all of the time and practice it takes to make sure you have enough music, or have a great set, or making sure your equipment and programs work right. It can be challenging but being positive throughout every situation & never giving up will allow you to overcome those challenges. If you give up or let yourself fold, you never know what you could’ve accomplished!

Lessons I’ve learned along the way are to stay focused, be yourself, and find your balance & methods that work for you. Self-care is extremely important & so is taking the proper rest. I’ve learned just because you’re resting, doesn’t erase all of the hard work you’ve accomplished up to that point. Give your body time to adjust so you have more energy to power through the rest of what you have to get done.

I want the world to know that I have bad days & I have good days. I come from a background of childhood loss & as positive as I am, I’m that way because I’ve experienced a lot of trauma. I do what I do because it can inspire others who may relate to me to want to do the same. If I can be that person for myself I can be that person for someone else as well. I have plans to share my story later down the line when I’m ready and I can’t wait to let my supporters and the world know all that I’ve been through. If there’s one thing I want people to understand about me it’s that nothing comes easy, but it’s who and what you allow yourself to consume to take your talent or greatness on the journey the world paved for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week-long vacation with my bestie would go a little something like this!

I love finding cute coffee shops and places around the city that make me feel like I’m free and are fun to just hang out. One of my favorite places to go is Ferguson’s Downtown. It used to be an old motel that is now transformed into a small local plaza with amazing restaurants & an outdoor area so we would probably go there to start. I love going to the park or even driving to some amazing view spots to look at the city lights from a distance.

Not too far from there is a Thai food restaurant called Le Thai located in the Downtown Fremont area. Downtown is probably one of my favorite places to drink and go out to dance & have a good time. Commonwealth specifically is my favorite bar, along with a new bar called We All Scream which is themed as an ice cream parlor. There’s so many different restaurants I love like Buca Di Beppo, Sapporo Revolving Sushi, Ella M’s Soul Food, and Rick’s Rolling Smoke BBQ.

Drais & Jewel Nightclub would be our place to get loud and party! I love going out and listening to different DJs & music being played around the city. Aside from the clubs though, I love going to support local artist around town where I can find some fun shows!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have given me such great wisdom and support on my journey that it would be so hard for me to choose one. I’d love to give my praise to my two mentors, DJ Kelly J & Brandon Fox. Both of these individuals have really taken a chance on me to show me what it takes to begin a DJ career & how I can do it all with great intentions and a pure heart.

As I grew into my role as a DJ I absolutely have to give major recognition to Simp City & Leverage Events for taking a chance on me. When I first moved back home to Las Vegas from the Bay Area they gave me a shot that turned into a true bond. I’ve been working with them since 2019 and they’ve given me a tremendous amount of exposure and love as one of their DJs. I can’t thank them enough for the shows they’ve had me a part of & the different opportunities it’s brought me.
Truthfully, I’m grateful for everyone that has been a part of this journey & has lent me a hand or has encouraged me to follow my dreams!

Website: www.jazlynrich.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazlynrich/?hl=en

Image Credits
Attapon Mingklin Ryan Petit Alexander Edward “Pizzaboy” Pagán II Diego Hidalgo

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