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

Alright, Emanuel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The realization that I could turn my passion into a profession struck me during my freshman year at Baylor University. Initially starting out DJing for free, I gradually transitioned to making money spinning tunes every weekend at a local nightclub by my senior year in college. This journey made me acknowledge the potential for a professional career in music, transforming what was once a beloved hobby. Coming from a broken family with an immigrant parent, the opportunity to attend a U.S. university was a privilege not taken lightly. My mother, my ultimate role model, instilled in me the value of education, and I was determined to make her proud by graduating from a prestigious institution and securing a respected job.

Despite my growing love for music during college, I understood the importance of not letting my degree go to waste, and embarked on a sales career in Austin, TX after graduation. This decision didn’t mean abandoning my artistic aspirations but rather being patient while working toward my goals. Over the years, I have achieved many milestones, solidifying my belief that I will always be connected to music professionally. Moving forward, I remain committed to setting new goals and dreaming big in my musical journey.

Emanuel, 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?

Whether it be sports, travel, fitness, or something else we obsess over, contrary to the notion that obsession is always negative, I would argue that healthy obsessions can indeed exist. In my case, the world of music has always held a special place in my heart. What started as a simple fascination with musical instruments evolved into a profound interest in DJing and music production. The pursuit of a dream often seems daunting, but more often than not, dreams are attainable with dedication. Although pursuing a dream might not be a seamless journey, my personal experience has shown that progress is possible, even if it means taking small steps.

My journey into DJing began during my time as a student at Baylor University, where I balanced it with my studies. Despite my desire to pursue music full-time after graduation, I recognized the importance of securing a stable job and financial security first. Starting my sales career in 2016, I managed to sustain DJing as a side hustle. Juggling a corporate job and nurturing my passion for music presented its challenges, but it was not impossible.

From 2016 to 2021, despite the demands of my sales career, my commitment to music intensified each passing year. By 2022, I reached the realization that although transitioning wouldn’t be easy, I had the confidence to take a risk and step away from the corporate world. In October 2022, I made the bold decision to embark on a new journey. Over the next year, I established an LLC, fulfilled my long-standing dream of releasing original music on major streaming platforms, and laid the groundwork for a sustainable business.

Since leaving the corporate world, I’ve achieved significant milestones. I built and solidified my music business, secured a DJ residency at one of Austin, TX’s premier clubs (Highland Lounge), established myself as an independent verified artist, and released four official originals on major streaming platforms (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). Additionally, I met personal goals such as posting every day for 6 months straight on major social platforms and achieving over 1 million view counts on YouTube. While these achievements may not be life-changing, they certainly affirm that taking that leap of faith was undeniably worthwhile, and I couldn’t be more proud of the progress I’ve made to date.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Coincidentally, one of the most profound chapters of adaptation in my life is unfolding at this very moment. As I’ve shared before, the decision to depart from the corporate world and plunge into the realm of entrepreneurship, focusing entirely on music, marked the most significant risk I’ve ever taken. Though I’ve consistently been someone who places trust in their instincts, it’s vital to acknowledge that outcomes may align with one’s vision, or take a completely different direction.

Life often presents us with decisions that linger in our thoughts and come with no easy resolution. My initial decision to take the risk into full-time entrepreneurship and music was daunting at the time. Yet, once I settled into my new routine and began DJing weekly, the idea of returning to corporate life seemed almost unthinkable. The thought occasionally lingered, but I couldn’t envision myself truly returning. After weeks of contemplation and stress, why would I backtrack on a decision that allowed me to make a living solely from music? Who, having achieved a long-pursued dream, would willingly give up that hard-won opportunity? These questions, among others, solidified my commitment. I was proud of my accomplishments and saw no reason to look back—at least not yet.

