We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Omar Covarrubias a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Omar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

For over 18 years, I balanced a full-time job alongside my passion for performing. I was fortunate to have a supportive boss who allowed me the flexibility to take extended lunch breaks for performances, often driving from Beverly Hills to Ontario, which meant I was on the road for about four to five hours at a time. My days started at 5:30 AM and often didn’t end until 9 PM. This rigorous schedule meant little sleep and constant travel, but my adrenaline kept me going. It became my normal routine to entertain rooms full of people who knew nothing about me except that I was the one with the microphone. Whether I had 20, 30, or 45 minutes, my goal was always to make them laugh and enjoy the moment.

About a year ago, I made the significant decision to pursue my performing career full-time. After giving a three-week notice at my day job, I committed fully to my craft—not just performing magic, but truly entertaining people. Transitioning to full-time entertainment required a shift in my lifestyle and work habits, especially after years of juggling dual responsibilities.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to find myself busier than ever. It’s been an adjustment, focusing solely on magic and comedy, but it has also been immensely fulfilling. Stepping away from the traditional 5-to-9. I’ve embraced the challenges and opportunities of being my own boss, without the commute or the need to clock in and out.

Looking back, if I knew then what I know now, I might have made the leap to full-time entertainment sooner. The journey taught me the importance of dedication and adaptability, elements that continue to drive my success in the industry.

Omar, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Omar, also known as The Great Omar, a magician and comedian specializing in bringing laughter and astonishment to audiences of all ages, though I primarily cater to adults with a blend of comedy and close-up magic. My journey into the world of magic began at 19, inspired by the street performances of David Blaine. What started with a DVD and a magic book quickly evolved into performing street magic, first among neighbors and then busking in Santa Monica.

Over the years, I refined my craft at various outdoor events, learning early on that combining magic with humor was where I excelled. A breakthrough came when I received a $100 tip at a Father’s Day event, followed by a $200 tip in Santa Monica, which solidified my path in magic and comedy. Recognizing my strength in adult humor, I gradually shifted away from children’s parties, which I found less fulfilling, to more suitable venues like anniversaries, weddings, and adult birthday parties.

A pivotal moment in my career was connecting with Rudy Moreno, a well-respected booker at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena. Sending him a performance reel led to an immediate opportunity to perform, and since then, I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with many esteemed comedians I admired growing up.

Reflecting on my early days, I remember performing street magic in Santa Monica, initially focusing too much on being liked rather than being likable. This mindset shift, along with understanding that a good show naturally encourages generosity, significantly changed my approach and success rate. Taking risks, like reaching out to Rudy, taught me that sometimes you just have to go for it, regardless of the outcome.

Today, I’m proud not only of the shows I put on but also of the genuine connections I make with my audience. Each performance is an opportunity to create a memorable experience, ensuring laughter and wonder are at the heart of everything I do. For potential clients, followers, and fans, know that when you choose The Great Omar, you’re not just booking an entertainer; you’re ensuring an event filled with joy, engagement, and a touch of magic

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To really support artists and creatives, we need to recognize that they aren’t just being creative because they want to—they just are. And honestly, that’s what makes them stand out. They do things others can’t, take risks others won’t, and keep smiling to entertain everyone, no matter how tired they might be, whether it’s live or through a screen.

What society can do is give them room to express themselves. Even when it gets uncomfortable, because those tough conversations can spark the best ideas. Creatives don’t just perform; they bring us into their world and make us think and feel things deeply. They’re in it because they either care so much about giving their audience something great, or they’re so deep into their craft that it doesn’t matter—they’ll get noticed either way.

So, supporting them means understanding all this, recognizing their struggles, and appreciating the huge risks they take. It’s about making sure they have the space—both emotionally and professionally—to keep doing what they do best.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Reflecting on the past year, I’ve had plenty of time to think about what really drives me to do what I do. Why do I step up on that stage, eager to entertain and make people laugh? Why do I thrive on walking into a room and capturing everyone’s attention? It boils down to one simple thing: I love making people have a good time. I get a kick out of it, especially when I can turn a dull moment into a memorable one.

Whether it’s bringing a speaker and a mic to a party for some impromptu karaoke or cracking jokes that get everyone laughing, I’m all about creating those moments of joy. Like, if I spot someone on their phone or dozing off during my show, I’ll call them out, not to embarrass them but to bring them into the fun. It’s like pointing out the elephant in the room, turning those moments into laughter.

For a long time, I had this notion that as a Latino entertainer, I was boxed into performing only at Latino events. But now, I love performing for any audience, anywhere—it’s liberating. Every time I step on stage, I remind myself: my job is to spread joy and laughter. And part of that joy comes from not just being the star but also supporting others who shine. Watching someone light up the room with their humor or talent, and being their sidekick, if that’s what the moment calls for, is something I cherish. It’s about giving that little push some need to step into their own spotlight, and I love being there to see it and laugh along genuinely.

And sure, I’m still working on being more vulnerable, weaving my personal stories into my magic acts. That’s something I’m looking to enhance in the coming months.

I hope this gives you a clear picture of what fuels my performances. Just me, trying to bring a little more laughter into the world, one show at a time, and supporting others to shine along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegreatomar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatomar1?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatOmar?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thegreatomarmagic?si=MFf2Je67z96KYcMx
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/DVJ4Iu0HCA

Image Credits

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