Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Loca.
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Well, I was born on October 6, 1993, in a small town called Bloomfield New Mexico. I grew up in what most would call these days an “oilfield town.” Many of the men worked in the oilfield while the woman of the families worked in locally owned stores & shops.
Growing up in a small town you don’t realize what the world has to offer and what’s out there. I came to Utah at the young age of 14 for a summer trip to spend some time with my cousins that had moved from New Mexico. I remember coming here and thinking OMG look at these big buildings, all of these different unheard of stores and places. Not realizing that a few short years later my dream of moving here was going to be my reality. I began a new life at the young age of 17 leaving a broken home/life to start a new life, & boy was I in for a surprise! Utah at the time was a “Big City” to me back home we didn’t have nearly all of the perks and things that Utah had. I started working at Sam’s Club when I was 17. 13 years later I didn’t think this was going to turn into a career for me. Along with some other amazing opportunities that I’ve had the privilege of experiencing which I’ll share later.
Prior to moving to Utah I dabbed a little into the Drag Queen scene and competed in local events for charities etc. Not knowing what would come 10 fold as a full Drag career, you’d never this would happen coming to Utah. I’ve been blessed and lucky to have such a huge successful career in drag and having it apart of my life or “Glow up” some would say.
I compete in serval high ranked pageants and was crowned here in the state! I’ve competed and performed all over the U.S. and México and have had a tremendous career. Along with Drag, I’ve also had to honor to receive recognition from the Ogden Diversity Commission, Ogden City Council. I’ve worked alongside the local Chamber Of Commerce. This year July I will be taking a place on the Board of the Ogden Rotary Club and sitting on a committee for another Local Nonprofit helping the homeless. Through my Drag career, I’ve helped raise well over 20K dollars for local nonprofits, schools, and people in need in our local community.
I’ve done this through charity shows I’ve put together and partnering with Sam’s Club and giving back to our community through grants and various volunteer services. Besides all of that music and makeup are another passion of mine. I’ve worked alongside some of the biggest names in Mexican rap including Mexican rapping sensation Ms. Krazie who I toured all across the U.S. and was her tour manager for a few years. I’ve had the honor of working with her since 2013.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A smooth road… definitely not. I think the road less traveled is the road I’ve been dealt to take in life. I’ve always been a fighter and knew growing up that life was going to be everything but smooth. The last 2 years have been a huge struggle and made me realize just how precious life is.
After losing 10 immediate family members within a year and a half including both of my parents, grandparents, and numerous friends and family members you have to take on life with grace, strength, and love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
well first off let me start off by saying THANK YOU! it’s a huge honor to be given the opportunity to share some of the things I’ve done in life and currently doing. For those who might be curious about what I do, I am currently a Salaried member of management with Sam’s Club. I specialize in member service, community giving, and volunteering. I’m known for having fabulous shoes at work and great eyebrows (lol) on a serious note I’m well known for going above and beyond and helping grow our local nonprofits and small businesses. I am most proud of my contributions to the community and giving back.
It’s something that is very near and dear to my heart and something that Sam’s Club is built from. What sets me apart from others I think is my diverse talents and being able to reach a wide variety of audiences and truly make an impact throughout people’s lives.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Ogden has a lot to offer. Ogden is a melting pot of diverse communities coming together and rallying around unity and love. I don’t have anything bad to say.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justin_loca
- Linkedin: Justin Charley
- TikTok: Justinloca01
