We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carlos Jair Rodriguez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carlos Jair, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Growing up, confidence didn’t come naturally to me. Like many teenagers, I struggled with severe cystic acne that affected nearly every aspect of my life. I remember avoiding mirrors, ducking away from photos, and sometimes even making excuses to stay home rather than face social situations. The physical discomfort was one thing, but the emotional impact ran much deeper.
Music, fashion, and art became my sanctuary during those challenging years. While I felt self-conscious about my appearance, I found solace in seeing fashion like Alexander McQueen’s runways which combined beauty with art and bent the rules of “beauty” standards or listening to Teddy Sinclair formerly Natalia Kills’ perfectionist album that emphasized how perfection is inside yourself and a social construct. She was the first vinyl I ever collected and what kicked off my record collection. When I felt self conscious I put on my favorite artists and pretended I had their confidence.
The turning point in my confidence journey wasn’t a single moment but a gradual realization. Once I realized my creativity and strength was deeper than just an outside appearance I began to really love who I was and no one can take that from me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a vinyl content creator and the Director of Digital Marketing of a company, I’ve learned to balance two distinct yet complementary roles. In my content creation, I’ve built my brand around creating an immersive experience that combines music with fashion, pairing each vinyl showcase with carefully curated outfits that match the album’s aesthetic.
What makes my content unique is this visual storytelling approach, whether I’m featuring rare vinyl finds, sharing interesting stories behind specific pressings, or helping both newcomers and experienced collectors navigate the wonderful world of vinyl collecting. I believe there’s something magical about holding a physical record in your hands, reading through the liner notes, and immersing yourself in the complete artistic vision that artists intended for their music.
Separately, in my professional role as Director of Digital Marketing, I lead strategic initiatives and digital campaigns, bringing my creative perspective and understanding of audience engagement to drive results. What excites me most is how these two worlds inform each other, my marketing expertise helps me create more engaging vinyl content, while my experience as a content creator gives me unique insights into digital trends and audience behavior that benefit my marketing work. Whether I’m styling an outfit to match a pristine original pressing of a classic album for my content, or developing marketing strategies in my director role, I’m always focused on creating meaningful connections.
Looking ahead, I have some incredible collaborations in the works for my vinyl content that I can’t wait to share with my audience. These partnerships will bring exciting new dimensions to my videos and allow me to explore vinyl culture and fashion from fresh perspectives.
I’m also currently working on a musical project that I have to keep under wraps for now, but I can say it’s truly a dream come true, the kind of opportunity I never thought I’d have when I first started this journey. What started as a personal passion for vinyl and style has evolved into something much bigger than I ever imagined, alongside my growth as a marketing professional, and I’m grateful to be able to share this journey with my growing community of fellow vinyl enthusiasts who appreciate both the music and the visual artistry I bring to each video..
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been absolutely crucial: creativity, kindness, and perseverance. Creativity has allowed me to develop a unique perspective in every aspect. Kindness has been fundamental in building genuine connections within the online community and in my professional role. It’s amazing how far authenticity and treating others with respect can take you. Finally, perseverance kept me going even when growth was slow or things weren’t working out as planned.
For those just starting their journey, I’d encourage you to nurture these qualities. Develop your creativity by constantly experimenting with new ideas and don’t be afraid to try something different that’s often where the magic happens. Practice kindness in all your interactions, both online and offline; it not only helps build a supportive community but also opens doors you never knew existed. And remember that success rarely happens overnight stay persistent, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward even when things get challenging. These three qualities together create a foundation that can support whatever dreams you’re pursuing.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has been a transformative book in my journey, coming to me at a time when I was still finding my path in content creation and uncertain about following my passion for vinyl. The book’s central message about following your Personal Legend deeply resonated with me. Through Santiago’s journey, I learned that the universe has a way of conspiring in your favor when you’re pursuing your true calling, something I’ve experienced first hand.
One of the most impactful lessons from the book is that our biggest obstacles are often our own fears and self-doubt. The quote “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure” really struck a chord with me. It reminded me that taking risks, was worth any potential criticism.
Another powerful nugget of wisdom is the importance of being present in your journey rather than fixating solely on the destination. Just as Santiago learns that his journey is as meaningful as his treasure, I’ve found that creating content about vinyl isn’t just about growing numbers, it’s about the joy of sharing music, connecting with others, and expressing creativity through each video.
These lessons from The Alchemist continue to guide me, especially when I face new challenges or opportunities. They remind me to trust my path, embrace the journey, and keep pursuing what makes my heart sing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Carlosjsrdgz
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Carlosjsrdgz
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
