This month’s People of GigSalad spotlight features musician Maira Solis — teacher, musician, and director of Mariachi Tierra Mia. From navigating early obstacles to building a thriving ensemble with over 200 gigs booked through GigSalad, Maira’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of community.
Becoming a mariachi performer and director
As a second-generation immigrant, the road wasn’t always easy, but the music never stopped calling. With the support of people who saw her potential before she could fully see it herself, Maira carved out a path that’s entirely her own.
The power of passion and community
Maira reflected on the challenges she and her family faced from the very beginning. “We didn’t have a lot of resources. We grew up in a studio home. There were six of us, so that was very tumultuous.” However, Maira found her outlet in music — and, crucially, she found people who recognized her gift. “I had a really great village of people that saw something in me, believed in me, and pushed me,” she said. Although she couldn’t afford a choir dress, lessons, or being in the orchestra, her dedication spoke for itself. Maira said, “…they saw that I went every single Saturday, and they let me go. They saw that I really enjoyed being there, and they didn’t take that from me.”
While in high school, Maira was paired with Nancy Josephson through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Nancy’s investment in Maira’s future would prove life-changing. “She was very adamant about making sure that I went into college. She paid for 18 of my college applications, my SAT prep, and the test,” Maira said. “Her help was very pivotal in helping me get into Occidental College. I got a full ride from it.”
Music, motherhood, and Mariachi Tierra Mia
While attending grad school in 2016, Maira became pregnant with her first daughter. Motherhood shifted her perspective in a powerful way. “I’m a mother, so my schedule is not free all the time anymore, so I need to find a way to make income. That’s where the idea of Mariachi Tierra Mia came about,” she said.
In addition to performing and directing the mariachi group, Maira has worked as a teacher, striving to give students opportunities she never had. “I feel that as a teacher, my way of giving back is with my students….every time I see them, I realize, like, man, these kids need a lot of love, so I try to do the best I can, to offer a little sprinkling of that.”
For Maira, success is something far bigger than any single achievement. “I think success is something that’s ongoing. It feels successful as a mom because, even though I have my good and bad days, I know they feel loved constantly, and for me, that makes me feel successful.”
Using GigSalad
Since joining GigSalad in 2016 with Mariachi Tierra Mia, Maira has been booked for over 200 gigs through the platform, earning numerous positive reviews and growing her business. Reflecting on the impact GigSalad has had on her career, she describes it as a game-changer — one that has opened doors, built her client base, and given her business the legitimacy it deserves.
GigSalad: How has GigSalad made it easier to book gigs?
Maira Solis: GigSalad has made it easier for me to book gigs by just offering a platform that makes it easy for both the clients and the vendors to communicate and book. Both parties are protected. Everything’s pretty clear as day. All you have to do as a vendor is outline your quote, and they can accept it or decline it. You don’t have to do a lot of back-and-forth unless you want to, but it makes the booking process a lot more efficient and easier.
GS: How does GigSalad support you?
MS: GigSalad supports my business because it offers a platform where I feel that I’m a legitimate performer. There are a lot of sites out there where customers can leave a review even if they have not hired you. When people look at my profile on GigSalad, they’re looking at reviews that are actually from clients who have hired us.
GS: How has GigSalad helped you grow?
MS: It has definitely changed my life and opened my band up to different opportunities that I would never have thought of. It has allowed me to grow as a leader, as a band, and as a business.
GS: How is GigSalad different from other booking sites?
MS: If you are a vendor, you are gonna place yourself in a platform that will allow you to expand and build a reliable client base, which is very important. If you’re a client, you’ll be able to find different vendors that will suit your needs in a platform that’s very safe and secure for you.
GS: What do you want people to know about GigSalad?
MS: When you hire a musician on GigSalad, you’re hiring someone who’s very invested in their craft and wants to deliver the best version of themselves. I know for Mariachi Tierra Mia, every time we get a gig on GigSalad, it’s kind of like this rush of excitement. When you’re on that platform as a vendor, there’s more incentive to be the best version of yourself. That’s why I think people should gravitate towards it.
✨ Looking for more inspiration? Check out last month’s People of GigSalad spotlight with burlesque dancer Harley Harpurr!
Maira’s story is a reminder that passion and community are two crucial pieces to success. She has built something truly worth celebrating — not just for herself, but for every student she mentors and every audience she moves. Whether you’re looking to book a show-stopping mariachi experience or searching for your own stage to shine on, Mariachi Tierra Mia is ready to bring the music — and GigSalad is ready to make it happen. 🎶💚
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.