Meet Henry Alonzo | Music Executive & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Henry, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I was in grad school I had a teacher who said that a true entrepreneur could always see an untapped need and look for an opportunity to improve or create. In the mid-2000s, the music industry was evolving quickly and I recognized that many labels were not keeping up. I could see that artist’s needs were not being met because those needs had actually changed. In 2007, I took a gamble and started my own consulting business providing record label services to independent artists. Over the years, industry standards have changed, however, meeting our clients’ needs has remained the essence of our company. Today we partner with artists, labels, and entertainment companies to help them thrive in the music industry.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I grew up in inner-city schools. I actually didn’t know I was dyslexic until I got to college. For those of you who aren’t aware, dyslexia is a condition that affects the way someone percieves and reads letters and words. I always felt dumb. I knew that I could do things but that it would take longer for me to accomplish them. Writing was a struggle for me. I knew something was wrong with me but I didn’t know what it was. I felt there was a stigma until one day I found a list of famous names who had dealt with dyslexia as well. I thought to myself if Pablo Picasso, Salma Hayek, and Keira Knightley could overcome this condition and achieve success, why couldn’t I? My professors were all very understanding and accommodating. I joined every study group and spent my evenings at the tutoring center in college. By the way, I didn’t do this alone. My girlfriend at the time was very supportive. She was studying dyslexia as a psychology major when she actually tested me for it. I recall her telling me that I should seek more professional guidance because she thought I could have dyslexia. Her correct instincts were the first step to discovering my condition and finding the clarity that I needed to understand my personal struggles.

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.
I am a nerd at heart, so I like museums and local restaurants. There are a lot of tourist attractions in LA but I would want my friends to balance that with the city that I know and love. We would definitely do a casual hike, depending on where we land, from Pasadena to the Hollywood Sign. We would also go to LA Live, check out the Grammy Museum, and go to a concert at the Microsoft Theater. A stroll through the Huntington Gardens or the LA Arboretum also sounds like fun. Dinner could be at the Upstairs at Ace Hotel, the Wilshire’s 70th floor La Boucherie, or another fun rooftop restaurant. We can also visit Olvera Street for yummy Mexican hot chocolate and walk over to Little Tokyo to visit the Japanese American Museum and garden and stay for dinner. The Edendale is an old firehouse turned restaurant that’s another great spot for lunch or dinner if you’re in Silverlake. If you’re into a small-town vibe, definitely hit up old-town Monrovia. There are lots of local restaurants and shops, a bit removed from LA but not too far.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my community of East Los Angeles. I learned entrepreneurship not from Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or Elon Musk. I learned it from the hardworking people of my community. I learned it from the man that would sell churros out of a grocery cart. He had the best churros I ever tasted. When I asked him his secret, he told me he gets up at 4am to perfect them. His work ethic and dedication made those churros taste divine. I learned it from the lady who would tailor clothes in the neighborhood. All she had was a sewing machine and the knowledge to alter clothes, including making entire quinceanera dresses. She not only provided a service, but she was also sharing her abilities with the local community. There was also the lady who made the tamales. She would probably walk 20 miles a day with a smile and sell out every day. There is something to be said about the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrant communities and I am very proud to have learned from the dedication and talents of my people.

Website: https://henryalonzo.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/henryalonzo

Image Credits
@adargagroup