In a world where specialization is often hailed as the key to success, it’s refreshing to meet individuals who seamlessly blend two distinct passions into their lives. Meet DJs Alexandra Masce and Jia Meneses, two talented artists who have managed to strike a harmonious balance between their careers as DJs and their backgrounds in design and architecture.
Pursuing Dual Passions
Jia, originally an architect, discovered her passion for design through her childhood love for drawing. While her parents encouraged her to study architecture, she was drawn to the creative problem-solving aspects of the discipline. On the other hand, her DJing journey was accidental, sparked by her fascination with raves during college. It all started with a friendly dare to enter a DJ competition, which she won, turning her hobby into a surprising music career.
Alexandra’s journey is equally fascinating. She began her studies in Med Tech in Iloilo but later abandoned it to pursue her true passion, Interior Design, after moving to Manila. During this transition, she unexpectedly found herself enrolling in a DJ school, setting the stage for her life as a DJ.
Creative Synergy
Their paths crossed at a birthday celebration for a mutual acquaintance, Meme. Jia shared her dream of playing at Bad Decisions, a dream Alexandra would later help her achieve. After a sudden gig substitution in Iloilo, their professional relationship began, marking the start of their collaborative journey. As they performed more gigs together, their connection deepened, eventually leading to the formation of their B2B DJ duo. Their shared love for the same music genre and their origin within the same group naturally fueled their creative synergy.
Before B2B DJing became more common, Alexandra and Jia were already pioneering the concept, standing out as female DJs in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
When it comes to their DJ performances, Alexandra and Jia play the same genre and feed off each other’s energy. Their performances revolve around crowd reading and their strong connection, allowing them to seamlessly transition between tracks and create memorable experiences for their audience.
“We play the same genre and come from the same group. I feel like it’s a good connection already. It was just natural I would say.” Alexandra shares
Aside from their DJ careers, the duo has ventured into other creative projects. One of their collaborations was “Face Melt,” a project initiated by a mutual friend who recognized their talents. This project allowed them to explore their creativity outside the realm of DJing and design. With exciting projects on the horizon, including the redevelopment of Boogie, their creative journey continues to evolve.
Hustle Culture and Work-Life Balance
Their DJ careers have opened doors to diverse opportunities, from working with stylists and makeup artists to exploring unique projects. Alexandra seamlessly blends her DJing and design skills, while Jia’s DJ network fuels her design ventures.
Navigating their demanding industries requires dedication and a work-life balance, supported by a strong network. Both Alexandra and Jia find fulfillment in their dual passions, appreciating the creative platforms their careers offer.
The most rewarding moments for them are when they witness the positive impact of their work, be it a satisfied client admiring their design or an enthusiastic crowd enjoying their DJ performance.
Balancing dual careers is challenging but provides a stable foundation for their artistic pursuits. They stress the importance of having a safety net while pursuing creative passions and envision a future thriving in both music and design.
“Dapat may safety net ka and wag ka mag depend lang sa isang job” says Jia
“But how good it is is that safety net is something that you also like to do.” Alexandra replied
The journey of DJ Alexandra and DJ Jia exemplifies the possibilities of living a double life, where creative passions coexist and flourish. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to making people happy through their work inspire aspiring artists. With exciting projects on the horizon, these multi-talented individuals are poised to leave a greater impact in the worlds of music and design.
A huge shoutout to Dazzle Me, the crew that knows how to make Jia and Alexandra shine bright like diamonds. Make sure you peep at their innovative products by hitting that follow button on their Facebook and Instagram.
Photos by Justin Villanueva
Styling by Gee Jocson
Edit by Maxx Macalinao
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