Meet Gigi Saldaña

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gigi Saldaña. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gigi, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Growing up, I rarely saw myself reflected in the world around me, not in toys, not in entertainment, and certainly not in the professionals I looked up to. As a Black Afro-Latina with curly/afro-textured hair, I was constantly navigating a world that didn’t see my beauty, my culture, or my potential as the norm. Especially in the Latin American performing arts industry, where even today, representation of women who look like me is scarce to non-existent.

At 21, I made a life changing decision: instead of letting that absence diminish me, I would let it define me but on my own terms. I began embracing who I am fully, without comparison or apology. I stopped waiting for a space to belong and started becoming the space. I realized that not looking like anyone else in the room isn’t a disadvantage it’s a presence. It’s a new aesthetic, a new flavor, a new beauty that challenges and excites the industry.

Being the only one in the room has taught me resilience, intentionality, and the power of authenticity. I’ve learned to make my voice heard not by conforming, but by showing up as myself confident in my roots, my story, and the value I bring. And I’ve seen firsthand how that authenticity creates impact: it disrupts expectations, shifts perspectives, and opens doors for others to follow.

Success, for me, is not about fitting in. It’s about standing out and standing firm.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a proud Afro-Latina artist creating music that makes people feel “rica”, rich in spirit, culture, and emotion. For me, making music isn’t about chasing hype or trends; it’s about creating what I feel. Every song I put out carries a part of my truth, my rhythm, and my roots. That’s what makes it special it’s real, and people can sense that. I don’t make music to impress, I make it to connect.

There’s something powerful about embracing your own flavor in a world that often tries to make you conform. I’m here to shift the narrative, especially in the Latin music scene, where artists who look and sound like me are still underrepresented. My sound is an invitation to celebrate your identity, to move your body, and to feel alive.

And I’m excited to share that I’ll be performing live on June 28 at Plaza Plácido Acevedo in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. It’s going to be a moment unapologetic, full of “sabor”, and straight from the soul. Come through and feel the richness with me!

Follow along, because this is just the beginning. My brand is about more than music it’s about making space, owning your story, and turning every stage into a celebration of self.

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?

Self-Trust – Stop caring about how others perceive you. You’re only responsible for how you show up — not how people interpret it. Own your energy.

Emotional Realness – Make and move from what you feel, not what’s trending. Authenticity always hits harder than hype.

Resilience – Keep going even when you feel invisible. Being the first or only means you’re building something new — and that’s powerful.
Above all, own your story. Don’t shrink for anyone. The world needs more people who are bold enough to be exactly who they are.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Sacrifice everything for me to have the best education they could afford. It was fundamental for the human being I am today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: gigi.saldanapr
• Facebook: gigi.saldanapr
• Twitter: gigi_saldana
• Youtube: Gigi Saldaña
• Soundcloud: Gigi Saldaña
• Other: Spotify & Apple Music: Gigi Saldaña

Image Credits

Amapola, Erre Rosario, Gelito & Bioniko