Carlos Espada shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Carlos , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
It’s hard to describe what a “normal” day looks like for me—mostly because I’m anything but normal. Still, every day starts with coffee (because that’s essential) and a quick jot in my gratitude list, where I write down five things I’m truly thankful for.
From there, I prepare to make my morning video. For the past three years, Monday through Friday, I’ve been creating these videos to greet the world with positive thoughts and thought-provoking quotes. My goal is always to encourage others to chase their dreams, care for themselves, and stay strong both mentally and physically.
After that, the rest of my day depends on my creative mood. If I’m in a writing mood, I’ll dive into a new idea for a book. If art is calling me, I’ll start sketching or painting. And if music is where my energy is, I’ll work on our set list and experiment with fresh ideas.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Coming from a family of professional wrestlers and musicians, I learned early on the importance of chasing my goals. My father began his journey in music with his band, Flash and The Dynamics, which was signed to Finia Records. Later, he and my uncle transitioned into professional wrestling as The Silver Angels. Growing up in that environment, I was captivated by it all—the power of music to move people, the way wrestling told stories and stirred emotions. I remember watching my father sketch wrestling belt and mask designs at three in the morning. Those late nights sparked my creativity at a very young age and encouraged me to explore every artistic path available to me.
As a creative, I keep my hands in many forms of expression that feed my mind and soul.
• Musician: I play bass and sing for the theatrical rock band Revolt.
• Author: I’ve published everything from children’s educational books to fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. My works include Draculos (the story of a boy who discovers he’s half vampire), Rock N Roll Brat (adventures through the imagination of children), Learning With Lucha (a children’s educational series), SuperGroup Go (a multicultural action-adventure comic), When Love Dies (a stage play written while living in New York City), and my upcoming anthology Los Muertes: ReVolting Tales, featuring contributions from authors Donnell Talley and Emmett Hart.
• Artist: I paint, illustrate, and do some light sculpting.
Philanthropist -My program, Wrestling With Literacy, brings wrestlers into schools to host story time sessions with kids. We donate books, read together, and give students the chance to meet an actual wrestler.
What I love most is when I can create projects that bring all of my passions together—music, writing, and art—into one powerful expression
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There are moments in life that completely change how you see the world—and how the world sees you. For me, that realization came during my time of being homeless. Society often views the homeless as lazy, trashy, or a burden, but the truth is, it can happen to anyone.
I know this firsthand. During my nights sleeping on trains, I met people who once had it all but lost everything—wealthy individuals brought down by a bad investment or by trusting the wrong people. It sounds cliché, but homelessness is something you never imagine facing until suddenly you’re there—alone, embarrassed, and at your lowest point. That shame pushes you to isolate yourself, while the constant fight to survive leaves you restless and drained. On top of it all, the depression can easily pull you deeper into a rabbit hole that feels impossible to escape.
People often say, “Just get a job and find a place to live.” If it were that simple, there would be no homeless population. I had two jobs at the time, but without a rental history, credit, or even being much older than a teenager, finding housing wasn’t easy.
At some point, I made a decision: I never wanted to feel that way again. I worked harder, shifted my mindset, and focused not just on surviving each day, but on building a way out. I kept both of my jobs and started an art side hustle—selling illustrations and painting murals for private homes.
That experience is the reason I create morning videos and write books meant to inspire. When you’ve lived through the judgment of people who never bothered to know your story, you understand the pain it causes—and you don’t want others to feel it.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When it came to music, I stayed committed. I went from playing in a KISS tribute band to creating my own original project, ReVolt.
Like many creatives, though, I unintentionally put my own dreams on hold for the comfort of a steady paycheck in a career I enjoyed. For me, that happened while working in the toy industry. Don’t get me wrong—I truly loved my time with Art Asylum Toys. But at the end of the day, we were polishing and giving away great ideas to existing brands. We did incredible work for bands like KISS, Rob Zombie, Ozzy, and Iron Maiden, as well as iconic franchises such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel, and DC.
I understand what it takes to build a brand from the ground up—I face that challenge every day with my own creations like Rock N Roll Brat and The Kids, Draculos, and Super Group Go. Still, I can’t help but think I might have been further along if I had focused solely on developing my own ideas from the start. But dreams cost money, and sometimes you have to do what it takes to keep the lights on while funding your goals
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Being Our True Selves
Living authentically means choosing what truly benefits your life—and with that choice often comes many goodbyes. But remember, letting go makes room for what is real.
Authenticity is not about being rude or unkind; it is about being genuine. The people who stay in your life are there because they choose you. Be grateful for those who see your light and want to share their time with you.
Too many hide behind masks, living only to impress or “peacock” for others. But if you cannot be your true self around those who say they care for you, then they are not your true friends.
Real freedom is found when you stop performing for the world and start living as you
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
The Sacrifices of Following Your Heart
Chasing your dreams comes with peaks and valleys.
The highs are incredible—you feel unstoppable.
The lows, however, can weigh heavily on your psyche.
Entrepreneurs often give up comforts that others take for granted.
There’s a peace of mind that comes with a steady 9–5, and while there’s nothing wrong with that path, it isn’t for everyone. For us, the work never truly stops. Even in moments of rest, our minds race with ideas.
Money becomes less about spending and more about investing—always looking toward the next project.
Relationships also become more complex. You need someone who can stand by you during the toughest times, just as much as they celebrate with you at the peak of success.
We make these sacrifices to unlock our full potential, to create opportunities that reflect who we truly are.
But through it all, balance is key. It’s not easy—it’s a difficult juggling act. Yet if you can master it, the reward is a deeply fulfilling life
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/los_espada_art
Image Credits
Mark Dalton of Dalton Images
