Meet Flor Ana | Author, Poet & Co-Publisher

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

Hi Flor, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Sometimes finding the true balance between work and life is difficult. In fact, I think, when you own your own business or pursue a creative endeavor full-time, you never truly see that balance. Instead, I think it is about finding a ground where you feel your best, mentally and physically, and allowing yourself to find the most important priorities. Some days, those priorities will be solely life and reconnecting with yourself and loved ones. On other days, it is more strictly work. Everyone works differently, but for me, I have found this to be the best way to balance–by not necessarily balancing at all but flowing between the two in a way that keeps me passionate and feeling good.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a creative, and in more ways than one. I was the lead singer of a rock band for 10 years, and am currently focusing more on my literary creative side. I have published four poetry collections, am working on a magical realism novel, and do on-the-spot typewriter poetry at events across South Florida. I am also a co-publisher through my company Indie Earth Publishing, which helps writers publish their poetry and fiction.

I would say I got to where I am today professionally by following my heart and doing everything I do fully. It has definitely not been the easiest career path, but it honestly has felt extremely rewarding. I have made people feel so much emotion through my words, whether it was through my poetry books (which have found themselves in homes worldwide) or through the personalized poems I have written for people on my typewriter. It is also extremely rewarding to help other writers get their books published because, when I was first starting to publish my own books, I did not have a lot of help. Now I can provide that for others.

All of this has taught me that dreams do and can come true when you put in the work, and to be patient. Oftentimes, the road to your dreams is a long and winding one, but I can promise you that it is one that is worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many cool spots in Miami to check out! I would definitely say Wynwood is a must to check out if you’re a lover of the art scene. The beaches, any of them, really. For nature lovers, I highly recommend either of our national parks, and Oleta State Park and Kendall Indian Hammocks are some other favorites. When it comes to food, there are so many amazing places as well. For boba lovers, you must check out Say Tea & Smile. And if you’re looking for amazing Cuban food, Sergio’s is a favorite, but I truly love Puro Sazón Latino, which is a little more hidden. Also, Inari Sushi Fusion has amazing sushi as does SuViche! I can honestly go on when it comes to food, I even have a little food Instagram account created, @thefoodieflower.

Some other fun and interesting places to check out are definitely South Beach, Cauley Square, the Philip & Patricia Frost Museum, the Pérez Art Museum, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my dad–my parents, in general. My dad started his own business after we got to this country from Cuba and that has inspired me tremendously to find avenues in which I can work for myself and have something that is my own. If he wasn’t an entrepreneur and business owner, I’m not entirely sure I would have taken this route. Also, my parents’ support of my creative endeavors, as well as my readers’ support, has really pushed me to keep going. So, I want to dedicate this to them, all of them.

Website: direct.me/littleearthflower

Instagram: @littleearthflower

Image Credits
Anita Garbett