We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janelle Torres. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janelle below.
Janelle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The creative umbrella has always been engraved in my background. Growing up with a mother who taught me everything she knew, was the ultimate advantage. My mother threw the family gatherings, where everyone had me dancing around bachata, and salsa as I was their waists height at 3 years old. I didn’t know then, I was just a kid who loved her parents. Completely absorbing the sponge when my mom taught me how to sow, play instruments, and cook. She would have me hands on fixing chairs, and matching fabrics from the chairs to the curtains we hung up. To every holiday season we had bongos, tambourines, and shakers in our hands, teaching us that Boricua flavor. Dancing/singing around to Enrique Iglesias, and Marc Anthony’s legendary hits. Little did I know this was just the start to the imprinted moments of my artistry.
Janelle , 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?
Growing up, in High School I was moderately involved in dance, choir, and art classes/performances. Being that I was shy, and came from a low income home brought me to be very timid. After College is when I really started exploring the SWFL scene. I started to go to open mics, and later on started getting booked for gigs. Its truly a journey becoming yourself in this day, and age. But networking has helped so much in opening up the shell to people other then just my family. Now, I am currently a vocalist in a group called BillieRose Band here in Southwest Florida, we play an original sound of alternative music. Open, and willing to play where the music takes us. I also currently run a business called Indapendant Studios where my team, and I provide assistance of all music production, photography, videography, set designing, fashion designing, creative direction, artist development, event managing, and so much more. Reading this may seem intimidating, but I truly can say we are a bunch of humble creatives just trying to help our community facilitate the art forms in all ways possible. The drive, and passion have been instilled, and being Florida raised I have watched the undeniable talent strike, and populate here. It is why I wake up everyday, and just go for it.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
As much as I believe everyone known to man is somehow a creative in their own way. I believe it is important to decipher how being productive works for a non creative/creative. Sometimes it can be addressed as, “Hey why are you always hanging out at social events?”, from a non creative perspective. Where as for a artist who is proactive in communicating their craft to any subject is a pivotal attribute to ones growth. In my understanding networking no matter where you are is such a benefit for potential opportunities, because you never know who you may meet. You’d be surprised at how many people live double lives. Its those doctor friends who play in a band, or those realtor friends who need live entertainment, or that waitress whos a dancer. Yes, I am truly aware that some of us, “have no other choice”, but I am at the stage in my life where I’ve been noticing people just truly love what they do. There is so much resources in just wanting to learn, and still being that little kid inside who can absorb as much knowledge as possible. In my study of life, there’s always something to be interested in for the sake of our future offspring, but also just for our mental health. This question got a real deep response, but I hope its reached someone. Were all creatives.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think a lot of people strive to lead packs without truly knowing how too, yet that is so resilient to me. Because, you won’t know how to until you try. A lot of people have built up personal traumas to get over, like not having someone stick around in their life to listen to their problems, and give personable advice back too. But, that is why it must start with taking a step back. Giving support, and credit where its due. Show up for a friends performance even if that’s not necessarily what you’re into. Mention their name when you believe they could benefit from a conversation you’re having. This spreads healing upon everyone surprisingly. Like, comment, and share when they release a song, replay their song a few times, all of that. You are never hyping them up to much. My one tip as a creative developer in the scene, would be to build your personal websites. Have QR codes that people can scan when you meet them, and they can also re-share this to others. Even if its just a portfolio of photos, or pieces you’ve made an sold. They can still show people, people like to see things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.indapendantstudios.com
- Instagram: ellenajsings
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/officialbillierose
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillieRose-Music
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thehippiecircle?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0&si=98FC2E017B7D48C9AA352B4B4D64A773&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Image Credits
Feature photo by Josue Cardosa
1 st group photo by Camila Serna
2nd logo photo created by Daniel Noelizaire
3rd head shot by Christopher Matheus
4th photo of model wearing piece created by Anthony Leto, an myself
5th group photo of models/pieces created by Anthony Leto, an myself
6th-8th no names