Multi-talent and busy fashionista Tina Maria takes a small break from the world of fashion to discover a new form of creativity in DJing.
A brief introduction to yourself.
My name is Tina Maria and I sleep in Jersey City and hustle in Manhattan. I’m just a girl trying to figure out what to eat 24/7. I have a creative production company with my business partner, The ESC Agency, and we manage social accounts, produce video and photography content. I also manage marketing and PR for a menswear designer as well as coordinating fashion shows for New York Fashion Week.
Describe your relationship with music. What music do you listen to?
I love 90s and early 2000s hip hop and R&B. That soul music. That baby making music. I enjoy singing a lot and had taken singing lessons. I’ve competed in High School with my A Cappella group all along the East Coast and we’ve won Superior 1st place in all of them. Ever since I started my fashion career, I took a step back on working on my voice, but I will always shell out a tune in the shower, in the car, or in the silence whenever the mood strikes!
Describe your experience at The Foxgrove.
I took the Instant DJ class. It’s a big and thrilling experience since I always wanted to dabble in DJing. I figured maybe I’ll leave the fashion career behind and DJ for fashion parties instead? Who knows. But it was a lot of fun learning the basics along with the history of DJing. My respect level for the craft grew and definitely something I want to look into.
I have to admit that I was nervous and anxious to learn. I mean, there were so many buttons and options! It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. But it was so much fun, David took us step-by-step, taught us the background of DJ/electronic music, and we had a blast along the way. The buttons became less intimidating and the time passed much too quickly. At the end, we showcased our track and it was a bumpin’ party. Of course, I thought my track was lame but everyone liked it and it was so cool to see everyone dance to it. Such an awesome feeling.
Who/what inspires you?
I’m learning to trust my gut and the vibe of those around me. And with that, my mood, surroundings and the people I associate with are my inspirations.
Any future musical plans?
I definitely want to pick up an instrument and learn to make music. I’ve always sang but now I am very interested in creating.
What are you other loves?
I have taken up interior designing. Such an expensive hobby! I usually pick up different creative projects since I like to work with hands and with my creative mind, and right now, it’s designing... Before that, I was painting. Before that...I was in photography. I guess I enjoy and love to expand my creative brain on my free time.
I also love food. I will splurge on food before shoes any day.
One unknown fact about you.
I can wiggle my ear and I snort when I laugh. Mom would be proud.
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Whether you are a music pro or just a beginner, get a taste of DJing with our Instant DJ class.
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This gem is brought to you by The Hunt, The Foxgrove's blog that looks into the electronic music and DJ world in the lenses of fashion, lifestyle, art and culture. If you'd like to contribute, find us at info@thefoxgrove.com.