Meet Carla Jara | Video Content Producer and Podcaster

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

Hi Carla, is there something you believe many others might not?
Hustling is the best way to make it to the top. Hustle culture is toxic, and as someone who always preached, “hustle, hustle, hustle,” it took the downtime of quarantine to sway my opinion. I didn’t get to where I am by being lazy, but I also got where I am with mental strains and extra anxiety. Mental and physical health is important, and your career can take a pause while you take care of yourself. Sleeping, eating, and a social life shouldn’t be the “treat” after working 80 hours a week on your dream. Those are all part of self-care; things everyone should do often. Food and sleep are fuel to help recharge your body. Set boundaries with your work, whether that’s a 9-5 desk job, or a passion project. Do yourself the greatest favor, and take care of yourself first.

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.
Professionally, I am a Video Content Producer for the national team at Audacy, Inc. which is the mother company for several radio stations in Los Angeles such as 97.1 AMP, World Famous KROQ, and 94.7 The Wave. I’ve worked for the company since 2015, starting off as a Promotions Assistant. I worked endlessly with utmost passion until I was given a full time title as a Video Content Producer for all 8 stations in the LA market. I’ve been in the same room as some of the top A-list artists, such as Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, BTS, John Legend, and the Jonas Brothers, filming their interviews or shooting them while performing on huge stages.

I was flown out to Vegas for the Billboard Music Awards, Life Is Beautiful, and worked the KROQ Coachella House. Flights, meals, VIP concert tickets, and hotel rooms were all comped, as I produced content for our website and social media platforms. I truly was living a dream, but despite the glitz and glamor, there were many draining parts to it. This is something I’m very transparent about, because romanizing the music industry can be dangerous for young professionals.

My pay was astronomically low. Not only did I work for top market stations, I also produced content for both the marketing and sales teams. I had to pick up freelancing gigs on weekends or evenings for extra cash or for extra experience. Despite digital being the most demanded department in the company, we were often treated with the least care.

We were meant to act like mindless 9-5 drones. I remember seeing one of my colleagues run past the row of cubicles to her office at 9:03AM, terrified that she was going to get fired because she wasn’t at her desk at 9AM. I lived 25 miles away from the corporate building in mid-city Los Angeles. I left no later than 7am each morning and sat in two hours of traffic, just so I could plop my a** at my desk before 9am. I would leave the office most evenings absolutely exhausted and helpless.

Women of color in the digital space was scarce. I was the only Filipino woman in a video team of 4, but in a building of about 270 employees, there were only 5 Filipinos all together. Women of color have to work exponentially harder to be seen as credible; to be seen as someone who knows what they’re doing. I’ve had to explain myself several times to security that I was working the show, despite the lanyard and credentials I wore. I’ve had to do things better, faster, more efficient, more innovative, for every project, just to get some respect as a woman of color in the digital landscape.

I lost my content producer job in April of 2020 due to covid, and I felt so lost. Yet at the same time, relieved. I could finally breath again — work on projects I’ve been withholding, and doing creative things that were beneficial to me. The pandemic took a lot from me, but it also gave me a lot. I started a Filipino-American podcast, co-hosting the platform with my best friend. Although I am back to working for my previous employer, I currently found out that my male colleague with the same job title as I, makes 7K more than what I was offered as a “promotion.” To say that hurt me tremendously, would be an understatement. I’m navigating a space I thought I was safe in, and I constantly have to look over my shoulder.

Working in the music industry is difficult. It takes a special type of grit and tenacity to do it, and not everyone is cut out for it. But in the midst of all the ugly, there are many rewarding moments. Nothing beats looking at a crowd of thousands, happy smiles everywhere and knowing that you are the reason why the audience and the talent are having so much fun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For any friends or family visiting, I hope they’re ready to eat. Los Angeles and Orange County has some of the best culinary experiences one can dive into. Firstly, you can never go wrong with Universal Studios, especially if you love Harry Potter. It’s less intense than 6 Flags, and less demanding as Disneyland, yet is so much fun. Afterwards, we’re heading to Gokoku in North Hollywood for dinner. They have some of the best vegetarian ramen and BEST vegan sushi on this planet! While there is no meat or fish in this establishment, there is certainly no lack of flavor. Each bite is jam-packed with an explosion of goodness.

The next day, we’re chilling at the beach. But we’re headed to Orange County sands for this part of the itinerary. My favorite beach is Inspiration Point in Newport Beach. It a section of Newport that is less crowded than other parts with ample neighborhood parking. After spending the day at the beach, we’re grabbing mochi donuts at Fill Bakeshop in Costa Mesa. And while I personally try to avoid dairy, I’m always down to show friends and family local favorites and Fill’s is a local must-try! Before heading home, we’re getting tattoos at All Hallows Ink in downtown Fullerton. I’ve been coming here for tattoos and piercings since college, and it’s the perfect place for those who are first timers. To celebrate a new tattoo, Cha2O is around the corner for some amazing boba.

Through out the week, we’ll check out Crumbs and Whiskers, a cat cafe on Melrose; explore Little Tokyo, and the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. We’d also indulge at the Lettuce Feast food truck, a black-owned vegan business that is oozing with flavor. They have some of the best crispy “chicken” sandwiches, hot tenders, and banana pudding. We’re also eating at Xochitl Vegan in East L.A. for their super amazing vegan Birria Tacos. You won’t miss meat at this place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mr. William Story. He was my radio and television professor at the community college I attended. He was the first person to say, “why not?” when I questioned whether I could realistically achieve a career in entertainment. I grew up in a sheltered, toxic, and traditional Filipino home where I was not allowed to create a path for myself. The arguments I had with my parents were endless, and my mental health took a major toll. I doubted myself often, sometimes wondering if becoming a nurse like my parents wanted was the best decision. But taking classes with Mr. Story showed me my potential to go far. I owe a lot to him, he’s one of the reasons why I’ve made it this far.

Website: https://www.jaycommacarla.com/

Instagram: @jaycommacarla

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlajara/

Twitter: @jaycommacarla

Other: “Cracking the Coconut” is the podcast I co-host, and our aim is to tackle taboo conversations in the Filipino community. Our website is crackingthecoconut.com and you can tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud.