Meet Margarita Hirapetian | Writer & DJ

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

Hi Margarita, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been a creative person and really never considered pursuing anything else, even though more practical career choices were always being pushed on me. Since I was a child I’ve been interested in storytelling, music, and painting/drawing. Creative and artistic endeavors have always been the most fulfilling for me, nourishing my spirit like nothing else. Being the stubborn person that I am, I never let anybody deviate me from my chosen path of becoming a writer. I’ve worked as a writer in the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries since 2008 and I published my first novel, a young adult fantasy called Tainted Frost, in 2021. I’ll never quit writing, but more recently I’ve pivoted into my other passion: music. I’ve been DJing for the past two years at bars, lounges, and private parties while also attending the renowned Beat Junkie Institute of Sound to hone my skills further and immerse myself in the vibrant DJ community here in Los Angeles. DJing may seem very different from writing, but it’s truly just another form of storytelling. When I spin, I take my audience on a journey. I love seeing people come alive when they hear their favorite song or something unexpected that gets them onto the dance floor. Sometimes I feel like a maestro conducting people through different energies and vibes. It’s so fulfilling to take people on an exciting journey that they didn’t even realize they needed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a writer and a DJ is like a clash of my introverted and extroverted sides. On the one hand, I want to lock myself in a cabin and write novels all day, and on the other, I want to be behind the DJ booth dropping hits and dancing. I think that my storytelling background is one thing that sets me apart from other DJs. I’m all about weaving a story through music and giving people all the same feelings that a good story does. When it comes down to it, I’m most proud of the fact that I pursued my passions without letting anything stop me. In a world that seems hellbent on diminishing the arts, it takes a lot of strength and self-confidence to follow your creative calling. It’s not easy at all, because from every direction you have people and society telling you to do something more practical. I overcome this with positive self-talk, continuously working to improve my craft, and reminding myself that being my authentic self will ultimately be rewarded. I want younger people who stumble upon my story to know that pursuing an artistic path is noble and worthy. I also want older people to know that it’s never too late to follow your creative dreams. I only started DJing in my late 30s. Anything is possible, but it all starts with courage.

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?
Every day I feel blessed that I grew up and live in Los Angeles, one of the coolest cities in the whole world. I’d probably start a typical day showing a visitor around with a morning stop at Regent Coffee in Glendale. They have this iced vanilla cappuccino that makes my taste buds tingle just thinking about it. Then we’d have lunch at Elena’s Greek Armenian restaurant, which has a truly mouth-watering lentil soup I would die for. After lunch I’d be remiss not to take them shopping and sightseeing on Melrose. This is probably my favorite street in the entire city. The street style and people watching is truly unparalleled. Close to evening, I’d take my friend down to Malibu and we’d have yummy shrimp tacos at the iconic Neptune’s Net on PCH. I think we’d end the day driving back to LA and visiting the Griffith Park Observatory. I know that sounds impossible to do all in one day, but let’s just pretend traffic doesn’t exist!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my mom, who is definitely my biggest supporter. She’s always so excited for me no matter what. My friends are also like a big hype group that never tires of cheering me on. And a big shoutout to all my teachers and mentors who’ve taught me everything I know with patience and compassion.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djbabymonster/

Image Credits
Amanda Merz, Al Cuevas, Kay Jo, Irina Sarkissian