Meet Calista Ortiz | Singer & Recording Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Calista Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Calista, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued this career because I feel like it’s my calling—I was born to be a singer. When I was five, my older cousin, who took care of me for two years, introduced me to Mary J. Blige, Bob Marley, and Amy Winehouse. Whenever she picked me up from school, she’d play her favorite music, and that’s where my love for music really began.
Even though I have two other jobs besides singing, I’m grateful to spend nearly every weekend performing—whether it’s at restaurants, casinos, private events, hotels, or any opportunity that comes my way. I truly believe that God and the universe keep bringing music back into my life, even during dry periods when I don’t have shows or haven’t released anything new.
Like anyone else, I still get anxious before stepping on stage and have to push myself to get out of my head. But music has always been my escape. I find comfort in getting lost in it—even just replaying a favorite song over and over. I’ve never once felt like giving up, no matter how many obstacles have come my way (and there’s been too many to count).
I feel like there’s no other option—and I know in my heart I’m meant to be a singer.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that I write about real experiences—especially the ones that are painful or hard to talk about. Music has been a safe space for me to process things I didn’t always have the words for in conversation.
I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in my music career. I’m now singing almost every weekend, and I’ve seen so much growth in both my voice and my confidence. But I’ve overcome many obstacles. I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, self-doubt—while juggling three jobs, paying my bills, going to school, taking care of my voice, mental health and just trying to keep up with life that is just crazy.
The biggest accomplishment has been choosing to keep going and believing in myself, even when it feels like too much or impossible at times. But I’m grateful to be working and to be given these opportunities.
I’ve had to remind myself that the obstacles in front of me don’t define me—that so many of them start in my own mind, and I have the power to rise above them. I’ve learned so many lessons in my early adult life—some I wish I could go back and do differently—but I’m thankful to be where I am now and to keep growing and learning.
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?
I’d take my best friend to Venice Beach, then we’d go shopping at The Americana. Of course, we’d have to get In-N-Out at least once. I’d plan brunch in Santa Monica and spend an afternoon at the promenade. We’d head to West Hollywood to visit the Skims store and stop by The Woods WeHo. Echo park lake to stop by some bars and go to a venue to listen to live music.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to a few key people and communities who helped shape the artist I’m becoming. First, the music program at Citrus College—especially Gino Munoz—played a huge role in my growth. That’s where I truly started to find my voice and gain the confidence to pursue this path seriously.
To Smooth Touch, the band I’m currently performing with—thank you for believing in me and giving me space to hone my craft. Your support means more than I can put into words.
And to the voice teachers who took the time to guide me—Eric Carampatan, Vonetta Mixson, Sophie Gonzalez, and Sean Fitzpatrick—you each made an impact on how I sing and express myself. Thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and your belief in me.
Instagram: @missscalista
Image Credits
Photography by Hannah Agustin
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