In the pulsating heart of New York City’s music scene, three young women are redefining the art of DJing with their infectious energy and genre-blending sets. Meet Las Flaquitas, the dynamic trio composed of Jessica Gjoza, Kaila Burke-Ozuna, Tatiana Varchola, who have built their brand from underground parties to some of the city’s most sought-after venues. What started as a shared love for music has transformed into a movement, amplifying their voices in an industry that too often sidelines women behind the decks.
Through late-night practice sessions, self-taught mixing techniques, and a relentless drive to carve out space in a male-dominated field, Las Flaquitas have cultivated a signature style that bridges hip-hop, house, reggaeton, and everything in between. Their rise isn’t just about beats and bass—it’s about community, representation, and the undeniable power of music to bring people together. Now, with a growing following and big plans ahead, they’re ready to take their sound to even greater heights.
GU: How did you all meet and what led to forming Las Flaquitas?
Las Flaquitas: We met during our Freshman year of high school in 2013 and have been close friends since then. In the summer of 2022, our friend Sarina had us DJ her birthday party, and it was our first time ever on the decks; we then played at the 2nd year anniversary party for LAAMS a month later. Later that same year, when we moved to the Dominican Republic and began practicing with local DJs, we felt a pull to do this together seriously. ‘Flaquita’ is a Spanish term for skinny/slim girl- we hear ‘flaquita’ here in New York or in D.R. It felt like the perfect name for us.
GU: What has the journey been like navigating the NYC music scene?
Las Flaquitas: We returned from the Dominican Republic at the beginning of 2023 and played 6-hour shifts at Pianos on low-key nights, continuing to practice the craft. We had people just dance while we experimented and fucked up. That was an important time to get comfortable back in the city. In the spring, we officially began to get booked under Las Flaquitas, and we made an Instagram account for people to catch us specifically at different parties. We thank many of our DJ friends who put us on bills while we were still establishing ourselves. NY is our home, and we are shown the same love we have for our city—very reciprocal energy.
GU: How has music impacted your lives individually and as a group?
Las Flaquitas: Music is a strong foundation in all our lives. We feel fortunate to have grown up in homes where music played loudly and gave us a sense of our own cultures. Jessica, specifically, has sung since she was young. She went to Laguardia High School for vocals, and she’ll be putting out her own music soon. Overall, though, our genuine love for music and the way it can blend time and cultures is why we get to call this our job.
GU: What career highlight do you guys look back on and think, “Wow, did that really happen?”
Las Flaquitas: Boiler Room in July 2024 at Brooklyn Mirage. Wow, a beautiful lineup, and getting that initial email just felt reassuring, like okay, we’re doing something right.
GU: What’s next for Las Flaquitas?
Las Flaquitas: We want to travel to different countries and expand the music we know and play. That’s always been our dream. We want to open for some of our favorite artists, go on tour and play at a festival, and start exploring music production. And keep all your eyes out for a series we’re starting in the spring.
GU: What advice would you give to young people looking to enter music or start DJing?
Las Flaquitas: Do it. Go to a pirate studio and play around. Look for music outside your own world. Be curious, and don’t ask yourself for perfection. We’re still at the beginning of learning ourselves.