Meet Jakob Mesina | DJ & Content Creator

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

Hi Jakob, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I was younger, I competed as a sparring athlete in Taekwondo, a martial art where the objective is to outscore your opponent by landing strikes. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: those who take the most risks often reap the greatest rewards.

This lesson has profoundly influenced my approach to life and career. As an academic destined for the role of Student Counselor, I actively engaged with my peers throughout my educational journey. In high school, I became a Peer College Counselor, guiding students toward their college aspirations. Later, at community college, I served as a Peer Mentor, assisting incoming freshmen with their transition to a new academic and life chapter. My commitment to counseling led me to a Graduate School’s Counselor Education Program. However, just two weeks in, I realized that this path was not my calling.

During my brief tenure in graduate school, I discovered much about myself, notably that the classroom and program I had chosen did not align with my true passions or sense of belonging. With decisive action, I opted to leave the program by the end of the second week, embracing the uncertainty that came with abandoning my graduate degree pursuit. This decision proved to be the most beneficial risk I’ve ever taken, affirming the Taekwondo-inspired mindset that embracing risks can lead to the most significant rewards.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a DJ, or disc jockey. What sets me apart from others is my unique ability to blend DJing with storytelling. I am most proud of my “100 Days of Scratching” series, a testament to my decision to pursue my passions. I achieved my current success by setting and adhering to strict deadlines for my goals, a challenging but rewarding process. Often, I contemplated procrastinating or giving up. However, remembering how I always met school deadlines made me question why I couldn’t do the same for the deadlines of my own goals.

Among countless lessons, learning to delay gratification stands out as one of the most important. I understand that building a genuine brand requires time and patience. I’ve seen many in my niche rise quickly by posting certain content, but I’ve always strayed from the norm and accepted nothing but excellence. That series started my promise to always create content that I am proud to share.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

An absolutely amazing time with my visiting friend would involve multiple locations around the San Fernando Valley.

It would start early in the morning with a walk around Lake Balboa Park. This park is an idyllic oasis featuring a large, sparkling lake, lush green spaces, and a variety of recreational activities for nature lovers and families alike. Although I only mentioned a walk, I would be remiss not to mention that there are amazing activities within the park such as Swan Boats and Bike Rentals, which I would certainly not be opposed to doing.

After the park, I would welcome the idea of stopping by a coffee shop local to me called Jesse’s Grind. Nestled in the heart of Winnetka, Jesse’s Grind is a vibrant coffee haven serving Latin culture cafecito with a modern twist, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation in every cup. I often find myself here working on projects distraction-free or catching up with an old friend or colleague of mine.

After grabbing a delicious coffee, I would say that it would be time to go thrifting for clothing at all my favorite spots. The allure of thrifting clothes lies in the thrill of the hunt, discovering one-of-a-kind pieces that blend sustainability, affordability, and personal style into an exciting shopping experience. I’m not too picky with where I go thrifting because I can find value in every thrift store, but Goodwill and 2nd Street locations have always been a tried and true experience for me, which I would ultimately share with my visiting friend.

Once we’ve built an appetite, I would take my friend to a Vietnamese restaurant. One of my favorite spots in the entire San Fernando Valley is Balle Valley in Canoga Park, which offers an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavors in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. My favorite dish by far is the charbroiled chicken, which is marinated in rich oyster sauce and served atop a bed of broken rice with a side of fresh vegetables.

The final stop of this amazing day would probably be to catch a great movie at AMC Northridge. I have always been a fan of cinema and would look forward to days when my family wanted to watch a movie. Fortunately, there is a great sushi spot right next to it called H2O Sushi & Izakaya. This establishment presents a fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern culinary techniques, offering a vibrant dining experience with an extensive menu of fresh sushi, innovative dishes, and sake in a stylish ambiance.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom and dad remain at the forefront of my available credit and recognition. In 2022, I lost my mom to leukemia. Although this was a devastation to my family and me, I realized that she had given me all the tools and knowledge I needed to succeed. I will never forget all the pockets of tips and advice that she would give to me throughout my childhood and adulthood. I now use those teachings from both my mom and dad to position myself to create a life that I deem worth living and pursuing.

Another shoutout I would like to give is to Excel Taekwondo Center. This establishment is renowned for its expert instructors and inclusive environment, empowering students of all ages with confidence, discipline, and physical fitness through the art of Taekwondo. My instructors, colleagues, classmates, and students have all provided me with a framework of how to move through the challenges of life with discipline, persistence, and relentlessness.

Finally, to all my mentors and friends who have guided or supported me through each and every endeavor that I have pursued. The mentors in my life stand as guiding beacons, generously offering wisdom, advice, and unwavering support, profoundly shaping my journey with their invaluable insights and encouragement. My friends, a steadfast circle of support and joy, have been the unwavering pillars in my life, offering comfort, laughter, and an ever-present shoulder to lean on through every chapter.

I am truly blessed.

Website: JAKOBMESINA.COM

Instagram: Jakobmesina

Youtube: jakobmesina

Other: TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@jakobmesina

Image Credits
@rob.img @oscxrgonzxlex