Reina Mar is a Latin Pop Artist from NJ with over 7 years of experience in the entertainment industry. One of Reina’s greatest accomplishments includes composing, writing, & performing her own musical TEDtalk for Bergen Stages called “To Breathe The Air of Freedom.”
Along with performing across the tristate, she has accomplished notable work as a songwriter & recording artist. She has worked on licensed TV & film projects alongside writers & producers including one of Alicia Key’s producers Ron Haney & Andreas Sahar from Totally Square Records.
Tell us a bit about your company and why you do what you do. –
I go by the artist name Reina Mar. I am a Latina singer/songwriter from Bergen County NJ. I have been performing for over 7 years in the tristate area and I am still going strong. I feel that my purpose here on this Earth is to uplift and bring light into people’s lives through my music. Although there have been many struggles as an indie artist to fulfill this purpose, it has all been worth it and continues to be my greatest passion.
Is there anyone special who’s inspired you to forge ahead with your business?
I definitely get my inspiration from my Abuela(my grandma) may she RIP. She sacrificed her life to bring my generation here to the US from Communist Cuba. Despite all the obstacles she faced as an immigrant in a new country, she opened up her own successful accounting business in West New York and worked until the age of 83. My first job was actually working in her office at 14 years old assisting her. She was also one of my greatest fans who always supported my music along with my grandfather. She has taught me the definition of hard work and is one of my greatest inspirations.
Can you tell me one favorite humorous story from your career?
Tripping and falling on my face in front of casting directors during a call back audition for Hamilton on Broadway! Oh, How embarrassing that was!
Do you have a motto or a mantra you apply to either work, life, or both?
“Everything happens for a reason” I strongly believe that anything good or even bad that happens in our life is meant to happen for us to learn and grow as people.
How do you cope with stress?
I usually write as an outlet to cope with my stress and meditate to recenter myself on an off day.
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
Yes! I have a stuffed animal Horse I have had since I was 4 that I named “Tato” I still have him and even hold him at times when I am having a rough day. He definitely still brings me comfort.
What’s your least favorite personality trait you like about yourself?
My anxiety! I can definitely be an anxious person at times and make small issues seem bigger than what they really are. Luckily I have found ways to cope and have people in my life who help keep me grounded.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
don’t be so hard on yourself and give yourself credit. I feel like I have always been super hard on myself. I would also tell myself to not rush things and stay in the present moment. I wish there were so many memories and moments I would give anything to have back.
If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?
“Reina of the Seas” “Reina” is the first part of my artist name which means “queen” in Spanish and “Mar” means “the sea” in Spanish. It would be perfect!
What makes you nostalgic?
Going back to old places that hold a lot of special memories as well as watching my favorite childhood movies!