Meet Michelle Mejia | Dancer and Model

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

Hi Michelle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a Salvadoran-American woman born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles. I also grew up in Pico Union—huge shoutout to my Central American community! Being from these neighborhoods has tremendously shaped how I carry myself every day and how I navigate the world. South Central and Pico Union radiate community and culture at every turn. There is never a dull moment in our city, and that constant inspiration motivates me to represent where I come from.

As a Salvadoreña, I take pride in making my heritage known in any space I enter. We are passionate, resilient, abundant, healers, and so much more. I began dancing at eleven years old, and my journey with dance has been history ever since. I started modeling over two years ago, and it has been a beautiful dream I am experiencing in this chapter in my life.

These two passions stem from my desire to express my light through the arts in various forms, all rooted in community and culture. Community is what helps me thrive; creating alongside others who have grown up in the same streets fosters a bond that radiates the strongest energy in our art.

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.
Dancing has always been a part of me, dating back to my early childhood. What really marked my journey was when I began dancing hip-hop at the age of eleven in middle school through an after-school program. Later, when I attended a performing arts high school, I had the opportunity to learn various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, and more. It was during middle school that I realized how much I enjoyed performing and how dance has the power to move and connect others.

During my high school experience, being able to dance almost every day only solidified how much it meant to me. Discovering and celebrating myself through movement is a feeling I will never tire of. Since high school, I’ve had training opportunities that have allowed me to reconnect with myself and explore my craft in a deeper way. I am excited for what the future holds and am ready to skyrocket in my dance journey when the universe aligns it for me.

As I step into new spaces as a model, I consider my dancing experience to be what sets me apart from others—kind of like my hidden superpower. Dance has helped me build confidence and be comfortable with how I carry myself. However, to get as far as I have professionally, it’s important to move intentionally.

My end goal has always been to do things with passion—to represent myself and my community and to feed my soul emotionally and spiritually. In moments of doubt, I remind myself there is always abundance in doing what you love, especially when it comes to artistic and creative expression.

What I want the world to know is that this Salvadoran brown girl from Los Angeles is just getting started, and I am open to whatever the universe will bring to my artistic journey, with open arms.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would love to take my best friend is the Salvadoran Street Food Market on Vermont. Our community feels so strong and beautiful when you walk through it. If you want the best pupusas, yuca frita, or horchata, they got you! Support your local vendors whenever you can! For the best burger joint, Pete’s Burgers has been my family’s favorite spot since I was a child.

I would also take my bff to The Santee Alleys, of course. Every LA native has memories of going there since childhood. From picking up our most trusted lip liners and jewelry to eating some street food while walking through the busy streets with your people all day long.

To top it off, we would end the itinerary with a fun Dodger game. There’s nothing like our prideful city coming together to enjoy watching our team play!

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 want to start by giving my biggest shoutout to my family and friends. To my beautiful mother, Estela, for being my biggest inspiration in life and my biggest rock. To my little brother, Ernesto, who never hesitates to show his support and pride in having me as his big sister. To my uncle James and cousins Stephanie, Eli, and Jennifer for being such an amazing support system in everything I do. And to my close friends, who have all dreamed of taking up creative space because it has always been a part of who we are—nothing will ever take that away.

I also want to give a big shout-out to the brand Bella Doña, which continues to create space and pave the way for us women in LA. Lala Romero, co-owner of the brand, booked me for my first professional shoot in 2022, and they continuously uplift so many of us homegirls! This brand shines a light on our universal experiences growing up in LA, allowing us to be unapologetically ourselves. Much love to Bella Doña, always.

I want to thank my dear friend and phenomenal photographer, Thalia Gochez. Thalia shot me at the beginning of my modeling journey in my childhood neighborhood in South Central LA. This shoot was extremely pivotal for me, both personally and in my career. It allowed me to see myself through a different lens and recognize what I am capable of creatively. Thalia’s work will forever be groundbreaking. Much love to her and all that she contributes to art and our culture.

Lastly, I want to shoutout my Central American community, specifically my fellow Salvadoreños! We deserve to take up space wherever our desires lead us. May our warm and rich culture be known and celebrated across all creative platforms.

Instagram: @hoodriggs

Other: TikTok: @jamiletteamore

Image Credits
@thaliagochez @dvnielhermosillo @janacantua @isabel_carolinaaa @thealdochacon www.kaylamendez.com
@juniortheoutsider