Meet Jonathan Mosqueda: Drag Artist, Influencer, and Public Figure

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Mosqueda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking the risk is what we should all consider doing. Taking risk not only helps individuals grow within themselves, but it can and most likely open opportunities. I often think to myself, if I don’t take a risk I’ll only be one of many dreamers, plus you only live once.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My creative outlet is being a Drag Artist/vlogger. When I was younger, I had a difficult time making friends. I was always neglected and punked on through all of grade school. I never questioned why I was outcasted and why my peers were so ruthless towards me I just let it be. Back home the situation was the same, I never had a relationship with my family until recently. My childhood back home was very lonely, I didn’t have much attention payed to me so it gave me lots of alone time. It lead to uncalled for actions and doings that I shouldn’t have done as a kid, but I still did it only because I was looking to be apart of something and be loved. It clearly wasn’t the right decision because it lead me into facilities for troubled youth who needed severe help. However, I do believe it was meant to happen to me, it part of what built my character in which I am today. It’s been a learning experience with developing skills such as independence, confidence, ambition, and most importantly, live. I started vlogging and doing drag because I find joy in doing so. It me, people enjoy it, and it makes me happy. Mind you through my hardships as a kid I managed to be spontaneous with a positive outlook. So growing up i’ve always had a distinctive personality, which come to think of it it’s probably why people didn’t want to be my friend, however It wasn’t until I joined a high school play I said “Okay, this is what I should be doing.” The audience loved me and I was just a background character. From then I was receiving recognition and compliments from other saying I am bold, funny, animated etc… I remember telling myself “okay I definitely have to do youtube.” and I began to film makeup tutorials, lip syncs, and just my everyday. My love for the art grew and I started to perform for my friends, local community events, fundraisers, even at some churches. When I became legal of age I branched out to venues and performed occasionally from one show to the next. Then one day I thought to myself how far I can take this and I reached out to venues out of the states. I heard back from venues from around the world. Which have been amazing experiences ,it’s open many doors and allowed me to grow as an individual. Through these experiences I’ve been privileged to model for a fashion photographers in Brazil, be apart of Puerto Vallarta pride, face model for a couple of well known cosmetology schools in LA county, and host an auction in Spain.

My upcoming has absolutely build a solid mindset that differentiates me from other just because I evaluate what is important to me versus what is not. My success in reaching personal has been no problem because I learned to have fun while doing so. Personally, I believe in order for your success to feel right you have to genuinely want it for yourself and forget about others opinions and expectations. I’ve learned not everyone has standards for themselves like the ones they hold for you, so just do you out of love for yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends come to Los Angeles, I’d first take them to coast in San Pedro. We have some amazing scene seeing spots and amazing trails for hiking. From there I’d take them to local restaurants like busy bees to have a sub sand-which. In evening we’d probably make our way to mind shaft in long beach Ca since it’s the nearest bar. You’d meet amazing locals who are there to enjoy themselves and meet people. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.

Say it was a weekend, then we’d go lunch out at the attic also in long beach, have some drinks and later in the evening go to an event either i’d host (Evita) or Micky’s. You’d meet locals, visitors, and might run into your favorite celebrity.

Some amazing places to also visit would be Yosemite National Park. I’d make a trip and head north to San Fransisco until we make our way to Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe’s drive is beautiful pine trees through out the city. Crystal clear lake water you can swim in and they also have great trails to hike. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success can be shared with many people within my community however, one person, in particular, was my high school attendance counselor. Her name is Edna Martinez, she was supportive of my decisions during my high school years. She knew what was happening back at home that could’ve affected me and my future, but she saw the strength and high potential that can change my life forever. During my low points, she voluntarily became my support system because she knew I was special. Edna engaged with me in a way that made me feel understood. Though I had this seed of charisma, Edna helped to nurture it and helped me discover what fearlessness is. Thanks to her I have become the individual I am today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jglamsx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.modq

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEdQhmNA_nqTyLq6bO0AMCw

Image Credits
Gabriel Renné, Adrian Rodgriguez, Aurora Simental