Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

All of my flamenco teachers and artists from the former generations who suffered in wars, discriminations, racisms, poverty, disasters , abusive relationships and economical difficulties. If they didn’t continue pursuing art, we don’t have what we have in this society today. That makes me keep on going to push through any harsh circumstances which we’re facing now. Especially my maestra Farruca who lost her husband long time ago, and Angelita Vargas who suffered from abuses.

How do you stay motivated?

After 18 years of marriage with a husband who was severely alcoholic, depressed, verbally abusive, and his passing in March 2022, I felt flamenco navigated me through grief and depression. I lost my love for classic ballet at the age 18 and I was suicidal in Tokyo. Flamenco literally saved my life then, and after his death once again. Now I have nothing to lose but giving this art back to the community, and I know it’ll help them heal. To spread the power of Flamencura in US is my mission.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d love to have a space for the community to get together and enjoy art of flamenco more casually and frequently. To do that, either a dance studio or tablao (restaurant with live flamenco shows) would be great. Or get a big boat like our former generation of flamencos in Triana used to do to avoid conflicts with the control by the oppressors. I’d love to be able to provide more jobs for local artists and encourage the next generations to peruse art, music, and dance.