Meet Johayna El Mouallem | Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johayna El Mouallem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johayna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My entire career has been shaped by taking risks. I’ve always been more afraid of the “what if” than the outcome itself. I’d rather try something and face an unexpected result than spend my life wondering what could have been. I was raised on my dad’s motto, “You already have the ‘no,’ so you might as well fight for the ‘yes”. That mindset has guided me through every difficult decision, and whenever I’m faced with a challenge, I choose to take the risk—because the ‘no’ is always there by default. The biggest risk I took was leaving behind a successful career in Brazil to not only return to school but also move to a new country. In 2020, I relocated to Los Angeles to enroll in UCLA’s Music Business certificate program, with no idea what the future would hold. It has been a wild journey, but I wouldn’t change anything, I had the opportunity to work alongside amazing people from the industry like Jason Evigan, Mike Caren, Gian Stone, Gilsons, and many others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What drives me every day is the desire to make my time away from my family and my country truly meaningful. If I decide to move to the U.S., it has to be worth it, both personally and professionally. I want to ensure that the sacrifices I’ve made are paying off by helping Brazilian artists thrive internationally.

I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible talents like Jason Evigan and Mike Caren, which opened up doors for me to bring Brazilian culture into the spotlight here. It’s not an easy journey—starting over in a new country is always a challenge—but it taught me resilience. I learned how to navigate a new market, build relationships from scratch, and stay true to my vision.

One of the things I’m most proud of is helping Brazilian artists like Gilsons break into the U.S. scene. Watching them succeed here gives me the validation that all my efforts are worth it. It’s not just about booking shows—it’s about creating lasting opportunities for our culture to shine globally.

My story is about dedication and the belief that Brazilian music and talent deserve and should be recognized on the international stages.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Working in live entertainment makes me a bit biased, but my first recommendation for anyone visiting LA is to check the concert calendar—especially for iconic venues like The Greek Theatre or Hollywood Bowl. LA is filled with up-and-coming talent, so I always suggest chatting with your barista or restaurant host. Most of the time, you’ll leave with a new artist to follow on Spotify or a show to see.

When I need a breather, The Getty Museum is my go-to. It’s a must-see for visitors, not just for the incredible art collection but also for the stunning sunset views. For more amazing views, head to the Universal Overlook at the Canyon, especially at night when the city lights are twinkling.

On a sunny day, I love driving to Malibu, grabbing a breakfast burrito and fresh OJ from the Country Kitchen, and enjoying it at Zuma or Point Dume. And, of course, the Griffith Observatory is another must-visit spot for anyone coming to LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. Jason Evigan and the entire Chumba’s team have been pivotal to my career; they were not only wonderful colleagues but also dear friends. Nicole Fox from AAM is the embodiment of a “girl’s girl”—in an industry as tough as music, it’s refreshing to meet someone like Nicole, who genuinely cares and uplifts her peers. And Jeffrey Epstein from Universal Attractions Agency, I’ll always be thankful for the trust, guidance, and knowledge he’s shared with me.

Image Credits
Portrait: Allie Mcdonald
Backstage with Elephant Heart: Rio