Meet JODDY CATALAN | Joddy Catalán | Independent Music Artist, Entrepreneur & Creator of Caribe For Real

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

Hi JODDY, why did you pursue a creative career?
Because it’s in my DNA. Music has always been my therapy, my escape, my loudest truth. Coming from the corporate world, with the salary, the structure, and the “security”; I realized that none of that fulfilled me. So I made a plan and walked away. I started my own Airbnb business to build financial freedom and moved to Miami to finally bet fully on my music.

I also created my own entertainment program, “Caribe For Real,” because I’ve always loved the camera. Storytelling, performing, and expressing myself visually is just as much a part of me as making music.

I came to the U.S. from Barranquilla, Colombia, on my own, driven by faith and a vision. I didn’t have a team or a blueprint, just hustle, heart, and a whole lot of purpose.

And what I want to leave behind is simple: proof that staying true to yourself is worth it. That you can hold on to your roots, take bold steps, and create your own lane.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in everything I’ve lived, from the grind to the moments I had to press pause. I’m a Latina artist shaped by real-life experience and a deep love for storytelling. What sets me apart is that I stepped into music after building a life in a completely different world ”Corporate America”. I didn’t follow the typical industry path. I made my own.

While others were climbing the corporate ladder, I was quietly creating a plan ”Funding my dream through my Airbnb business”, teaching myself how to be both the artist and the entrepreneur.

I’ve been working since I was a teen, paid for my own degree, and held it down through every challenge. Raised by a single mother who worked long hospital shifts, I learned early what it meant to sacrifice. Music lived in me, but life’s weight came first.

Years later, after moving to Charlotte, NC, working at Wells Fargo, and saving with intention, I relocated to Miami, where I’m finally building the life I imagined.

I want people ”especially immigrants” to know that it’s possible. With focus, strategy, and heart, you can build your own way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure she gets the full Miami experience, the one with flavor, música, and cultura. We’d kick it off in Wynwood with brunch at B-Side by Itamae. I’m obsessed with sushi and that spot never disappoints.

After that, we’d explore the murals, hit a few local shops, grab ice cream, and maybe swing by The Oasis, always good vibes, DJs, and food trucks.

For beach days, we’d skip the usual South Beach and go local, North Beach, Sunny Isles, or Hollywood Beach. Sunset at South Pointe Park Pier is a must. I’d bring my speaker and just vibe.

One night we’d glam it up with dinner at Papi Steak or Komodo, then hit LIV, M2, or E11EVEN, spots where the biggest reggaetón and Latin trap artists have performed. You never know who’ll show up.

I’d also take her into my world, maybe a quick studio visit or link up with some creatives in the scene. We’d go jet skiing or hop on a boat, anything to connect with the water and the vibe.

Miami ain’t just a party, it’s a whole vibe. It’s grind, flavor, corazón. I’d want her to leave feeling all of it… el esfuerzo, el level-up, y la vibra.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey didn’t come with a roadmap or a cheering squad, it was built step by step, with a lot of faith and self-drive. Support wasn’t always present in my early years, but the determination to keep going never left me.

I’m grateful for the friends who turned into family, the creatives who believed in my vision early on, and the ones who gave me encouragement when I needed it most. I also appreciate the ones who doubted me or tried to block my path, their resistance gave me clarity and drive. And of course, shout-out to the fans who stream, share, and support my music. Specially Donald Norris Jr. That love fuels everything.

Special thanks to The Mad Stuntman for collaborating with me on the “Bumbai Remix”,  having a legend co-sign the track meant the world. Big love to Motivation Wear for their continued support and belief in my vision. I also want to recognize Nicolas Tovar, a talented producer and friend who’s been a mentor and a part of my growth as an artist. The Michael Foster, aka Lyfelong, has also played a key role through his support and collaboration on creative projects. Thank you to Hernán Orjuela, representative of Colombians USA, for his invitations to interviews and lifting up Colombian voices and pushing our culture forward. And finally, I’m incredibly grateful to the team behind Don Omar for giving me the opportunity to open his concert in Costa Rica, that experience was unforgettable and meant so much to me as an emerging artist.

Website: https://joddycatalan.com/

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

Twitter: https://x.com/joddycatalan

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joddycatalan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoddyCatalan/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ovrls9A31E9b7252Z5Q2w

Other: https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/36VlyB6eKuTRitjPnAaRMz?si=UtLDBlhNShelx_428tp_UA

Image Credits
Photographer /IG:

Val: _fishlove_
Outloud Records: outloud.records
Vyzion Photography: vyzionphotography