Local Business Spotlight | Erica Flores
NAME
Erica Flores
COMPANY
Healing Harmonies, LLC
POSITION
Founder + CEO
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?
14.5 years
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
An individual who has a physiological, psychological, physical, and/or spirtual need or desire for growth and is highly motivated by art or music. Understands the purpose of our services and values them.
HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK?
I grew up in a musical family and have been singing and playing piano since I was young. I always found such joy in helping people and have been fascinated in learning about the human body. Being a music therapist combines all of these passions. I attended multiple colleges and majored in many therapeutic fields (Occupational, physical, recreational, psychology, etc) before I learned about music therapy. I said I'll give it a whirl and if it doesn't work, I'm waitressing the rest of my life! Thankfully it worked and I always say I found my soul mate for a profession. It only took me four colleges and 7 years!
WHAT IS A BIG MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?
It's not the same as being a music educator, volunteer, or entertainer. Music Therapy requires an actual degree in music therapy and passing a board certification. It is an allied health profession that collaborates with other educational and medical disciplines.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love to see the power of music or art therapy in action. To see how it touches people and transforms them on so many levels. I also love leading a team that finds joy in the same and can reach more than myself alone.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Be patient! It takes a while to build up your toolbox and to really feel like you're getting the hang of it. That's normal! Also, be patient with advocacy. It's okay that others don't always understand. They didn't go to school for this. You did.
WHAT one BOOK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
Necessary Endings, by Henry Cloud
WHAT HOBBIES, SPORTS, PASTIMES DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Watch sports (go Pack and Brewers!), watch my son play soccer, cook, exercise, yoga, play music, go see live music
WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
On a cruise to the Caribbean.
WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
a teacher
CONTACT ERICA HERE:
WEBSITE
www.hhmusictherapy.com
PHONE
262.289.1022
