Meet Rachel Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Rodriguez. 

Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Michigan, belting out traditional Mariachi, Tejano, and Country music, in my father’s band. He was and still is my biggest influence. He instilled a hard work ethic, and always encouraged me to embrace and infuse all that I am into my music and songwriting, and anything I put my hand to. I was around 6 when I started performing with him. I honed my skills singing in honky-tonks, at family events, fiestas, and festivals. After years of singing alongside my father, I decided it was time to branch out to find my own voice, which brought me to Nashville, TN. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many ups and downs along the way. In my early 20’s I had a life-changing moment. I was in a terrible car accident, which put a halt to all of my work, college, and other activities…singing, teaching dance, acting, etc. I broke my pelvis, dislocated my hip, had a compound fractured arm, and my face hit the windshield which left me with many scars. It was a long road to recovery, physically, emotionally, and mentally. There was lots of rehab, lots of dark moments, and because I was bedridden for months, I had a lot of time to think. I thought about my future. I thought about my goals and dreams, I thought about my purpose, and about all the things I hadn’t yet done. At the time I was so angry, but over time the anger turned into gratitude. I’m thankful for what I learned because of the accident…patience, faith, inner strength, self-love, and a deep appreciation for the friends and family who were there to help me. It also fueled my fire and gave me the courage to follow my heart. I thought, if I can make it through this, I can make it through almost anything. What’s a little hard work, or possible rejection? At least I can walk, talk, sing, and I’m still alive. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a wife, mother, singer, songwriter, teaching artist, and performance coach. I am the founder and creator of Songs for My Little Amigos: A bilingual music and movement program dedicated to promoting language learning, building community, and celebrating culture through music. I provide services for, and collaborate with, educators and organizations seeking to offer culturally diverse enrichment programs.

I believe it is imperative that we expose our children to different languages and different cultures, and teach them about diversity and inclusion, in a way that is engaging and on their level. I’m very passionate about creating arts-filled, educational programs that support social and emotional learning, by telling stories and sharing cultural experiences, through the arts.

I am also a coach and co-founder of Magenta Expression, a performance and life coaching program. I, along with my friend, colleague, and co-founder Jannelle Means, share our experience, knowledge, and resources with creatives, to support them on their creative, professional, and personal journey, through 1 on 1 sessions, small group, and online events.

When asked what I’m most proud of, my answer, hands down, is my family. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 23 years, and we have two beautiful children. As a full-time entrepreneur and performer, my schedule is never the same and I work many nights and weekends. I could never do what I do, without the support of my amazing husband. It’s not always easy, but with patience, grace, respect, and love, anything is possible.

As a performing artist, I feel that I’ve been able to take my musical roots and create a style of my own. The combination of my Mexican heritage, Rock ‘n’ Roll attitude, and expressive voice give me a unique sound. I believe my eclectic blend of Latin, Rock, Country, and Soul music shines a light on Nashville’s diverse musical and cultural community.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories are going to south Texas to celebrate the holidays with my big, beautiful family. We celebrated with the most delicious Tex-Mex food and singing around the campfire, which burned for 2 whole weeks. It was so much fun running around the neighborhood popping fireworks, with ALL of my cousins.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.rachelrodriguez.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelrodriguez777/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylittleamigos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gypsyrodriguez/playlists
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rachel-rodriguez-225562957
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/magentaexpression/

Image Credits:
Misfit Studios International
Jaime Fox Hardwick
Itzel Gonzalez