Meet Margarita Hirapetian

We recently connected with Margarita Hirapetian and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Margarita, 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 in a male-dominated industry like DJing means that sometimes I’m the only woman in the room. I usually try not to think about it or let myself feel the difference between me and the male DJs. When the thought does occur to me, I tell myself that I’m just as good as them and that I am skilled and talented too. I also remind myself that I have my own knowledge and abilities that set me apart. Male DJs might not know all the same music that I know or how to read a dance floor full of women the way that I can. The key is to trust yourself and believe in yourself even when it’s tough. Mentally reminding yourself of your talents is very helpful in this case.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I started out as a writer. Ever since I was a child, I loved stories, reading, and writing. You can guess that English was my favorite subject in school. Writing led me to work for so many interesting places like fashion magazines, entertainment websites, and beauty brands. I also published my first novel independently in 2021. It’s called Tainted Frost and it’s a young adult fantasy set in a fictional town in modern-day Alaska. It’s a coming-of-age story with elements of romance. I’m really proud of it. Two years ago I also finally set out to pursue my lifelong dream of being a DJ. I love DJing because it helps me connect with people through music and tell a story, set a vibe, and get people to dance. I just adore seeing people have fun or how their faces light up when I bring in a song that they love. It’s such a cool feeling.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First of all, I have to say that everyone should pursue their dreams no matter what they are. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I think it’s so important in terms of feeding your soul and making your heart happy. It’s like how a flower needs sunshine and water to bloom. I think we humans need to nurture our purpose and follow our dreams to bloom. If you’re early in your journey, it can be so terrifying and daunting, but it requires courage and sometimes just taking those baby steps. If you hit a setback, don’t let it discourage you so much that you completely give up. I think my innate confidence has helped me so much because even if I fail or make a mistake sometimes, I have this crazy ability to just shake it off and move on. I also always advise people that even if you’re scared, DO IT SCARED. You’ll be surprised how far you can go. And it’s never as bad as we all make it out in our heads.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I definitely get overwhelmed sometimes, especially with juggling DJing and writing, and trying to improve my skills in both areas. Sometimes the overwhelm literally just makes me lie down for a bit in my bed with my dog until I feel better. Rest is so important! I also give myself a lot of pep talks. I will literally say out loud, “My feelings are valid,” or “It’s gonna be ok,” or “You will get through this.” I know mental pep talks are good, but saying affirmations out loud is surprisingly impactful, so I encourage people to do it. You can do it when you’re alone and not in a public place, of course. I will also talk things out with my mom or best friend if I need that extra ear to listen to me and help me make sense of everything. Journaling is another way I try to overcome feeling overwhelmed. It’s remarkable how writing things down can help put things in perspective.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djbabymonster/
• Other: Amazon link to my novel: https://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Frost-Maggie-Adamyan-ebook/dp/B094C8VG7Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FDYDJODESRXC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kCXYwtT0edC3PTxSxChh0J760fk_Cm_OlJocCy3ZSjfty6EE7TAVX2xF6Y-lhzprumHkMgLF5ZxeOSa30xoMghVkL8DGEnSb-9BMZEq_-HCkTNPDFPTAoA2_Q3Eo7JCzNxVSgyjJwghtR9C-6Ll_EwB5lddyC6X8U4v5eeKGkl3UcPrDBA0UpRilWtcNt6DIdfAUbNkXoRvQC4iYwLns_iQOYdvS4rAsJ4_-onxIoJs.-mMlo8vniT-qq7G47GYEpmzmt0KJAq7_Pcd3s3j0-DE&dib_tag=se&keywords=tainted+frost&qid=1735952678&sprefix=tainted+fro%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1

Image Credits

Amanda Merz, Irina Sarkissian, Al Cuevas