Digame: Blogger Jennifer Vasquez Talks Latina Representation in Goth Culture

Jennifer Vasquez (@jennvofficial) is a Mexican American blogger and content creator who started her blog, Vamp Jenn’s Corner, in 2018 and also hosts a podcast of the same name. She uses her platform to share her appreciation for all things spooky and describes her website as a lifestyle blog for the “darkly inclined”. She has identified with the goth subculture for more than 20 years and enjoys highlighting the diversity and Latinx presence within the goth community through her work. She holds a Master Of Arts Degree in English, as well as Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Music. Her blog and podcast have gained her recognition, such as being included on Feedspot’s lists of “Best Goth Music Blogs & Websites” and “Best Macabre Podcasts. She’s previously spoken with HipLatina about being a goth Latina blogger and creating a safe space for goth Latinxs through her platform.

“It’s empowering to help represent Latinxs in the goth scene and add to the diversity of the subculture. In fusing these two worlds together through blogging, I’d like to think that I’m showing people how my Latin roots enrich my goth side and how identifying as goth adds another dimension to being Latina,” she previously shared with HipLatina.

Which Latina(s) have had the greatest impact on your life and why?

I’d have to say the Latinas I grew up with in my family, mainly my mom and my maternal and paternal grandmothers. My mom and I have always had an interesting relationship. I’m not the most affectionate or emotionally expressive individual, but my mother is the complete opposite. I think that created a challenging dynamic between us when I was growing up. But as an adult reflecting back, I appreciate that it was always pure affection my mother gave me, even when I didn’t think I wanted it. She showed me the significance of sincere love through her actions, and I continue to learn from her and understand her better.

Both of my grandmothers are also great inspirations to me. I spent a lot more time with my maternal grandmother because she lived in the U.S. She died when I was a teen, though, so I feel I missed out on the chance to have deeper conversations with her. There’s so much I would’ve loved to have asked her about her life. My paternal abuela is still alive but lives in Mexico, so I didn’t grow up seeing her often. I know they both experienced many hardships and traumas as women and Latinas, and I greatly admire their strength and perseverance. My paternal grandmother is in her nineties now, so her vitality definitely inspires me to keep going.

If you could meet a Latina icon who is no longer alive, who would it be and why?

It’s hard to choose one. The first person that comes to mind is Selena. I can still remember the first time I was exposed to her music. I was 10 and she had just recently passed. My mom had the Dreaming of You album on cassette. Seeing her face on the cover, I thought she was so beautiful. I listened to that album and my obsession began. I still have my collection of Selena cassettes. As a little girl, it was inspiring to me to see a Mexican American woman and Latina achieve such great recognition.

I’m also fascinated by old Hollywood and the Mexican actresses of the time. I would love to meet Lupe Vélez, aka “The Mexican Spitfire.” I learned about her as a kid. She was such a complex person and I think it would be interesting to have a conversation with her about her experiences.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It’s not anything I’ve been told by just one person, but something I’ve heard said in some form or another by various people, and that is to make choices that are in alignment with my highest self. I look back at times in my life when I felt the most lost and out of touch with myself. During these periods, I wasn’t doing things that made me happy, whether it was my choice of career or how I would spend my free time.
A few years ago, when I began doing practices like meditation to reconnect with myself, I started uncovering what brings my soul joy. That helped me pursue my passions, like writing and starting my blog. I believe when we take actions that align with our life’s purpose, we tap into our unlimited potential.

Who was the first person to believe in your dreams/goals?

My parents. My mom was always big on reminding me that I could do whatever I put my mind to. She also always supported my interests. For instance, when I wanted to take voice lessons as a teen because I thought I wanted to be a singer, she and my dad let me take classes at a music school in East Los Angeles. I have to give my dad so much credit. He would drive me every week and wait around until I was done with lessons. They also attended my recitals and choir concerts.

I must also mention my husband. We’ve known each other since we were kids and he’s always been the first to know about my ideas and aspirations. Even with my blog, he’s very supportive and does what he can to help. He’s a makeup artist, so he’s become my makeup and photography crew. He’ll get me ready for events and help me take photos and film things when we’re out so I can use them for my blog and social media. I really appreciate his support.

How do you stay connected to your cultural roots?

One major way I do this now is through my spirituality. A few years ago, I started getting back into reading about different spiritual practices. Since I was a teen, I’ve had an interest in witchcraft, esotericism, and the spirituality of Latin America. This was definitely at odds with my Catholic upbringing, but I felt there was something missing.

