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

Jose, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Working on meaningful projects, particularly within the realm of showcasing my culture and heritage, has been incredibly rewarding for me. Through my social media presence, I have been able to cultivate a voice and platform, which I view as a significant responsibility. Being of Salvadoran heritage, participating in Salvador Heritage Nights with prominent sports teams like the Dodgers, the Angels, the LA Kings, and now Washington Nationals, has been truly impactful. These events hold special significance as they mark important milestones – they are not just about sports, but also about celebrating and sharing my cultural roots with a larger audience. Having the opportunity to be part of these events for the first time has allowed me to connect with my community, promote cultural awareness, and create a sense of unity and pride among Salvadorans and others alike. It is through these experiences that I truly understand the power of representation and the importance of using my platform to uplift and amplify diverse voices and narratives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into comedy began in a humble setting – my mom’s backyard, where I hosted Comedy Pupusas and beer nights. This grassroots start was where I honed my comedic craft and shared laughter with friends and family. Fast forward to the present, and I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed for my Comedy special, which premiered on Amazon Prime. Reflecting on this achievement, I joked that it has been an ’18-year overnight success,’ its been a long and rewarding road I’ve traveled to showcase my comedy across the country. This journey has truly been a blessing, allowing me to bring joy and laughter to audiences while also introducing them to Pupusas and my rich Salvadoran heritage. It’s a privilege to use comedy as a platform to not only entertain but also to share a piece of my culture with others, fostering connections and understanding through humor and storytelling.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Transitioning to social media has been a pivotal moment in my comedy career, revolutionizing the way I connect with my audience. While I initially focused on building a following through live performances at clubs and shows, the shift to social media opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, I found myself adapting and delving into content creation on digital platforms. This decision marked a turning point, propelling me into a space where I could reach millions of people who resonated with my humor and content.

The journey to growing my social media following has been a continuous effort, but one that has paid off significantly. What started as a response to changing circumstances has now become my full-time pursuit. Through social media, I have not only advanced my career as a comedian but also taken on the role of a cultural ambassador, pushing forward a positive narrative of my Salvadoran heritage. It’s empowering to leverage this platform to share my comedy, connect with a diverse audience, and champion the richness of my culture to a global audience.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a Salvadoran American, my primary goal and mission driving my creativity is to showcase and promote my rich cultural heritage. Growing up, I realized the lack of representation and visibility of Salvadoran culture in mainstream platforms. There were no events like Salvador Heritage Nights, and I struggled to find Salvadoran comedians or figures that I could identify with.

Given this background, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to use my platform and voice to serve as a shining beacon of positivity and cultural pride. Through my creativity, I aim to fill the void I experienced in my own upbringing and shed light on the beauty and vibrancy of Salvadoran heritage. It is essential for me to not only entertain but also educate and inspire others, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for my culture. By doing so, I hope to pave the way for future generations of Salvadorans to see themselves represented and celebrated in the world of comedy and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.hoozay.live
• Instagram: Instagram.com/hoozay
• Other: Tiktok.com/@hoozay

Image Credits
Raymundo Archila Ceasar Perez