We were lucky to catch up with Shiela recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shiela, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Sometimes I forget I’ve worked really hard to work this hard. And by that I mean I’ve taken huge risks like turning down job offers & moving across the country in pursuit of this dream because I know it’s the only work that has ever truly made me happy. I remember during my first therapy session after moving to Miami, I told my therapist how I felt like a loser because I didn’t know anyone in the city, was struggling with money, and watching my other friends take their loved ones on trips and not have anyone question their status in life. I think about getting a regular job all of the time because it seems so easy to just clock in and clock out and have a guaranteed income so that you can plan ahead, work towards your financial goals at a steady pace and have stability. Then my therapist said “Uh, uh. We’re not doing that. We’re not comparing. Different lifestyles take different sacrifices. You have no idea what those people are going through in their personal lives just because it all looks good on the internet. You’re making these sacrifices for a reason. You’re not struggling with money because you don’t know how to manage it–you’ve decided to invest in yourself. So don’t do that to yourself.” Hearing that from another person really helped pull me out of that headspace. It made me think of all the times I’ve struggled, but also all the times I’ve had people look at me with a gleam in their eye and said “Wow, I’m so proud of you for chasing your dreams. That takes balls. I wish I could do that.”

Shiela, 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?

For those who don’t know me, hi my name is Shiela! I’m a Latinx Artist from Austin, TX, currently based in Miami, FL. I was inspired to take a leap of faith and follow my dream of being a singer after studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain and learning from my friend Daniel Sahad that it was possible to release music independently. Before then, I knew nothing about the industry and assumed you had to be signed to some kind of label to get started. When I got back from Spain, I made it my goal to work both the business and creative side of the music industry, and thats what I did. I failed forward a lot, figured out my sound along the way, and always did my best to remain kind and focused. Eventually I put together a band, then a group of dancers, then played at Austin City Limits in 2021. I’m most proud of my journey. I’m proud that I’ve made it this far when I started out with no contacts and no budget. I’m proud that people might hear my story and start to believe in their dreams too. Thats not something you always get the opportunity to witness, but I like to believe it happens.

I think the heart of my brand and my sound is just about showing others love, feeling empowered, and claiming every part of your authentic self. I’ve been through a lot that has forced me to grow up quick, forced me to stand my ground early in life, and I know I’m not the only one. I constantly struggle with navigating the world as a person, woman, latina, lover, daughter, friend, sister & soul energy in human body. Through everything, I choose to believe most humans are generally good, our greatest skill is loving each other & ourselves. It’s just unfortunate that we lose touch with that because of the hurt we sometimes carry with us.

Thats the message I try to spread with my music. My latest single is called Soltera. On the surface, it’s about being single and having fun. Underneath, its about feeling empowered in your sensuality, in your worth, your self esteem, not taking life so seriously, and not settling for less!

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Honestly, the best thing I did starting out in Austin was begin interning with the Austin Music Foundation. The people there genuinely care so much about the community and I wouldn’t have met half of the people I know now without having gone to their music mixers, educational events, or without the help of their consultations. I have artist friends now that are learning what I learned 5 years ago after one consultation with AMF. And it’s accessible to everyone for free.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I want to be the one who did it. Break generational curses and build generational wealth on my own terms. I want to tour and affect positive change in peoples lives. I want to help people open up and feel again. After I conquer the world & my family is provided for, I imagine myself settling down on some land or on an island, and opening up a school for young poc kids to teach them music production and sound healing so that they have a solid foundation before heading out into the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shielamusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shielamusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shielamusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shielagonzalez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCR-mKhuoi6dk4WMP_x5pw

Image Credits
Rebecca Mendoza, Luis Delgado, Jessie Rodriguez, Nidi Nizam, Dee Garcia, Levijpg, and Barry Gomez.