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

Hi Zjolie, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The most important decision for me has been to never accept that “I can’t” do something. I used to come up with excuses but one day something snapped and I decided I would never do that again. Now, if I don’t know how to do something, I figure it out.  And there’s always a friend who is willing to show you the ropes. Now, anything is possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

After some years of performing behind the drums and overcoming obstacles of learning to produce my music, I started performing my songs as the lead of my own band, under my name, Zjolie (“like Angelina Jolie!”). I’ve come to terms with making my art and hearing my own confessions.. and it feels good when I can put my songs on Spotify!

My song “Tom Cruizin” just dropped! It’s about leaving my band, Bluejay, and stepping into my own world as a solo artist. The lyrics express it as leaving Scientology because I felt like I was leaving a specific regimen with a fear that my world might ultimately be musically sloppier in comparison but also fun and entirely mine.

Honestly, it feels like my career is a series of overcoming challenges and channeling them into creative outlets. The pandemic shook things up a lot but it’s important to push for new opportunities in the rubble.  During lockdown, I graduated from Wyncode Academy and became a Software Engineer!  So now if I’m not making music, I’m programming an app or redesigning a website!   I love it.  There are a lot of opportunities out there if you ask for them!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Veza Sur’s happy hour in Wynwood. Then definitely a show at the Center for Subtropical Affairs. Throw in anything Panther is hosting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sarah Penello (aka Sarita Brujita) – She is just coming back to the Miami scene from living in New York City. She is a writer and owns a company called Sasquatch Botanica where she creates “herbal kitchen witchery, plant-dyed garments, and magic arts”.

Website: zjolie.com

Instagram: @zjolieglobal

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-_Mp0mKWgOv_TymF3Vl6_w

Image Credits
Eve Ada Photo Jonny Levi Vedado Social Club Ivan Mas

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