Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanti Mejia.
Hi Shanti, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Shanti Mejia, and I’m a Salvadoran-Haitian creative from East LA. Growing up in Los Angeles, a cultural hive for music, has been a privilege that I’ll never take for granted. I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember—my dad was the lead vocalist and guitarist in a band, and my mom has always been a passionate music fan. The first song I ever learned to sing was “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, which feels symbolic now looking back.
I had always wanted to learn how to DJ, but it wasn’t until my friend Jada Gamble invited me over to practice on her iPad app called DJ Pro that I finally took the first step. We practiced for weeks, and I even got to borrow her iPad at times. My first performance was at a nonprofit event she founded called Club Dice—an accessible, community-first space centering BIPOC and queer voices. Being part of that project showed me that joy, art, and activism can coexist and thrive together.
From there, I started going to as many events as possible, not just to play but to genuinely connect with others who shared the same love for music. Without realizing it, I was building a network of people who believed in me, including my girlfriend & number one supporter; Cassidy Heard. After she submitted me as a potential DJ for The Beehive Block Party in East LA, I secured the opening spot— my first paid gig. I finally had a deck of my own that was gifted to me for christmas by my parents, and taught myself how to use it by this point, but still relied on my iPad because I couldn’t afford a laptop. Despite my unorthodox set-up, this became a real turning point. Soon after, a close friend from high school, musician and saxophonist Kobie Dozier, invited me to open for him at a bar in Highland Park. I was still using my same set-up, and even though it stirred up embarrassment and frustration, I pushed through—and that night’s set helped me build more connections, including with the bar manager, which led to even more opportunities.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without that persistence and belief in myself, even when I didn’t have the “perfect” setup. Along the way, I’ve been lucky to learn from and be supported by other DJs, including my friends Henrry and Jason (Henrryrza & Yvainamour), who continue to help me grow and book more gigs. Their guidance & trust me has allowed me to become a DJ for Ambiente Central; A Central-Latin American music collective. I’m proud of how far I’ve come in just one year, but I’m even more excited for what’s ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I didn’t have the typical setup or the newest equipment—just an iPad and eventually a deck without a laptop. Honestly, that came with a lot of frustration, embarrassment, and even moments where I questioned if I should keep going. But I chose to push through, and those challenges actually taught me persistence and creativity. Another struggle was just finding ways to get my foot in the door. I had to put myself out there—going to events, connecting with people, and saying “yes” even when I didn’t feel fully ready. People would constantly say they’ve never seen someone use the set-up that I had, but it worked in my favor because it made them curious about how well I’d perform. Over time, those small steps added up and opened real doors for me. Looking back, the obstacles weren’t setbacks so much as lessons in patience, self-belief, and trusting that the right people and opportunities would come my way if I kept showing up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is deeply rooted in culture, community, and expression. I’ve explored a wide range of creative mediums—from DJing, social media & digital marketing, creative direction, styling, to event production. I’m always seeking new ways to build experiences that reflect identity and inspire connection.
Within this past year, I’ve especially leaned into DJing as a way to merge my love for music with community building. Music has always been part of my story, and under my artist name “thatssbambii,” I’m known for bringing high energy and creating sets that feel both fun and intentional—spaces where culture, identity, and community come together on the dance floor. I’ve built a reputation for curating experiences that uplift BIPOC and queer voices while keeping the crowd moving.
One of the moments I’m most proud of was my set at the Beehive Block Party in East LA. It was my first paid gig, and honestly it felt like everything I’d been working toward suddenly clicked. I showed up with my little setup and played my heart out. The energy from the crowd was unforgettable, and it proved to me that it’s not about having the fanciest equipment, it’s about how you make people feel. That night reminded me that saying “yes,” even when you don’t feel fully ready, can open doors you never imagined. Plus, let’s be real—once you’ve got an East LA block party dancing, you know you’re onto something.
What sets me apart as a DJ is my ability to strike a balance: I create sets with intention while also reading the room and weaving in sounds from as many cultures as possible, making sure everyone feels included and has a good time. Sometimes I’ll slip in a few tracks I personally love—not just because they’re good, but because introducing people to new music matters to me. It’s a way to create space for smaller artists to be heard and flourish.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books are definitely a big resource for me. I recently have been really enjoying the work of Osho; his books Intimacy, Joy, and Intuition have been especially impactful. They’ve helped me think more deeply about how I connect with others and also how I trust myself, both of which play a big role in my creativity and work. Other authors I’ve been reading a lot of who’ve had a similar impact on me are Joseph Murphy, Bell Hooks, and Don Miguel Ruiz. In general, I gravitate toward self-help and spiritual books because they give me tools to stay grounded, keep learning, and show up as the best version of myself.
However, my number one resource has and will always be music. It’s the lens through which I understand the world, connect with people, and express myself. Music teaches me about energy, emotion, and community in ways nothing else can. It’s both my inspiration and my guide, helping me navigate challenges, celebrate joy, and keep creating experiences that bring people together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatssbambii
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-mejia-743943348
Screenshot
Image Credits
-David Rivera -Kobe B. Lopez
