Today we’d like to introduce you to Scarlett Santamaria.
Hi Scarlett, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been immersed in the world of nightlife for as long as I can remember. My dad, a Tijuana-based club and radio DJ, introduced me to the scene during my childhood, making gigs and concerts a regular part of my upbringing. Growing up in that atmosphere, I became that kid who craved the spotlight – dance competitions, recitals, and any stage that let me unleash my creative spirit. At the age of 15, my dad and I started a mobile DJ business where I learned the art of event planning, entrepreneurship, and being the life of the party. As the years passed, I’ve DJed, emceed, and hosted countless events, exploring different roles in nightlife, from promotions and social media to gogo-dancing.
The game-changer happened during my final year at SDSU when I joined KCR College Radio. At that point, I was deeply involved in the underground electronic music scene, and I felt that the community lacked a space for self-expression. And so, the idea to turn the spotlight on my DJ friends and their talents inspired me to create Scarlett Letter show in 2018. What started as a radio show evolved into a livestream, then a full-blown YouTube web series where I’ve interviewed over 100 nightlife personalities. Simultaneously, I was creating content on Instagram, sharing event reviews, industry experiences, mental health tips, fashion inspiration, and more.
Celebrating the third anniversary of my show was an unforgettable milestone, made even more memorable by my mentor and event collaborator, John Joseph. In September 2021, he presented me with a spontaneous opportunity to host a showcase event at Rich’s San Diego. The night turned out to be a surprising hit, marking the beginning of my journey into event production. The following year saw the birth of my most popular event, Scarlett Fever, a dark techno queer fetish party. Riding the wave of success, I launched two exciting monthly events, Club Baddie, and Planet Red, solidifying my commitment to creating vibrant and inclusive experiences for my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of my career has been anything but a smooth road—it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions that has seen both myself and my brand grow hand in hand. Along the way, I’ve confronted a variety of challenges, both internal and external. From moments of feeling lost, dealing with the heartbreak of losing my show multiple times, having my Instagram accounts deleted, dealing with people that tried to take advantage of me, having to cut ties with individuals, and more. On a personal level, I battled self-doubt, loneliness, perfectionism, limiting beliefs, financial losses, and continuously falling ill due to stress.
In the middle of all this madness, I accepted that challenges are inevitable and focused on my personal growth. I’ll never forget this TED Talk that preached about adaptability being the number one skill for handling life’s unpredictable ride. I took that idea to heart and try to live by it. Instead of hyper-focusing on each problem, I learned to be a creative problem solver and kept pushing forward because there’s always a fresh obstacle waiting around the corner. Every bump on the road has been a learning experience, a steppingstone that has contributed to my resilience and gave me the edge I needed to pursue my dreams and goals. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’ve embraced the understanding that with every struggle comes an opportunity for growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Scarlett Letter Show is a trail-blazing event-producing company dedicated to redefining San Diego’s nightlife by curating inclusive and vibrant experiences for the queer community. My brand is known for its three unique events. Starting with the seductive realm of Scarlett Fever, a dark and kinky haven transcending mainstream queer spaces. This is a night to immerse yourself in fetish demos, captivating gogo dancers, lifestyle vendors, and the pulsating beats of dark techno DJs, inviting you to unleash your deepest fantasies in a celebration of the unconventional. Next, we have Club Baddie, where self-love takes center stage for femme-presenting men, women, and non-binary folks. It’s a glamorous celebration of individuality and confidence with the beats of your favorite divas from the 2000s to the present. Everyone’s encouraged to dress like their favorite Bratz doll or bring their Y2K-inspired outfits. Last but not least, we have Planet RED, San Diego’s electrifying queer rave with booty-popping house beats and mesmerizing LED performers lighting up the stage. This event transcends earthly boundaries as aliens come together to revel in a night of unstoppable fun and freedom.
What I take immense pride in is serving representation. I’m the only queer Latinx gender-fluid woman producing these types of events in my city. I immigrated from Tijuana at the age of 12, a year that tested my resilience to its core. Struggling to find my place, I often felt like the family’s black sheep and the odd one in my friends’ groups. It wasn’t until I started going to raves and gay clubs that I discovered a sense of belonging. Yet, even within these circles, I felt that I didn’t fit into the mold of mainstream gay or straight spaces. This sparked my fuel to create unique spaces for those who, like me, defy conventional labels.
I love to transport attendees into different worlds, each carefully crafted for diverse tastes and identities. It’s not just a night out but a visual and auditory experience. The curated music and DJ lineup, themed graphics, character dancers, and awe-inspiring performers create a fully immersive experience that goes beyond your typical nightlife scene. Scarlett Letter Show is all about spicing up San Diego’s nightlife and making it a welcoming spot for everyone. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we’ve got a spot for you to vibe, live your fantasies, or reconnect with your inner child.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my all-time favorite childhood moments happened when I was a 6 or 7 yrs. old. I remember I was upset about something because I always had an attitude, and my parents were dragging me to what I thought was a family gathering. I was just not feeling it at all. But when we got to my grandma’s place, I spotted this kid peeking from behind the house, and I was like, “Hey, is there a party going on?” Little did I know they were throwing me a surprise Hello Kitty birthday party! Hello Kitty was one of my childhood’s obsessions, so you can imagine the excitement. It turned out to be this awesome memory of family, love, and, of course, doing what I do best: being the life of the party.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scarlettlettershow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettlettershow/ https://www.instagram.com/clubbaddiesls/ https://www.instagram.com/planetredsls/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/scarlettlettershow
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@scarlettsls
Image Credits
Xing Photo Studio
Joey Guzzino
