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

Briana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was deciding to fully pursue my passion for music. For years, I felt stuck in corporate jobs where I was constantly undervalued and underappreciated. Those environments felt robotic, and I was always facing challenges because my heart was never really in it. Music, on the other hand, has always been my passion; it’s been a part of my life since childhood, and I’ve always felt most alive when creating or connecting through it.

Eventually, my disdain for that corporate cycle did me in. I couldn’t keep ignoring the pull to do what I truly loved, so I decided to take a leap of faith. I left the grind behind to focus on DJing, and I also enrolled in school full-time to learn everything I could about the music business and audio production.

I’ve been able to curate my own shows, perform at dream gigs, and even travel out of state – all while feeling more fulfilled than ever. Taking that leap taught me that when you bet on yourself and follow your passion, you can break free from the things that hold you back and step into your purpose.

Briana, 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 am vinyl DJ, event curator, and mother to an outgoing and talented 7-year-old who inspires me daily. My journey into this world started young—I’ve been connected to music since childhood, playing instruments and always being curious about sound. But it wasn’t until I got fed up with being undervalued in corporate jobs that I truly stepped into my purpose. Those jobs never aligned with who I am, and I finally decided to focus on what lights me up: music. I took a leap of faith, diving into DJing and enrolling in school full-time to study music business and audio production.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity. I spin vinyl because I love the analog feel and respect the craft. My events aren’t just about playing music; they’re about telling a story and honoring the pioneers of the genres I represent. I also work hard to make every space inclusive and welcoming, so people feel they belong.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and my dreams. Every step of this journey has been intentional, from curating events to traveling for gigs with collectives like Musica y Mujeres. My brand is built on passion, culture, and community, and I want anyone who connects with me to know they’re stepping into a space that’s about more than just music – it’s about celebrating identity and uplifting each other.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To truly support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to start by valuing art as an essential part of life, not just a luxury or afterthought. This means creating opportunities for artists to sustain themselves financially, like funding grants, affordable workspaces, and accessible health benefits tailored to creatives. Education systems should prioritize arts programs, teaching kids from an early age that creative careers are valid and valuable paths.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly, I’m still searching for many of those resources. There are opportunities out there, but they’re not always easy to find. For example, I know that the City of San Antonio offers grants from time to time, and I’m keeping an eye out for those in the new year. However, navigating the application process can be tricky, and having access to a skilled grant writer would be a huge help. That’s a resource I’m still learning about and looking into. It’s all part of the journey, but I definitely wish I had known more about these resources earlier on.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bittyscorp/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yWKdwV7UUQ

Image Credits

@el_vilchis