Ironically, about a year later, I found myself revisiting these questions. This time however, my perspective had shifted. What could possibly alter my opinion? The news that brings immense joy and profound anxiety simultaneously—I was going to be a father. The mixed emotions of excitement and fear created a unique and somewhat surreal experience. As first-time parents, the pressure was undeniable. Although children were always a desire for us, the reality of it happening now led to questioning our readiness. Like many first-time parents, feeling unprepared was a genuine concern. For me, the pressure was compounded by my decision to leave a stable job for a dream just a year prior. What would happen to my musical dreams? Would I need to sacrifice everything I had worked for? The uncertainties caused me some worry, yet deep down, I clung to the belief that everything would fall into place. It’s an interesting feeling to be thrilled about something while acknowledging it will reshape your entire world.

As the year progressed and we prepared for the arrival of our baby in 2024, it might have seemed like the natural moment to lose focus on my music goals. Instead, I perceived it as an opportunity for growth. How could I continue advancing my musical aspirations without compromising my role as a partner and father? Admittedly, it meant readjusting my daily schedule, and perhaps even considering a return to the corporate world. But would it require putting music on the back burner indefinitely? Absolutely not. However, if there was ever a reason to go back to the corporate world—this was definitely it. While the option to continue pursuing music full time remained, the decision to at least consider returning held validity for me. After all, having previously worked in the corporate world for over seven years while simultaneously pursuing my musical goals during evenings and weekends, I saw the potential to navigate both realms once again. Sure, the addition of a baby would consume much of the already limited free time I had before, and of course, this time around would be different and potentially more challenging to balance everything. However, I recognize that I’m in the driver’s seat, and how I choose to perceive this situation is entirely within my control. As I often say, the most significant personal growth occurs when we embrace change and push ourselves beyond our comfort zones. While I have always held this belief, experiencing it firsthand has solidified my commitment to consistently challenge myself, even when it may appear unconventional to others.

Undoubtedly, these recent months have been a period of profound self-reflection for me. While the desire to know the future is tempting, focusing on the present and taking one step at a time is crucial. Drawing from my experience of taking a leap of faith—departing the corporate world to embrace entrepreneurship and music—I’ve learned that relentless pursuit, even at a gradual pace, consistently leads to reaching one’s goals. While the arrival of a child may disrupt my momentum with music, I couldn’t be more excited to become a father and remain confident that opportunities for progress will still exist. Just as I carved out time for progress during my pre-corporate work hours, I can do the same now. Although this time around may differ from the past, I know with the right mindset and dedication, nothing is impossible.

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

The beauty of having a hobby you’re deeply passionate about lies in the fact that whether or not it brings in money becomes irrelevant. A genuine musician or artist creates because of their love for the craft, not solely for financial gain. Those who manage to turn their passion into a source of income are the true winners. Money was never the driving force for me until the opportunity arose to pursue music as a career that could sustain me financially. I chose to create music because I found peace and joy in the process. Even today, I can spend hours in my studio working on something without expecting any monetary return. While this approach may not always be practical for those relying on music for their livelihoods, the core point is that passion must precede everything else. When you dedicate yourself and put in the effort toward your passion, financial success naturally follows—it can never be the other way around.

Essentially, my genuine love for creating music has guided my artistic path. From uploading remixes on YouTube and witnessing the surge in views and comments, it evolved into a thrilling quest for constant improvement. Each new remix aimed at enhancing my skills, and a similar trajectory unfolded with DJing. With increasing opportunities, my dedication grew, and I saw my aspirations manifesting into reality. It wasn’t long before a regular week involved working on content, crafting music, and DJing at local clubs or events—all activities I cherished.

Confidence in myself initiated the journey, and with each accomplishment, my motivation intensified like a snowball gaining momentum. Despite encountering obstacles and distractions, persistence remained the unchanging factor in my success. I often emphasize, and will continue to do so, that consistency, coupled with patience, is the key to success. Determination, regardless of your current stage or level, paired with consistency and patience, is all you need to achieve your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/emandomi
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/emandomimusic
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/emandomimusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/emandomimusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emandomi
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emandomimusic
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/emandomi
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/34asgPmgXa7uOlAzgwpRvc?si=Fd-8_05JSG-dWRGVB0ygyA
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eman-domi/1672192728