Today we’d like to introduce you to Santiago Chavez
Hi Santiago, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From the very first rave/festival I went to when I was younger, I’ve been in love with the music and being a dj. The feeling I get from people dancing their troubles of the world away and in that moment living their best life to the music I play makes the journey worth every moment! I’ve been djing since 2000 and it’s been an amazing journey throughout it all. Ups and downs and the constant evolving of myself as I grow in my career has been amazing and I love every part of it. I feel like as the industry changes and grows you must change with it and embrace the advancements and grow with it yourself. When I first started it was all about the music and the talent of being a dj, now it’s that and some. You have to worry about content, marketing, being a persona, all at once. It is definitely work but when you love what you do is it really work?!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has its up and downs! One of the biggest struggles is time management. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or have children it is always important to try to work on that work life balance. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world…I live a busy schedule these days. If I’m not at my day job, I’m at my dj school Soundworks DJ Academy & Playground, or I’m djing, and if not any of those, I’m at my favorite place…with my son. These days it’s just working trying to achieve my goals and be the best father and role model I can be for my son.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a man of many hats these days, but they all coexist. Besides djing, I have a clothing line called Served Fresh which I don’t really treat as a traditional label, with following seasons on when I put stuff out. It is more of a creative outlet for me and I just out stuff out as the ideas come to me. I also use it a promo for myself as a dj and promoting INZO as a brand and not just a dj. I do design work for a bunch of other DJ’s and brands throughout Dallas as well. I use to be an architecture major and have always loved the creative/design aspect of things. Nothing beats the feeling I get when I see people rocking my gear or wearing a design I did for someone else…it will always put a smile on my face. Another project I am super proud of is my dj school that we recently opened alongside my brothers and partners Susko and Ryan J, who are both amazing Dj’s and honored to be partnered with these two! At Soundworks we not only focus on teaching the art, love, and postivity of the music, but also the culture of it. We not only want to build great Dj’s, we want to build the bond and community of the culture. When we do events for Soundworks, we don’t think of us, we think of how can we help the community and bring us all together. I have been blessed to do all the cool things I’ve done, events I’ve played, and everything I continue to do with no end in site!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Luckily we live in an age where everyone’s at access from our phone. You can reach out via social media these days and most people are easy to reach and respond within reason. If you know what you want to do whether it’s in the nightlife industry, beauty industry, or whatever you fancy. People, you follow or look up to…don’t be scared to reach out to them. The more you go to the places you want to be in, the more you meet people in the environments you wish to be in, the closer you get to becoming the artist/creative you want to be. Come with the open kindness of forever a student and enjoy the journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djinzo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj.inzo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djinzodtx
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@inzofresh?si=oSDN5hDMoOplVuRL
