Meet Rebecca Salazar | Sundown Sounds Event organizer and COTA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Salazar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Sundown Sounds was really about blending two important parts of my life. I came from the nightlife and entertainment world, running an event company—but as a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, I’ve also developed a deep passion for health and wellness. I wanted to create something that honored both sides: a space where people could enjoy movement, music, and connection—without it having to happen late at night. As a mom and wife, my priorities and schedule shifted, so it was important to design events that still had the energy and vibe of nightlife but at a time that aligned better with my lifestyle. Sundown Sounds lets me merge my professional experience in wellness with my creative roots in entertainment, and I think that’s what makes it so special

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey has been anything but linear, but every part of it has been driven by my passion for helping people feel better—whether through health, movement, or music. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I knew I wanted to be in the health field, and that led me to becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). I started the program, but life had other plans I got pregnant and had to pause for a year. Coming back and finishing the program was challenging, but it also gave me an even deeper sense of purpose.

Now, I’ve been working in neurorehabilitation for over a year and a half, helping patients recover from strokes and brain injuries. What’s beautiful is that I get to bring elements of yoga, mindfulness, and movement into my sessions tools that have healing power far beyond the physical.

At the same time, I’ve spent over 12 years in the nightlife and entertainment scene as a gogo dancer. After becoming a mom, I stepped away from performing, but my love for music, dance, and community never left. That’s what inspired me to create my brand, Sundown Sounds a fusion of wellness, movement, and the energy of nightlife, but reimagined in a way that fits my life now as a mom and a professional.

What sets me apart is that I don’t believe you have to choose between creativity and caregiving, between nightlife and wellness, or between being a mother and being a dreamer. My story and my brand is about bringing it all together and creating spaces where others can feel the same freedom and joy

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Dallas for a week, I’d want to give them a mix of immersive experiences and a taste of the cultural richness that makes this area so special. We’d start with something fun and artistic like Rainbow Vomit or Sweet Tooth Hotel, both really vibrant and interactive spaces. And of course, we’d spend a full day at Meow Wolf it’s a completely surreal, immersive art experience that’s hard to describe until you see it yourself.

In between all that, I’d introduce them to some of my favorite local spots that reflect the cultural diversity here. We’d grab traditional Yemeni coffee or a cardamom latte from Qahwah House or Ibex Coffee in Richardson. For food, we’d hit Eddie’s Euro Mart for fresh Bosnian cevapi and burek it’s such a hidden gem. We’d also stop for Mediterranean at Afrah or Dimassi’s, or even grab Turkish pastries and coffee at Simit & Poacha.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my husband and daughter. Their love support, and patience have meant everything to me. My husband has been my sounding board through every new idea and late night brainstorm and always encouraging me to chase my goals. My daughter is a constant source of inspiration, she reminds me why I’m building something that blends purpose, passion, and balance. They’ve both played such a huge role in helping me bring my vision to life and I’m so grateful for them

Website: https://addmi.com/b/sundown-sounds.-O4NKtP-oiE1kjp3wINO/events

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundownsounds1?igsh=MnZ6d2lzdm95NjRz&utm_source=qr