We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Negrete recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Thank you for asking! My mission is deeply personal to me. It all started with wanting to provide for my sister, family, and friends, by creating a business where they could work alongside me and be part of something meaningful. I’ve always believed in the power of supporting those closest to you, and my goal is to create opportunities that help them thrive.
In the long run, as I grow and my business becomes more successful, I want to extend that support to those in need, particularly in Los Angeles. I know there are so many people who are struggling, and if I can make a positive impact, whether through employment, resources, or charitable efforts, that’s something I truly aspire to do.
It’s all about creating a cycle of support, and I believe that if I can make enough of an impact in my own community, I can pay it forward in ways that really matter.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a self-employed festival merch maker, content creator, and DJ, and my journey has been shaped by my passion for music, creativity, and connection. My love for music and festivals has always been at the core of my work, and I’ve found a way to bring those passions into every aspect of my business.
As a festival merch maker, I design and produce one-of-a-kind merchandise that resonates with festival-goers, creating wearable art that connects people to the music and experiences they love. My designs are meant to be an extension of the energy and vibe of the festivals themselves. It’s more than just merch—it’s about creating something memorable that people can take with them long after the event ends.
As a content creator, I focus on UGC (User Generated Content), providing brands with authentic, relatable content that speaks to audiences in a way that feels real and personal. I understand the value of genuine engagement, which is why I make sure to connect with my followers and clients on a deeper level. For me, content creation is all about storytelling—showing the world what excites me, and sharing that excitement with others.
Being a DJ is another way I bring my life into my work. Music has always been my first love, and as a DJ, I get to create unforgettable moments for people through sound. Whether it’s at a festival or an intimate event, I’m constantly learning, evolving, and adapting to new styles and trends in the industry. Music is a universal language, and it’s an incredible way to connect with people and create shared experiences.
What sets me apart is the way I blend my creative passions. I don’t just focus on one avenue—I’m always expanding my horizons, learning new things, and evolving my craft. I believe in the power of networking and connecting with others who share similar passions. It’s not just about business for me; it’s about building relationships, collaborating, and growing together. The people I meet, the experiences I have, and the lessons I learn all feed back into my work, making it more dynamic and authentic.
What I’m most proud of is being able to turn my passions into a sustainable career. I’ve built something that allows me to live life on my terms, while helping others express themselves through music, fashion, and creativity. Every step of my journey has been a learning experience, and I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.
To my potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand is all about authenticity, connection, and creativity. I’m here to bring people together through music and design, and to create experiences that resonate long after the moment is over. If you’re looking for someone who’s passionate, dedicated, and constantly evolving, I’d love to work with you!
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
One of my favorite marketing and sales stories revolves around a risk I took early on in my career when I decided to invest in my own equipment—specifically printers for making my festival merchandise. At the time, I was still relatively new to the business, and I had no real clue if it would pay off. I had been outsourcing the production of my merch, but the quality control was out of my hands, and the costs were adding up. I found myself constantly waiting on suppliers and struggling with tight margins.
It was a stressful time. I knew that if I really wanted to make my business scalable and have full creative control, I would need to take the plunge and buy the equipment myself. But here’s the thing: the cost of that equipment wasn’t small. It was a huge financial commitment, and there was no guarantee I’d be able to turn that investment into something profitable. I was still finding my footing, and I had this sinking feeling that if I didn’t manage things just right, I’d be stuck with a lot of debt and equipment gathering dust.
I remember the day I made the purchase. My stomach was in knots, and I had to take a deep breath before I pulled the trigger. I could have kept outsourcing the work, but that felt like a safer, less ambitious route. So I decided to go all in, trusting my instincts and my passion for what I was creating.
I spent hours learning how to use the printers, troubleshooting problems, and experimenting with designs. It wasn’t easy. There were moments when I regretted my decision. The equipment required more maintenance than I anticipated, and at times, it felt like I was throwing money down the drain on ink and materials. But little by little, the quality of my merchandise improved, and my production process became more efficient.
The real breakthrough came when I started showcasing my work more consistently on social media. Because I had full control over the process, I could post about behind-the-scenes moments—showing my audience how I created the designs, printed them, and made everything by hand. It was raw, authentic, and people loved it. They appreciated the hard work and dedication behind the product, and it made my brand feel more personal.
Fast forward a bit, and I was able to significantly reduce production costs, deliver faster turnaround times, and create custom designs for my customers that were unique and high-quality. That not only boosted my sales but also helped me build a loyal customer base who valued the quality and personal touch I brought to the table.
Looking back, I can honestly say that purchasing my own equipment was the best decision I ever made, even though it initially felt like a huge gamble. It really solidified the mindset that it takes money to make money. I’m proud of that decision because it was a turning point for me—it allowed me to create on my own terms, scale my business, and build a brand that’s authentically mine.
Now, every time I see a customer wearing something I designed or hear feedback about how much they love my merch, I think back to that risky investment. It was a challenge, but ultimately, it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
esilience has been a key part of my journey, and one story that really stands out is about how I continue to grow and adapt, even when things don’t go according to plan.
In the beginning, there were plenty of moments where I felt overwhelmed by the competition and the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur. As a festival merch maker, content creator, and DJ, I had to wear many hats, and it was easy to get stuck in a routine. There were times when I didn’t know how to push past creative blocks or where to find inspiration for new designs and concepts. Sometimes, I felt like I was just treading water, trying to keep up with trends rather than setting them.
What kept me going, though, was realizing that resilience isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about staying open to growth and constantly learning. Over time, I realized that I couldn’t just sit back and expect inspiration to come to me; I had to go out and seek it. So, I started going to more raves and music festivals, not just as a participant, but as an observer and learner. I’d watch how people expressed themselves through fashion, the way the energy of the crowd shifted with the beats, and the way certain designs resonated with different groups.
One night, at a rave I attended, I struck up a conversation with a DJ who had a completely different approach to their music production than I had seen before. I listened to their story about how they combine different genres and unexpected elements to create a unique sound. That conversation sparked an idea for a new line of merchandise that blends unconventional elements in a way that hadn’t been done before. I realized that some of the best ideas come from connecting with people and sharing experiences—sometimes, the magic happens in the most unexpected places.
But it wasn’t always easy to get to that point. For a long time, I was trying to fit into a mold—thinking I had to follow a specific path to make it. However, I’ve come to realize that resilience is about being adaptable, learning from every experience, and not being afraid to step outside the box. It’s about constantly evolving and finding new ways to channel my creativity. Whether it’s through meeting new people in the rave scene, trying new styles, or experimenting with new marketing strategies, I’ve learned to trust the process, even when the way forward isn’t clear.
Today, I’m still learning and progressing with time. Every event, every new connection, and every conversation is an opportunity to grow and refine my craft. That resilience has helped me build a brand that’s ever-evolving and truly authentic to who I am. And as I continue to network and meet new people in this field, I know that the journey of learning, failing, and trying again is what ultimately pushes me to keep moving forward.
So, if I’ve learned anything along the way, it’s that resilience isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out—it’s about continuing to show up, being open to new ideas, and pushing through the tough times with the knowledge that there’s always something to learn.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jennyn_official
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jen-negrete
- Other: Instagram
@jennyjourneystheworld
@rave.cure
Image Credits
self