Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arlene Torres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Arlene, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you 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?
As a multifaceted artist, it took time for me to earn a full-time living from my work. My business, The Zen Dealer, started back in 2017, and if I’m being honest, it’s been the doorway that has unlocked everything else for me. Through selling essential oils and offering psychic readings, I was able to generate a strong income. However, for a long time, I never felt fully comfortable taking it full-time. It wasn’t until I expanded into my creative passions—and got let go from my corporate job (lol)—that everything truly shifted. I started DJing more, sharing my paintings, and stepping into my artistry without hesitation. That’s when I realized I could actually live off my passions.
I firmly believe in divine timing—as long as we keep tending to our inner garden, exploring what we love, and letting go of what doesn’t love us, everything aligns the way it’s meant to. We are meant to do what we love full-time and be abundantly supported in the process.
I feel incredibly blessed that I get to make and play music, paint, create, spread healing, and fully be myself—while getting paid for it. Recently, I’ve also started organizing events with my community, including Sanctuary, a women’s healing group, and Paved Under, an underground dance series. These projects have been making an impact in Hartford, and I’m so grateful to see them grow.
Everything I do is an investment in myself and my vision. To me, investing means fully seeing your dreams through—and I’m committed to making my dreams (and the dreams of my community) a reality.
Arlene, 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?
Ever since I was a kid, I knew I was different. I never quite fit in, even within my closest friend groups, and I was often picked on. I’d say I’m a tender person—very sensitive, very eccentric. An Aquarius, if that helps put things into perspective. Fashion and art are my earliest passions, and I’ve always been drawn to writing, even though I used to rip up my pages out of embarrassment. Now, I fully embrace my creative voice and am currently writing a book that I’m excited to share.
More than anything, I’ve always felt guided by something greater than myself. My relationship with God has been my anchor, especially when I felt like an outcast. That connection has led me to everything I do today—fashion, art, music, healing, and business.
Over the years, I’ve built confidence in myself, and it’s still a work in progress. But one thing I’m owning now is this: I’m a model. It feels funny to say, but it’s true. I love collaborating with amazing photographers, coming up with concepts, and using my body and face as art. That’s why I love fashion, too—it’s another way to adorn yourself with creativity. I think we’re so lucky to be artful beings if we choose.
Music has also been a huge part of my journey. I got into it more in high school—alternative rock, hip-hop, R&B, and, of course, Spanish music (I’m Dominican, so that’s my whole childhood). By college, I somehow became the designated aux DJ. I remember skipping math class one day with my friend Steve (DJ Boomba) and watching him mix. I was mesmerized. In that moment, I saw a future where I was DJing and moving people. Fast forward to today, and that vision has come full circle.
I truly started DJing for the world in 2022 after a heartbreak and a life-changing trip to Puerto Rico. I walked into a club where two DJs were playing rominimal house, and I was in a trance. That moment sealed my love for house music, and I knew I had to go back home and share it with the world. I had already invested in my own DJ equipment, but it took that experience for me to fully embrace it. Now, I’m one of the hottest DJs in CT—literally and figuratively! I’m so grateful to be received with such warmth, and it’s beautiful to see that energy reciprocated by my clients and the people who come to dance.
Beyond music and modeling, I’m also an entrepreneur at heart. My businesses, The Zen Dealer and A Wavy Star, allow me to fulfill my greatest mission: helping others recognize their own power to heal and shine. The Zen Dealer was the first seed I planted when I was deeply immersed in my spiritual and wellness journey. It all started with making topical essential oil blends for different ailments—products that helped me so much that my friends and family kept asking for them, and before I knew it, the business created itself. Now, The Zen Dealer has expanded beyond products into artistic workshops, healing experiences, and creative consulting.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge wellness, creativity, and business—whether through music, fashion, or healing. I love helping people refine their ideas and inspire their hidden passions. My journey has taught me that when you trust yourself and have faith, doors open in ways you never imagined.
I’ve manifested a life where I get to do what I love every day and get paid for it. I’m surrounded by like-minded artists and creatives vibrating at the same frequency. And the wildest part? I know I’m only scratching the surface.
If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: If you have the will to dream it and do it, a way will show itself. Trust in yourself. Trust in your path. The journey is just beginning.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My audience on social media is still growing. Ii have like 16 instagrams hahaha, my friends make fun of me but it’s because I feel like it’s a portfolio for my passions. Separating my interests helps me be organized and also helps me bring in the right audience. I know some people prefer to have it all inane place but I think we should be using these platforms as folders for our work. Currently working on making my websites more of a hub for it all incase social media is ever gone, but I think to be authentic and have patience the right people will find you. Utilize all the tools and resources you have to find your tribe and don’t be afraid to separate yourself from your art. I think it helps bring a broader view to it.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The driving force behind my creative journey is to make the world a better place—to inspire deep transformation in people and help them create meaningful change within themselves. I want my art and music to evoke emotions so profound that they ignite healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.
I believe that creativity has the power to reverse some of the damage done to our planet—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But I also know that real change takes a team. I dream of building a community of artists, healers, and visionaries who are committed to reshaping the world through their work.
One of my biggest dreams is to win the Nobel Peace Prize and stand on that stage surrounded by my friends and the community that helped make it happen. Because to me, success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about uplifting others, creating space for more voices to be heard, and proving that when we move with purpose and passion, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arlenetorres.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthealchemist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthealchemist
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/arthealchemist?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: https://www.thezendealer.com
https://www.awavystar.com
Image Credits
Cedric Pilard – @cedpilard
Brian Delgado – @ayo.delgado
Daniel Alyra – @danielalyra
Geoffrey Smith – @fruitguicemedia
David Gavilanes – @davidgaviphoto
Shaun Llewellyn – @shaunllewellyn_