We recently connected with Mariano Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.

Mariano, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My dream or Mission is bigger than my existence. My goal is to create generational wealth. Id like my kids kids kids kids to have a good start at life. I come low income neighborhood where we face income challenges growing up which effects our daily choices and dreams we pursue. Also to show my kids and everyone that no matter what your doing or where you are in life. With the right mentality and consistency truly anything is possible! Im a barbershop owner working myself out the shop to do music full time

Mariano, 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 was 1st introduced into to percussion in salsa music where my father who is musician and former band member taught me the ropes!
Being a kid of the 90s hip hop and r&b were heavily influencing me to become a music producer! Became a well known barber in long Island while learning music production & business!
Because I was already in business. I understood the discipline needed to pursue any other avenues. Im a Latin Tech and Afro House producer. Who likes to fuse my culture and music I’ve grown up listening to into these genres! Any one who attends my performances knows they will be dancing and moving there bodies the whole time!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Afyer 17years of working for someone else … In 2021 I opened my own barbershop bc I wanted more out of life and to get time back with my kids. At the same time began my production/dj career taking on 2 different business models.
Quickly learned that I was already burnt out from 17yrs of cutting without taking time off to rest and recover. While losing motivation and almost losing the barbershop I continued to produce music because it was the only thing that would help! With that being said I decided in 2024 I was going to go full throttle on music and barbershop and see where I would end up in a years time! Well… The barbershop had since sky rocketed. I was discovered for my music by a big artist who is now setting me up to go on tour next year 2026!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Be and do want you want your team or staff to follow. Be the prime example!
Take care of your team staff etc. Be considerate of what everyone else has going on in there life’s without having to intrude

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_imadjn_ ,,, @aura_sb
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Jn8hjyYXtD2gX2Y59