Today we’d like to introduce you to Corina Avalos.
Hi Corina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something in the Entertainment Industry.
I fondly remember the nostalgia of tuning into WGCI- Chicago’s Hip-Hop and R&B station- late at night to catch my favorite disk-jockeys; not only listen to the hits but to them speak! I honestly think that’s where my desire to pursue Radio came from.
Once I graduated high school, I went to Lincoln College to Major in Radio Broadcasting and fell even deeper in love with the business. I realized very quickly that I had a knack for copywriting and audio production- both of which were courses I thought I would struggle with the most.
As my Associate of Arts program ended, my Radio Professor suggested I pursue a degree in Music Business. At the time, I didn’t even know that was an option. However, I was all for it! After all, I figured being well-rounded in various aspects of the Entertainment Industry could only help in finding the right career path for me.
I always thought I would end up in New York City and only entertained the idea of coming down to Music City for my Parents because it was a short drive from home. Regardless, the passion for media continued; irrespective of where I was, the love for the entertainment business never waned. Belmont University pushed me to explore the Recorded Music side of Entertainment while also being the hub that connected me with future creatives.
Up In the Mix was conceptualized back in July 2019. I came up with the idea of creating a Music and Radio website to combine my passion and creativity. My Audio Production, Copywriting skills, and experience in Radio have come in handy on the Digital Content creation side, expanding my knowledge.
To this day, I continue to push myself to learn a new skill so that I continue to grow as a professional. Recently, I completed an SEO course to help drive traffic to my website. There is still a lot left to learn, but I genuinely enjoy being a student.
My parents are indeed the best teachers life could have ever given me. As the first generation in this country, I appreciate everything my Mom and Dad did to provide my siblings and me with the quality of life we have. I can only imagine it was very stressful behind closed doors, but growing up, we had no idea since smiles always accompanied laughter throughout the house.
My work ethic derives from them. As far back as I can recall, I watched the entire Angeles Family get up six days a week at the crack of dawn in pursuit of The American Dream. Always without a complaint, always with drive.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My path to where I am today has not been the smoothest. However, I would not change a single thing.
One of my first challenges along the way was navigating the college registration process. My parents are from Mexico, so they had no clue how to help me navigate FAFSA or how to take the following steps. I really had to figure it all out on my own.
The other challenging thing I’ve had to deal with is living so far from my loved one to pursue a degree that is not seen as your “traditional” degree. I constantly had to explain to my Dad that I did not want to be a Doctor, which was annoying.
Luckily, he eventually came around. The criticism from family members regarding my career choice bothered me, but I eventually learned to tune out that noise. It’s not like they were paying for my college anyways!
Ironically, I would be the catalyst to change things for my family’s younger generations. Most of them are pursuing non-traditional paths such as trade school or the Entertainment industry as well.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Music & Radio Reporter.
On a weekly basis, I compile a list of the newest tunes and the songs getting airplay across various genres. As a Music Business professional for over six years, I feel like I am just scratching the surface. Last month, Up In the Mix got to be a part of the CMA Fest celebrations doing Media Coverage.
It was a complete full-circle moment for me. The first festival I ever attended and worked on was CMA Fest back in 2014. For me to now be there as a Media person was surreal.
What I believe sets me apart from others is that I genuinely wish other people in the same space the best. That is something people often compliment me on – my steady support. There is more than enough pie to go around, folks! I never understood people that move like gatekeepers. It’s not my style.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, my parents. They always made me believe that I could accomplish ANYTHING in life. They taught me always to stay optimistic and see the glass as half full. Their love has never wavered.
My siblings: Jaime, Rafael, and Jaqui have always been my biggest champions. I can honestly say that if I had to bet my last dollar on the people who always cheer for me and my successes- it would be them. Additionally, this includes my loving Fiancé!
Another person I would like to give credit to is my Radio Professor from Lincoln College, Mr. Malone. Not only did he give me the confidence as a Radio Broadcasting major, but he was also the person that encouraged me to pursue the music business.
I am so grateful for the family and friends that always lifted me and reminded me not to give up on Up In the Mix.
Thank you all!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upinthemixture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cori.gunz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/reverb_60dBs
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/upinthemixture/
Image Credits
Chelsea Reynolds
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