Meet Westside Blanco: Rap Recording Artist & Entrepeneur

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

Hi Westside, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a recording artist in the music industry. It’s imperative to develop a clear cut understanding of what it means to be you. This brand identity is almost if not more important than even actual talent. One of the most major streams of revenue for a recording artist in the music business is merchandise. Not having a clear cut understanding of who you are and what you represent directly affects fans and potential fans ability to buy into you or from you. Most fans buy merchandise to feel connected to the artist. And or in most other cases, because they respect and admire the artists taste and personal style. Consciously or unconsciously choosing to adopt it as their own. So imagine a fans confusion. Being offered to purchase items from a collection of Athe-leisure clothing presented to them by an artist that they love for their UpScale, Business Formal style. The idea and ultimate creation of my new company “A Don’s Aura” is built on this. I didn’t want to do the quick, unauthentic, money grab hoodies and hats with my logo thrown on them. I wanted to give someone who is genuinely interested in me, products that would not only be directly associated with the things I imagine they admire me for. But also products I know can and will actually add value to their lives.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As of right now “A Don’s Aura” has 2 products in development. The first being a Beard Oil and the second a Men’s Fragrance. Postured as a lifestyle brand I want our products to cater to men who pride themselves on their personal maintenance and influence those who don’t. I keep my hair cut. My beard trimmed. My nails filed. My Skin Mousturized. My shoes clean. My socks and T-Shirts stainless. My outfits impressive. And I smell phenomenal. This is a Don’s Aura. When people see me this is what they see. This is the reality of a real man. Not what the media portrays one to be. Dirty, Unkempt and unable to take care of himself without a woman’s input. I want the everyday man to embrace the essence of the Don already within them. While aiding them in achieving the Aura that only comes as a byproduct of the energy you give out. My goal is to provide products that will help to cultivate the attitude and appearance.

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?
Since the pandemic began some time ago I haven’t really been doing too much hanging out. But because I’ve still been conducting business. I’ve found myself frequenting DROBE STOGIES in Inglewood. It’s a Cigar Lounge and Tailor shop right in the heart of Inglewood with great character & product. Every time I stop by I meet a new professional in a new industry. From film to politics to and even artist and celebrities of different kinds. I personally enjoy smoking Cigars in my leisure so it’s nice to do so in a relaxed professional invironment. It’s my go to place to have meetings or just get out of the house and have some good conversation. A Don’s Aura will likely be adding Luxury Cigars to its line of products in the near future. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kyron Jackson

Website: ADONSAURA.com

Instagram: @a_dons_aura | @westside_Blanco

Image Credits
Felisha Carrasco @FelishaCarrasco55