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

Hi gabzzz, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been a defining force in both my personal journey and creative career. I’ve learned that risk isn’t always loud or flashy, and although most of your loved ones won’t understand and will call you crazy for it, you have to follow your intuition and guide yourself through all the “no’s,” with grace and an open mind.

Coming back to LA after a failed attempt in 2022-2023 was one of the biggest personal and professional risks I’ve taken. I had already experienced the sting of things not working out here in the past, so deciding to return meant confronting a lot of old wounds and fears. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t done. I knew I still had something to say and something to build. I knew I had to come back here because every time I came to LA after, I just felt this energy that drew me back: the Bay Area is my home and will always have a place in my heart, but LA makes things happen for me. Home got a little stagnant, ya know?

As a creative with over a decade of music industry experience—working with agents, artists, labels, festivals, and navigating the industry behind the scenes—I’ve always had a hand in helping others rise. This time, the risk was choosing myself. Choosing to create something of my own, on my own terms. That mindset is what inspired the early stages of my upcoming project, Demon Girl. I won’t say too much yet, but it’s rooted in duality, realness, and the strength that comes from starting again. Even when the trials and tribulations came to me time and time again, I wasn’t about to allow the haters to win this time.

Risk, for me, is not about recklessness. It’s about trust. Trusting my instincts, my timing, and the quiet resilience that keeps pulling me toward my purpose. Every day, brick by brick, I’m building my empire—the one that’s finally changing everything for me, and eventually, I hope to bring a positive community of like-minded humans together for societal change, as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art—and the brand I’m building—is rooted in rebellion, restoration, and raw truth. Demon Girl was born from survival, from love, and from a desire to uplift the overlooked geniuses of the music world. I’ve spent over a decade in the industry, working behind the scenes. I’ve seen how many brilliant minds—especially women, Latinas, Indigenous creators, queer voices, and underground innovators—get passed over or underestimated. Demon Girl exists to change that.

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived many lives to get here. This path hasn’t been easy—abuse, betrayal, burnout, and breakdowns have all tried to stop me. But each setback forced me to reinvent. I’ve rebuilt myself piece by piece, and now I create with purpose. Everything I do—whether it’s singing, storytelling, visual content, styling, or artist management—comes from that dual place of grit and grace.

The “demon” in Demon Girl isn’t about evil—it’s about perception. People with questionable intentions love to pretend they’re saints, but some of the most harmful people I’ve encountered wore halos, publicly. I’ve learned to become an angel in disguise, wearing horns to protect myself and my community. I want to create space for people like me who have been misunderstood, underestimated, or cast aside.

I’m very excited about expanding back into artist management with only a few clients, perhaps with a touch of agent work that truly advocates for talent with integrity. I dream of launching sustainable merch with upcycled 1-of-1 pieces—fashion that tells a story and honors the earth. I even envision building creative villages one day, spaces where people can heal, collaborate, and grow together.

Demon Girl is more than a brand—it’s a legacy in the making. It’s for the underdogs, the shapeshifters, the visionaries. It’s for anyone who’s ever had to fight for their survival in this chaotic world and still chooses to create something beautiful from the wreckage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want her to experience the unique soul of West LA—especially the places that have held me during both peaceful and difficult moments. We’d start our days with coffee and bagels from Cow’s End Café in Venice—it’s cozy, local, and always buzzing with good energy. Plus, the owner Thea is always great to chat with. Bellissimo Venice is another great small business a little further up Pacific. The owners there were very kind to me in times where I needed the extra love and their breakfast burritos are to die for!

Lunch and dinner stops would absolutely include Casa 12, Killer Shrimp, and Mercedes for some incredible meals, maybe even Nalu Vida if we want beachfront views and ice cold brews. We’d walk the Venice Beach boardwalk and take our time browsing all the vendors, performers, and street artists—there’s something so raw and beautiful about that stretch of beach. I’d want them to feel the creative, energetic magic that lives there. Wangz & Thangz is another yummy spot along the boardwalk, and by the way, they take EBT!

I’d also take her to The Venice Soleil Nails & Spa—not just for the quality of the service, but because that space carries personal significance. During one of the hardest times in my life, when I was enduring an abusive relationship, the employees there showed me kindness that I’ll never forget. They listened to my story and offered their services at a huge discount—not out of pity, but out of care. It reminded me that sometimes healing shows up in the most unexpected places. When I came, my nails were breaking, painfully bleeding, and I wasn’t able to remove the fake nails on my own; they took care of me on so many levels, without even knowing how much it meant to me.

More than anything, I’d want my bestie to see what LA can offer when you know where to look. The stories, the flavors, the community—it’s all here if you let yourself slow down and feel it.

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?
There’s no way I’d be where I am today without the support of my mom, Sandra, my family, and my amazing friends. Through some of the darkest, most abusive situations I’ve faced—emotionally, professionally, and personally—they were the ones who reminded me who I was. They held me up when I didn’t think I could keep going, or when I was so exhausted that I didn’t even want to anymore.

My mother especially deserves recognition. Her resilience and unconditional love have shaped the core of who I am. She taught me that softness and strength can exist together, and that no matter what the world tries to take from you, you can always choose to rebuild—stronger, smarter, and more rooted in who you are. She is the biggest role model for me, as well as my late Godmother who just passed in November. She, like my mother, was one of the hardest workers and most dedicated mothers I ever knew. Thank you Paty for also carrying me through SO much, even after your passing. I still hear you, and I thank you for choosing me as your Goddaughter. I will always love you and my mom for showing me what REAL women are, even when people try to tear us down, God and love always prevail.

To my chosen family of friends who’ve shown up in all the small and big ways: thank you. You’ve seen me through seasons of silence and seasons of transformation. You are my mirrors, my reminders, and sometimes even my lifelines. I cannot thank you enough for continuing to love me through the horrors.

So while I may be out here carving a path as an artist and entrepreneur, it’s on the foundation that these people helped me build. And I carry them with me in everything I do.

Website: https://demongirl.org

Instagram: gabzzz_lara

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-lara-825a1b15b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DemonGirl-222

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