We’re looking forward to introducing you to Caylen Cara. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Caylen, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Through The Artists Avenue- I am proud to be building a music world where you are celebrated for your “weirdness”. Which in truth, is your unique super power.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve always felt a little different: weirder, goofier, and like I just understood things in my own way. I used to think that was a bad thing, but I’ve learned it’s actually my superpower. The arts gave me a place where that made sense. Through acting and music, I’ve been able to express feelings that I couldn’t put into words. It helped me through depression, anxiety, and honestly brought me closer to God.
That’s why the arts mean everything to me. It’s more than performing. It’s healing, it’s connection, it’s purpose. With The Artists Avenue, I get to help others find that same light and remind them that being different is something beautiful.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that I had to fit in, that my feelings, my goofiness, and the way I saw the world were too much or wrong. Growing up with financial struggles, unstable housing, and without a steady father figure, I often felt like I had to shrink myself just to get by. Even in arts programs, I felt pressure to conform to what was “in,” to be what people expected in the arts, and it never felt real, it felt empty.
Music became my lifeline. I started playing guitar when I was 10, and it gave me a way to express what I couldn’t put into words, to process my emotions, and to feel grounded in myself. Over time, I realized that being different, needing art, isn’t a weakness. It’s my voice, my anchor, and the thing that continues to shape who I am today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time in high school when the arts director called me into her office and told me that I should change careers, that I would never make it in this business. At the time, it felt crushing. It made me lose confidence in my abilities, doubt everything I knew, and question my life, since music had always been everything to me. For a while, I stopped joining in theatre and singing as often as I used to. I let that doubt take over.
But eventually, I remembered why the arts mattered so deeply to me, how music and performance had always been my way to process life, express myself, and feel alive. I realized that there will always be people telling you what you should or shouldn’t do, but at the end of the day, they don’t get the last say. Only God can open or shut a door that was meant for you. That moment of doubt became a turning point. I came back stronger, more determined, and more committed to shaping my own path rather than letting anyone else define it.
That’s why, for the past few years, I’ve dedicated my life to The Artists Avenue, making sure no other artist feels the same discouragement I once felt, and giving them a space to be seen, heard, and encouraged to follow their own path.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to creating spaces where artists of all ages feel seen, heard, and encouraged to fully express themselves, no matter how long it takes. That’s why I’ve dedicated the last several years to building The Artists Avenue. I want every performer to know that their voice matters, that their unique perspective is valuable, and that they don’t have to conform to someone else’s idea of what “works” in the arts.
I’m committed to making these opportunities inclusive and affordable for anyone who wants to be a part of it. Everyone deserves access to a safe, supportive space to grow creatively, no matter their background or circumstances.
This commitment comes from my own journey, from feeling misunderstood, doubting myself, and nearly giving up on music and theatre, to realizing that embracing who I truly am is my greatest strength. Supporting other artists, nurturing their creativity, and giving them a space to thrive isn’t something that happens overnight it’s a lifelong mission.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I only had 10 years left, I would stop giving my energy to self-doubt and worrying about fitting into what others think I should be. I’d stop comparing myself to others or trying to meet expectations that don’t reflect who I really am.
Instead, I would pour all my time into what matters most, making art that moves me, growing The Artists Avenue, and lifting up other creatives. I’d focus on the people and projects that inspire me, the music that heals me, and living fully with faith, purpose, and authenticity. I hope to live like this to the fullest that I can, making every moment count doing what truly fulfills me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartistsavenue.org/
- Instagram: @Caylencara.music or @theartistsavenue
- Facebook: @Theartistsavenue
- Youtube: @caylencara
Image Credits
Ciara & Eileen Ruth Sanchez
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