We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ceslie Carlotta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ceslie below.

Ceslie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Being from Central California, I had the opportunity to travel to the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego often. I loved being on the coast and taking trips to the beach, the weather was always beautiful and the food options were limitless. I felt like the opportunities were endless in the city and i knew from a young age that i wanted to move to LA or San Diego and work in the fashion industry. Continuing this further, when i graduated high school i went to a Junior College and planned to transfer to either University of Southern California or San Diego State University. Furthermore, while i was at Junior college i had all of my transfer units completed except my transferable math course. Math was such a challenge for me and i really had to persevere to complete the units. Nevertheless, I completed this course and thought i was ready to graduate but thats when i was told i was still missing units and needed another semester. I was frustrated, but i knew i had to push through. I was almost at the end so doing one last semester wouldn’t hurt, so thats what i did. Once i completed the course I received an email that i was eligible to transfer and graduate, I was so excited! I began to plan to transfer schools but then i began to doubt if i was really ready to leave home so i didn’t leave, but i still had this deep desire to move to LA or San Diego. I’d find myself day dreaming about living in the city, so one day in 2021 i decided i’m going to finally take a risk and move! I told my sister and we took a weekend trip down to Los Angeles so i could explore and see which part of the city i would like to live in, i was also looking for jobs and room mates. One chilly day in December while i was job searching, a job opportunity popped up in San Diego, i applied immediately and within 2 days i was offered the job, i was so excited. I initially planned to move to LA but i had family in San Diego so at the time it made more sense. My mind was made, my new job told me my start date and i had about 2 weeks to get ready before it was time to move. January 2022 i packed all my bags into my car and left my hometown, i was nervous yet ecstatic, it felt like everything i prayed for as a young girl was finally happening and i was so grateful to God. Leaving home was scary and at the same time exhilarating. I had never really been on my own so having the opportunity to leave was a huge blessing. I met many new people, watched so many sunsets, had plenty of solo picnics on the beach and learned many hard lessons but all together it has made me a sharper, wiser person. After a year of being in San Diego i moved back to my hometown, i didn’t want to come back but at the time, it was best that i did. I’m really glad that i took a risk and moved, i got to know myself better and it really matured me in a way that i would not have, if i hadn’t moved away.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ceslie Carlotta, and Im from the Central Valley in California! I am a christian rapper, songwriter and crocheter. From a young age, hip hop played a big part in my life, my parents were the ones who had the sound system and speakers in the trunk so our car rides were always a concert. I grew up on Gospel gangster, T bone and cross movement with my parents and Trina and Too short while i with my grandparents. I always knew that i would be a creative but I was not exactly sure of which direction i’d take. Furthermore, one Tuesday in 2014 i sat down at my parents kitchen table and was listening to “Words I Never Said” by Lupe Fiasco. I really loved that beat, so i went and found the instrumental and began to write to it, it was from that moment that i knew i wanted to make music.

When people listen to my music i want it to inspire them to know and believe that nothing is impossible with God. When they’re listening to a song by me i want them to be motivated and encouraged knowing that if they don’t grow weary in due season they will reap a harvest if they don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 The things we listen to influence us either for the good or bad and i want every listener to be influenced for the good.

Being a music artist is not always easy, but learning your craft and teaching yourself how to record, take your own photos and make your own videos/ content is top tier. Im grateful that i’ve learned how to do that and i believe its important as a creative to learn to be as self sufficient as possible.

Start with what you have, even if its a little. Be a good steward and work with it, don’t complain and keep pushing no matter what or who tries to stop you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the songs you’ve created blessing the people who support you. Its fulfilling to know that they’re enjoying the music especially when you work really hard on a song.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, Gods mission in my life. I really believe that it wasn’t for Him i would have gave up on my creative journey a long time ago.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesliecarlotta/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CeslieCarlotta

Image Credits

Maven Clark Haaway