When You Feel Like Giving Up, Keep Creating, Keep Expressing | Sonia Barcelona | TEDxLasVegas

She wrote a song on her iPhone in 20 minutes, released it, and moved on. Years later, at a moment when she was questioning whether she could keep going as an artist, that same song landed in a Netflix series.
Las Vegas musician and photographer Sonia Barcelona takes the TEDxLasVegas stage for a live performance woven through three lessons from her creative journey: believe in yourself, know where you come from, and keep expressing. Through “Cinnamon Skin,” “Indian Girl,” and “Heart Station,” she shares the real story behind becoming an artist, from imposter syndrome and family roots to grief, creative block, community, and finding her voice again.
For anyone who has ever wondered if their art matters, Sonia’s story is a reminder: you never know where something you create today might lead, who it might reach, or when it might come back and remind you to keep going. Sonia Barcelona is a Las Vegas-based artist, musician, and photographer whose work bridges music, photography, and visual arts. Named Best of Las Vegas and with music featured on Netflix, Sonia’s creativity is shaped by her multicultural upbringing as an Indian and Filipino artist in the diverse environment of the city she calls her home. Sponsored by Gibson, her journey is a testament to the power of storytelling, collaboration, and self-expression.

Her widely streamed song Heart Station reflects her belief that creativity is both an act of self-discovery and an act of bravery. Sonia finds inspiration not only in her environment but also in innovation–using technology to produce, record, and bring her musical ideas to life. Whether through music, photography, or community-driven projects, she constantly seeks new ways to connect, experiment, and uplift others through her art. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx