Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Solis.
Hi Joel, 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 backstory with our readers?
Born in the USA but raised in Mexico ,Since I was a kid, I’ve been a creative dreamer, fascinated by the vast mysteries of the universe. As a child, I was the one who daydreamed about going into space, always striving to become a better person and bring joy to others. My artistic soul was my strength. I tried painting, drawing, and playing various instruments, but I truly found my passion in dancing. Dance felt like it came from another planet, and I wished everyone could experience its benefits: dance more, worry less.
This passion ignited when my older sister invited me to a dance event she was part of. She knew I was an excellent dancer since I was eight and trusted me to choreograph a number with a group of teenagers. At that moment, I realized I was born to entertain. It was love at first sight. Dancing has been a part of my life ever since, perhaps even before birth, as my mother was a salsa dancer. Music, I believe, is one of the best medicines for happiness.
At twelve, I started putting on shows and choreographing for quinceañeras, marking the beginning of my journey into the entertainment business. People in town would say, “Go to Joel,” and I started my own party business. That’s when it clicked: I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Coming from a family with no formal education—my dad barely finished junior high, and my mom only completed junior high—I was determined to break the cycle. My parents, with their resilience and hard work, especially my mother, who exhibited tenacity, intelligence, and business acumen, profoundly influenced my journey.
Life took a different path when I turned 18. Although I was still dancing, I decided to pursue higher education to break the cycle and went to law school. I graduated, but I wasn’t fulfilled. I almost dropped out in my third year but decided to finish. Law wasn’t for me, so I moved to the USA to pursue my true passion: entertainment. After nearly ten years of not dancing, I was rusty but determined. I danced my heart out and eventually moved to Palm Springs, which I now consider home.
Seeing a business opportunity, I created SOS Entertainers, a company connecting performing artists with platforms to showcase their talents. Through this venture, I started my own production called Desert Studs, a male revue. Thanks to the universe and the people who have supported me, SOS Entertainers and Desert Studs have been growing. Building a healthy business requires time, effort, and personal development. This is where my third passion,personal growth, comes in. A healthy mindset is crucial for growing a healthy business and enhancing all aspects of life.
My journey is far from over, but I know it’s going to be a fun one. I’m living it like it’s my last, grateful for the path that combines my passions for business, personal development, and entertainment into one explosive, dynamic journey.
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?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth ride; it’s been a really bumpy one, much like many other people’s paths. People often only see the surface of your hard work, much like the iceberg effect, where the peak is visible, but the vast effort beneath remains unseen. The SOS team embodies this principle, working tirelessly beneath the surface.
I’m grateful for the bumps in my journey because that’s where growth comes from. Rough times and bad experiences are essential for development. Shoichiro Honda, the founder and creator of Honda, said, “Success is 99 percent failure.” To learn and grow, the ride has to be bumpy. That’s the secret of success.
I could list countless struggles I’ve faced, from financial hardships to personal challenges. It might take a while, but one thing is certain: as you grow, those struggles never end. You just get used to them. The only solution is to overcome them. As my dad wisely says, “There’s a solution for everything except death.” His words have guided me through many tough times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
SOS Entertainers is not just a business; it’s a passion project owned by members of the LGBTQ+ community, aimed at connecting performing artists and providing a stage for them to shine. Our vision is to revolutionize the entertainment industry for our community. Fueled by a risk-taking spirit, I merged my love for business with my deep-rooted passion for show business.
What sets SOS Entertainers apart is the unparalleled creativity and culture my team infuses into every show. We pride ourselves on being not just talented but also revolutionary and progressive, creating inclusive experiences that redefine entertainment. SOS Entertainers and the Desert Studs are more than just productions; they are about spreading joy and happiness. Leaving our audience with smiles on their faces is the ultimate satisfaction. As an artist, I understand the value of that energy and want the world to recognize SOS for the joy and happiness we bring to every individual who attends our shows. This is not just business; it is a way of self-expression for every single artist out there.
One of the things I’m most proud of in this game called life is being able to inspire others through my story, giving a message of hope and desire for the things we want in life. Everything is possible—”si lo piensas, lo creas,” a Spanish phrase meaning “if you can think of it, you can create it.” For big dreamers, the key ingredient is action. Action is the only thing you need to create the life you want. Without action, I couldn’t have created any of these projects. I believe in the law of cause and effect: you are the creator of your own story.
And yes, the Desert Studs that show is H-O-T-T. lol …..
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Taking risks is the heartbeat of being an entrepreneur. It’s not just a part of the game; it *is* the game. Life and business demand exploration, and you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you stay within the safe lines of your comfort zone.
I live by the belief that entrepreneurship means constantly diving into the unknown. Many people spend their lives daydreaming, but dreams don’t become reality unless you take action. Sure, failure is daunting, but it’s also your greatest teacher. Think about how toddlers learn to walk: they stumble, they fall, and they might cry, but each fall teaches them how to stand up and keep moving forward.
Embracing risks is at the core of my entrepreneurial spirit. It’s not an innate trait; it’s a skill honed by facing challenges head-on. My journey has been a rollercoaster of risks, and I’ve taken so many that, eventually, you become desensitized to the fear.
Every risk taken is a new chapter in the book of experience. Failure isn’t a red flag; it’s a signpost guiding you toward improvement. I’ve learned to get up, dust myself off, and keep moving forward. That’s the secret to growth, both as an entrepreneur and as a person.
In the wild ride of entrepreneurship, risks aren’t obstacles; they’re the spice that makes the journey worthwhile. When setbacks occur, I don’t see them as roadblocks but as detours on the road to success. It’s a crazy journey, but in the dance of risk and resilience, that’s where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/el_soliss and https://www.instagram.com/desertstuds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555676255056
- soundcloud: https://www.tiktok.com/@desertstuds?_t=8nZAwQt0Lfj&_r=1
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@desertstuds?_t=8nZAwQt0Lfj&_r=1
Image Credits
SOS Entertainers
