We were lucky to catch up with Carla Jara recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carla, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Being a queer fangirl of color is an extremely powerful thing, however there’s people who can’t see the value we bring to the music industry. While the industry changes every day, it’s no secret that women of color are the minorities in this field. There’s been more than one occasion where I walk into spaces, or join Zoom meetings and I’m the only woman or the only person of color. I’ve walked into photo pits of shows I’m working, where security will not let me though despite the all-access badge. I’ve shared photo pits with other women, excited to not be the only one, yet it’s the white woman photographer who is asking if I’m an intern when I’m the only one in the pit getting paid to be there.

There’s this negative connotation that comes with being a “fangirl” and its fueled by misogyny. A mass of excited girls fawning over a boyband does not one, discredit the music that boyband makes, and two, does not make those girls crazy, deranged, or stupid. During the Super Bowl, we saw countless videos of men punching TV’s and yelling at the top of their lungs in complete anger during the Tubi commercial. Why is that widely accepted? Why is having a season pass okay, but seeing Harry Styles multiple times is a “waste of money?”

Working in the industry for the last 8 years, I’ve noticed that a wide range of my skills were developed during my prime fangirl days. Photoshop, video editing, web design, etc. Being a fangirl, I know what it’s like being at an event that is engaging, safe, and joyful. Now I’m on the other side of it and I get to bring that same experience to fellow fangirls. And because I’m also a queer woman of color, I understand what it’s like to feel underrepresented. I understand what it’s like when others invalidate my truths. Now I get to advocate for the marginalized in a space where in theory all are welcome.

Carla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a full time Social Media Producer and Digital Marketer for 4 radio stations in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ve been working in the music industry for the last 8 years, 7 of those years in Los Angeles. I studied screen writing in school, hoping to work in TV and Film as a producer and screenwriter. However, the first job I got out of college was a Promo Assistant for 97.1 AMP Radio in L.A. I loved every second of it and naturally flowed into a life in the music industry. I loved being able to work behind the scenes in putting on some of the biggest shows in Southern California. I made great friends, established a solid network, and turned into the person I always aimed to be.

Growing up, I had a lot of insecurities. I lacked self confidence, and didn’t see much for myself. I knew deep down I had the capability to become something big, but I was also battling a lot internally. I grew up in a traditional Filipino home and pleasing my parents was so difficult. They controlled every aspect of my life and they tried to control my career path, however that was one thing I couldn’t allow them to dictate. Becoming a Promotions Assistant didn’t just lay down the foundation for a thriving career, but it allowed me to become the best version of me. I was able to express myself unapologetically and live a life that was meant for me.

I kept moving up the corporate ladder and after years of working hard, putting myself out there, and taking initiative, I became a full time Video Content Producer for 8 major Los Angeles radio stations. Life was great for the most part. I was producing content with my favorite artists, working concerts, and developing a solid portfolio of projects. Despite this though, I didn’t have boundaries. I allowed my mental health to be abused by a company that didn’t do much to take care of us, but at the same time, I didn’t know how to defend myself.

Then 2020 happened, and I lost my job. Most of my friends and colleagues were let go and in the midst of the uncertainty, I felt a sense of relief. I was able to unlearn hustle culture, set real boundaries for myself, and finally slow down after years of grinding. I went back to work early 2021 and quickly realized that I could no longer align with their lack of ethics. Which brings me to now. I was plucked from Los Angeles and brought to the Bay Area where I am able to thrive in a non-toxic environment. The transition is difficult though, and need weekly therapy to cope. However, I remind myself that this sacrifice will birth sweet benefits.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

When I was beginning my industry journey, I was winging it. I somewhat had an idea of what it meant to work in entertainment, but I had no one to really look up to. I had a few mentors who I adore and appreciate, but I wish there was a resource for women of color or Asian Americans. A resource of podcasts, panels, networking events for women of color. It would’ve been beneficial to find a like-minded tribe of people to connect with and develop friendships with.

This industry is chaotic, and there isn’t one way to success. There are no rules, and navigating it is a type of experience that’s hard to explain. And that experience is more difficult and crazy when you’re a minority. I think having a resource dedicated to women of color when I first started, would’ve helped take the guessing out of every move I made.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

When you start a career as a creative, that success does not happen overnight, nor is it guaranteed. It can take years for someone to gain steady traction and make a name out of themselves. Having a creative career might mean being a barista on the side, or waiting tables on the weekends. Having a creative career might mean having several roommates and renting at 30 years old before finally owning. Having a creative career might mean feeling lost for a while before obtaining success. But having a creative career means fulfillment. It means having a career that is made from love and passion.

I think this is something non-creatives don’t always understand. Why would someone sacrifice having stability, a high salary and a dream home? A lot of people would rather have a job they don’t hate, earn good money and do what they love on the weekends. For creatives though — we can’t. We can’t fathom a life where we’re dedicating 40 hours to a job we don’t absolutely love. Why just wait for the weekends, when we can feel joy at our creative “9-5” jobs?

I truly believe that most people are meant for their jobs. Some people are born to be doctors, to be educators, to be police officers, to be astronauts. And creatives? Creatives are born from rainbows and big dreams. We are born to create, and live a life of vibrancy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaycommcarla.com
• Instagram: @jaycommacarla
• Other: TikTok: @jaycommacarla