I’m learning more about brujeria and interweaving elements of Catholicism with the customs of my Indigenous ancestors. This is especially important to me because I learned through genetic testing that I’m more than half indigenous with connections to tribes in central Mexico. I feel that learning about the deities they prayed to, performing rituals, and keeping ancient traditions, like Dia de los Muertos, alive help me stay in touch with my Mexican ancestry and heritage.

What do you wish more people understood about what you do?

Well, I’m a spooky soul, so I feel that being a content creator in the alternative space can be misunderstood by mainstream culture. I cover topics and people that are perceived as strange and unusual, so not everyone connects with that vibe. While that’s totally fine, I hope that through my blog, I’m able to broaden people’s perspectives and introduce them to experiences and individuals that lie on the fringes of societal norms. There’s nothing wrong with being eccentric and odd. That’s why I frequently use the phrase “odd and macabre.” It embodies who I am as an individual and the creative work I do.

I grew up always feeling like the oddball, and I was the introverted kid in school that kept to herself and didn’t fit in. So with the content I create and the platform that I’m trying to build, I want to help mainstream society become more accepting of everyone’s differences and eccentricities. And I want the individuals who, like me, feel like the outcasts, to embrace being weird. That’s what makes you unique and special and know that there is a space for you in the world.

What motivates you?

Many things do, but one big motivator is fulfilling my life’s purpose. I believe we all have a reason for being on this earth. In my journey of self-discovery, I’ve realized one way I’m meant to inspire people is through my writing. That pushes me to continue the creative work I’m doing and seek out opportunities. My time here is limited, and I want to be able to look back and know I lived embodying my purpose and helped others by doing so.

How did you end up on the professional path you’re on now?

I love reading and writing. I was a bookworm as a kid, and when I discovered Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, I fell in love with creative writing. She’s one of the main authors who ignited my appreciation for the written word. Literature has played such a significant role in my life, and I pursued my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English. When I finally landed a job in the media and publishing industry, it taught me a lot about running a website and editorial writing.

When I was laid off from my first editorial job, I freaked out because I didn’t have a writing portfolio to help me get hired elsewhere. So, I started my blog, Vamp Jenn’s Corner, to serve as a writing portfolio initially. I decided to write about what interests me and that’s mainly all things macabre. My blog has grown so much since I started it in 2018 and has led me to opportunities that I didn’t foresee when I launched it. And I’m continuing to grow and expand it.

What is your greatest professional achievement so far? Personal achievement?

Definitely my blog in regard to professional achievement. It is the creative outlet I need to express myself while also being a connection to awesome networking opportunities. It’s garnered me a lot of positive recognition that I’m grateful for.

For personal achievement, I’d have to say my self-growth. There was a time when I was indulging in toxic behaviors. When I began my blog, I started to reconnect with who I am and my passions. I’m proud of the positive changes I’ve made to take care of myself.

What is a goal you have that you haven’t accomplished yet and what are you doing to get closer to accomplishing it?

Publishing a novel! For a long time, it has been a goal of mine to write and publish a book. I’ve actually written a short story that I tried submitting to a few literary journals. I’m in the process of writing a fiction story. I’ve been at it for a few years now. The plot is laid out, but sometimes I let my fears get the best of me and avoid returning to it. However, I’ve really been feeling the pull to finish it because I have other stories I want to write. So it is a project that I’m currently working on and I’m doing my best to stick to a timeline.

What pop culture moment made you feel seen?

I have to say the whole Latin explosion that happened in music during the late ’90s/early 2000s. I was a preteen and I thought it was so cool how all these Latin American artists that I was already a fan of were getting recognition in the U.S. All of a sudden, everybody wanted to learn Spanish! Who can forget Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca?” I was really excited about Shakira’s crossover. I loved her rock en español albums, so it was neat seeing a Latina who had more of an alternative edge get broader recognition.

How do you practice self care?

Meditation has become a very significant part of my self-care routine. I started a few years ago, and I make sure to take some time out to do it every day. I’ll meditate anywhere from five minutes to an hour depending on how much time I have. It’s a practice that keeps me grounded, helps me be in the present moment, and has helped me manage my anxieties.

Quick Fire:

Shoutout an Instagram account that could use more love and tell us why you’re a fan:

I’d like to give a shoutout to Goth Music Latin America (@gothmusiclatinamerica). The goth subculture is very special to me and I appreciate how this content creator is highlighting Latin American bands creating goth music. They’re helping to promote diversity in the goth community.

Shoutout your favorite Latina owned business and why:

I’m going to say Backstitch Bruja (@backstitchbruja). The owner, Yvette, runs a shop that sells all sorts of spooky clothing and accessories. Her store celebrates Halloween year-round and that makes me happy!