We had the good fortune of connecting with Gaby Moreno (7 Octoberz) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gaby, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I have two favorite quotes and they are both from movies. The first quote is from A Bronx Tale, which is “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever”. What this quote means to me is that everyone is born with a purpose, gift or talent whatever you want to call it and its up to you to make the most of it. To me it also means that to achieve your dream/s is one of the most important things in life and its sad when people waste their potential or don’t believe in themselves to see it through!

My second favorite quote is from The International, which is “Sometimes a man can meet his destiny on the road he took to avoid it”. This quote always stuck with me since I first heard and it has been very meaningful to me. The reason being is before I decided to take my creative path/career seriously I didn’t see it as something I could do for a living. So I left it behind for a few years and only saw my creativity as a hobby, but somehow destiny had other plans and I ended back where I started. My creativity took the front seat and I know this is what I am destined to do, because life has led me back to my creative calling!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets me apart from others is I’m a jack of all trades. I am a self-taught creative that does a little bit of everything, from painting, music, podcast hosting, shutterbug, vlogging and more!

I am most proud of my Hip Hop and Horror Podcast, Nightmare on Sedgwick Avenue. I started this podcast back in 2019 and I have interviewed artists/creatives in the indie and mainstream space. I have gotten to interview some creatives that I look up to, to even dope local creatives. I am excited for Season 6 to start this year, I am leveling up the podcast and I can’t wait to continue this amazing journey!

I got to where I am at today by having strong work ethic, a dream, self belief and just going for it! It definitely has not been easy, navigating the Hip Hop and Horror space where it is mainly male dominated has had its ups and downs. As a woman in these spaces I’ve had to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously and earn respect. My determination and hard work has spoken for itself and this has allowed me to overcome these challenges.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way is that no one will fight harder for your dreams more than yourself! Self belief, consistency, patience and determination are important on the journey to make your dreams a reality. Also taking care of yourself and mental health should be your first priority in order to be the best you got to make sure you have a strong foundation!

Also hard work beats talent any day! You can be the most talented person, but if you don’t put in the work then you won’t achieve what you are trying to do. There are no shortcuts, you got to put in the work and enjoy the journey. There will be ups and downs, but that is what builds character! Success is not a destination it is a journey!

I want the world to know that my story is meant to inspire others to follow their dreams, if I can do it, so can you! In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

My favorite things to do in San Diego are checking out some Film Geek SD movie screenings or See It on 16mm at the Digital Gym Cinema.

There are also some dope vinyl record stores like Fivespace, Re-Animated Records, Vinyl Junkies and FeeLit.

Checking out dope shops in Barrio Logan or local art shows/events. While you are there check out the iconic Chicano Park.

There is also the Kobey’s Sneaker & Vintage Clothing Swap Meet.

Places to visit would be Balboa Park, Old Town, Mission Trails, Torrey Pines State Beach, the Comic Con Museum and Seaport Village.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my Abuelitos Rafaela and Demetrio Ojeda. They are no longer here, but with me in spirit. I credit them for instilling me with great values and morals. Also for always encouraging me to live out my dreams. My Abuelita Rafaela also is the reason I fell in love with music and movies! I also want to dedicate this my parents who showed me what strong work ethic is. My mom also taught me to be fierce and always stand for what I believe in. Lastly, but not least I want to dedicate this shoutout to my sister Melly who has always believed in me and supports everything I do. She is also a creative and we encourage each other daily!

P.S. I also want to shoutout the creative community of San Diego, I’ve been blessed to have met dope humans that have given me opportunities to showcase my art, music and more! Appreciate you all, you know who you are!

Website: https://linktr.ee/7_Octoberz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7octoberz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/7Octoberz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7octoberz/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@7octoberz

Other: https://www.instagram.com/nightonsedgave7/

Image Credits
Melissa Moreno Bailey Brothaz Rob Rockly Dracko_Velasco

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.