We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TJ Salta a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
TJ, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?
Yes, but it was most certainly not like that from day one. I found my passion for magic at the age of 14. At the time, I was too young to apply for a job. I took it upon myself to visit different businesses and offer my service at their locations. Many of them loved the idea but denied me due to my age. After weeks of trying, my last resort was to offer my services free of charge to a local ice cream shop. In addition, I explained to the owner that any tips I received would be donated to his charity. All I asked for was the opportunity to hand out my business cards at his location. He gave me a chance and that is how my business started. From there I created a name for myself performing throughout the Tri-state area. Some milestones include winning Connecticut’s Got Talent, and performing on stage with magician Michael Carbonaro at the age of 17. Knowing what I know now, I would encourage anyone with a passion to pursue it tirelessly and not worry about making money in the beginning. Persist, persist, persist, and success will follow.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is TJ Salta, I am an illusionist who specializes in closeup magic, sleight of hand, and mentalism. I started performing, offering my services at public, private, and corporate events. I now reside in Las Vegas as a magician in Cirque Du Soleil’s latest hit show “Mad Apple” at the New York – New York Hotel and Casino. Born just north of NYC, my style of performing is intimate and has an urban vibe. I recently made history in the industry as the youngest magician to ever headline on the Las Vegas strip (at 21 years old).
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I am extremely grateful to have been given the outlet and opportunity to share my passion with the world. My father would always tell me “do what you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The biggest pivot in my career so far, was most definitely the opportunity to perform in Cirque du Soleil‘s Mad Apple. I originally believed the job opportunity was too good to be true. A good friend of mine saw a Facebook posting from Cirque, looking for close-up magicians with a “young and urban vibe”. The posting did not ask for anything except videos demonstrating my craft. The casting process was intense, but pushed me to my limit. Hundreds of magicians worldwide applied, and I was lucky enough to be chosen for the role. When I got the news that I received the offer for the position, my entire life was turned upside down (in a positive way). I had to move across the country with only months notice and left everything I knew behind. Cirque du Soleil ‘s Mad Apple officially premiered in May 2022. Though this pivot was intense, it was the best thing that ever happened to me and challenged me in ways I did not think possible. Truly a dream come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: Tjsalta.com
- Instagram: Tj_salta
- Youtube: TJ Salta
Image Credits
Closeup photos by: Patrick Rivera