Meet Jose (KAT) Ibarra

 

We were lucky to catch up with Jose (KAT) Ibarra recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose (KAT), 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?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me has been my situation since i was put here on this planet. I grew up in foster homes and group homes my whole life and me being the only Mexican kid in a household full of black people was sort of like a boy in the woods with a pack of wolves. I was in lock down facility’s (group homes) for most of my childhood. I recently started getting in touch with society when i turned 13 in 2019. Now that i’m around more diverse groups of people i realize how different i am and how different people can be. Not everyone in those lockdown facility’s made it out to be a civilized person like me, in fact i’m pretty lucky and blessed i’ve made it this far. I use my past as my fuel to keep going because i came too far to fall. In high school i tried to connect with the other kids and befriend them but it just would NOT work. I dress a certain way, i talk a certain way, i think a certain way and i create a certain way. I only felt connected to those who also felt like a misfit. (Which were few) I always called myself the weird kid in the corner. Many people may think that title is horrible and would want to stay away from it. But i know that there is many other kids who feel the same way as me. I make art for the people who feel equal to me. In high school there were kids like me who listened to my music and often built up courage to try to talk to me but i was just like them so i didn’t know how to respond so i would just keep my head down and walk away anxiously. Now that im older and on my way to college i know how many kids need a person like me in their life. I want to be to others what i am to myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I believe life is the art of drawing without an eraser. Being creative keeps me alive. Art is so beautiful and important for the world to keep spinning. When i was younger I found my love for making music and i wanted to become something from it. But times are changing and everyone wants that same thing. I say i make art now. Not just music. Everything i do is art. Everything i see is art. I don’t need a lot of money or popularity to know i made it. I made peace with my dreams. As long as i get to create art with a roof over my head and some food / clothes then im okay with my life. I also LOVE to help other creatives with their art. the best thing about being an artist is how much things you can learn. I’m a student of life.

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?

Knowing that your consciousness and mindset is a projection of your reality is very important. Manifestation is very powerful and important! If you can imagine it in your mind and create a plan on how to get to what you want then you will. Having morals and being disciplined is very important as-well. I believe someone is always watching so doing you’re best at all times will lead you in the right paths on your journey!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking for others to collaborate and create with. I never turn down any offer even if it’s someone’s first time creating because i was once in that position and i know how it feels to be turned down. Collaborating is a great way to bring two people together and bond. I’m hoping to find other artist with mindsets like myself to really create something beautiful. If two great like minded individuals come together to create something then it’s bound to be great.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Save The Music

Kylan Benson

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made