We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anny Garcia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anny, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Anny, a 38-year-old Colombian woman, took the brave step of leaving her homeland and exploring different countries to immerse herself in new cultures. With a free spirit and a deep love for music, she found solace in her unique artistic ideas. Pursuing her passion, she studied Architecture, the field that resonated most with arts and design in her country. Seeking fresh inspiration, she embarked on a journey to Argentina, where she delved into Morphology, finding joy in the study of shapes derived from biology and human creativity.
Argentina proved to be a pivotal moment in her creative evolution, as she connected with the vibrant arts scene and had the opportunity to work as an Architect and interior designer. Listening to new sounds like the fusion of tango and electronic music, Anny discovered the allure of simplicity in life’s pleasures.
Her experiences encompassed a multitude of emotions—love, sadness, excitement, and disappointment—leading to profound personal growth. Returning to her homeland, she confronted the challenges of conforming to societal standards, which felt constricting. Fueled by her passion and determined to break free, Anny courageously set off once again, this time to Australia. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, she discovered a renewed sense of self and began developing her skills as an interior designer. Engaging in projects ranging from music recording studios to retail and hospitality, she left a part of herself behind in Australia.
Around 6 years ago, Anny arrived in the United States, specifically Washington DC, which she now proudly calls home. Despite the prevailing system and heightened racism, Anny’s resilient spirit shone through. Embracing her Latina identity, she persevered and sought a fresh start in a different environment.
Rekindling her passion, Anny pursued a career in Interior Design with renewed determination. Collaborating with various companies and working as a contractor, she embraced both the successes and challenges along the way. During a grey phase marked by self-doubt and the pressures of society’s expectations, Anny reconnected with her lifelong love for music. From her childhood collection of music and early experiences playing folk instruments, she ventured into a new passion—mixing electronic music with the rhythmic beats of her roots. This exploration led to a transformative journey, where she studied online courses, sought guidance from musician friends, and created unique sounds that ignited her interest and motivation.
During a period of rebirth, Anny and her partner established Connectribe, a collective dedicated to nurturing and showcasing emerging talents in electronic music. Through her profound search for meaning, music emerged as a healing force—a universal language that channelled her energy and fostered connection.
While continuing her work as an Interior Designer, Anny embarked on her DJ career approximately four years ago. Gracing the stages of renowned venues in Washington DC, she collaborated with classical musicians and folk groups, fusing her cultural roots into her musical expression.
Anny’s greatest risk has been following her intuition and pursuing her passions. Throughout her life, she has been deeply passionate about artistic and creative expression as a means of communication. Embracing the transformative power of music, Anny embarked on a new project in her mid-30s. Along her journey, she has encountered remarkable individuals who have supported her, allowing her to convey meaningful messages through her art and feel more connected to her roots than ever before.
Anny’s story underscores the everlasting presence of music throughout her life’s chapters.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Anny Garcia, and I’m a 38-year-old immigrant from Colombia now living in the USA. I pursued a degree in Architecture in my home country and later obtained a master’s degree in Morphology from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about design and creation, with a focus on Interior Design for over 12 years. My goal has always been to assist clients in creating spaces that are both functional and environmentally friendly while understanding their specific needs. Building trust with clients has always been the key to achieving successful designs.
In addition to my work in design, I am also a DJ and music producer. Over the past four years, I have been mixing electronic music with tribal and native sounds from my cultural heritage. My purpose in music is to uplift people and convey positive messages through my performances to the audience. Music has become a powerful medium for me to connect with others and spread joy and inspiration.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My greatest display of resilience has been learning to embrace and love myself for who I am, recognizing my own value and embracing my uniqueness, just like everyone else. This understanding has empowered me to rise above difficult times and keep moving forward. The key lies in persistence and pursuing what you genuinely love. In my case, my passions revolve around music and design.
Being deeply connected to artistic expression has allowed me to create a universal form of communication through art. It is through these creative outlets that I find fulfilment and the ability to connect with others on a profound level.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I strive to share a message of empowerment through my story. It’s essential for all of us to pursue our passions and embrace our unique creative expressions. Regardless of our race, gender, religion, or background, we each have something valuable to contribute. Let us never forget our roots as we forge ahead on our individual journeys
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anny-garcia.com/
- Instagram: annya_dj Connectribe community: CONNECTRIBE
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anny-garcia-209b3434/
- Other: CONNECTRIBE https://soundcloud.com/annya_dj
Image Credits
1 photo by Tuan / IG: _killthelight_