This week’s Farmer Focus is on senior Santiago Mahecha, who shares a love for both theater and choir, and runs a small business selling accessories on the side to go with outfits.
SNAPSHOTS
Favorite song: ‘Tormento’ by Mon Laferte
Favorite hobbies: Singing, drawing, writing, being an entrepreneur
Breakfast for lunch or lunch for breakfast: Breakfast for lunch
Favorite month: October
Fashion trend you prefer: Skinny jeans
ZOOMING IN
Q: How did you get started with choir?
A: “At first, it was a little complicated because [of] the language barrier. I liked choir in middle school; just the feeling of singing was something that resonated with me, but when I got to high school, it was a completely different feeling. I felt part of something bigger, part of a community.”
Q: What things do you love about choir?
A: “I love everything about choir. I love singing and the simple fact of just being around people who harmonize with you, not just in a musical way but in a mental way. It’s a community that resonates with me a lot. I met a lot of people there who have helped me [with what I] can’t overcome [on my own].”
Q: From all the concerts you’ve been in, what specific concert is your favorite?
A: “I really loved my first fall concert freshman year. It was a completely new experience. It was something unique and iconic. It brought so much emotion to myself. I felt I was part of something.”
Q: What theater plays have you been in, and which one is your favorite?
A: “I’ve only been in ‘Beauty and the Beast before this year,’ in which I was Gaston. I love it because of [me] singing and performing for the first time. It awakened something bigger in me I didn’t know I had.”
Q: How do you handle stage fright?
A: “The first step is noticing you have stage fright. It’s not something you change or will get out with; you will always feel anxious. If you’re anxious or nervous before a performance, it’s totally normal. It’s something that you as a human has, it’s not something you [can] change, ever. But I just think of the fact that I have stage fright, I don’t let that get in my head and make me mess up.”
Q: What motivated you to audition for ‘Mamma Mia!?’
A: “Something that motivated me is the simple fact of belonging and playing a role I have never experienced before. I’m very passionate about it, so that’s something that also contributed.”
Q: Which other plays are you planning to audition for the season?
A: “I unfortunately quit theater at the beginning of this year because I want to graduate early. So, I unfortunately had to make a decision between wanting to graduate early or staying another year, which is not bad, but I just want to get it over with and work on something that fits me better.”
Q: What was your favourite memory that happened during theater?
A: “My first theater class ever was with Mr. Pizano in theater one. He created an environment where we could feel confident, secure and shape an environment of friendship and confidence.”
Q: What motivated you to open up your small business, Axy?
A: “I noticed I didn’t have any sort of income, and I haven’t gotten a formal job, but I worked with my dad because he’s a party recreationist. He goes to little kids’ parties and does all types of games [where] he entertains them. It’s something that affected me in a way; it’s something that inspired me and also something that influenced me with the hobbies I’m interested with.”
Q: If you could say what product is your favorite and why?
A: “I love necklaces, but sometimes I find them upsetting because if it doesn’t match with the outfit, I don’t [wear] it. Bracelets are a good way to incorporate something small. They’re very versatile for every for any type of aesthetic [and] any type of style”
Q: What were some of the difficulties you experienced while creating Axy?
A: “Since I started the business, I’ve struggled with time very much. I would often be so focused on finding the perfect idea to turn it into a post, [and] I would find myself not having anything done at the end. But overall, time is something I’ve wished I had more of, so I could spend it working and perfecting my business out.”
Q: What product is your best seller?
A: “At the beginning, [it] was rings, but it has decayed a little bit. Rings and bracelets are very versatile, which contributed to the fact many people buy them.”
Q: Where can people find you to view the catalog?
A: “It’s @hey.axy on Instagram and @hey.axy on TikTok to support small businesses.”
