Meet Natalie Perez Flores | Mother & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Perez Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Children will always have their own temperaments but they do learn by example and I am that example for Valerie everyday, so one of the most important things I have done as a parent is look in the mirror and evaluate my own evolvement. I try my best to be better, speak better and show my daughter through my actions and words, the morals and values I wish for her to have and carry forever. I try not to take each moment to seriously and enjoy the swinging of the pendulum because she is constantly changing and well, so am I.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up in a very musical home. My sister, Jennifer was an aspiring singer, my brother Alex, was a drummer/Dj and my brother Kris played it all. I loved to sing and spent most of my days singing in my living room with my sister to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and my favorite Lauryn Hill, “Joyful Joyful” in the movie Sister Act. Lord knows how many times I rewound that VHS, now thinking back I’m surprised it worked for so long. lol

In High School I joined a Performing Arts Production (PAP) Group and I went from jamming in my living room to singing live on a stage in-front of half my school. I will never forget my first performance. I was so nervous I forgot my heels in the dressing room and the band had to stall so I could run back and get them. My adrenaline was racing from running back and forth that I didn’t even have time to think and before I knew it I was on stage, the song started, Blackstreet “Don’t Leave Me Girl” and I was singing like if nothing. It was amazing and I wanted to do it again and again. Like riding a rollercoaster for the first time, you just just can’t get enough. It was the highlight of my Junior and Senior year, but even then I never dreamt of making a career out of music. Actually, I was studying to be a Physician Assistant when I got out of High School but then in April of 2005 my brother, Alex suddenly passed away and life quickly changed. My parents didn’t exactly follow the traditional silent mourning arrangements and instead my mom suggested I ask my friends from PAP to perform in Alex’s memory. So, we did just that. With the help of my amazingly talented friends we played all kinds of music to honor Alex. Songs by Coldplay, Eminem, Damian Rice, Fleeywood Mac, you name it. As long as it made someone in the family think of Alex it made the cut. It was our new tradition, a Celebration of life for our favorite Dj, Dj Justice.

One particular year we performed at Transit Lounge, a local bar that is today known as Blackbird and a couple came up to me to ask us how much I charge and I replied, “three hundred dollars?” Lol I had no clue what the cost of a 9-piece band was but I realized in that moment that I didn’t want to just perform once a year, I wanted to perform all the time and make money doing it. So my friends and I gave it a shot. We took some professional photos, gave ourselves a name, Just Us, in honor of Alex and we began performing for free around town. My parents were our biggest fans and bought us our first rig and studio gear. Anyone that knows me, knows my mom and dad, they are always front row in the audience. We performed at places like Upa and the Vagabond. However, Just Us was short lived because our drummer, Yahoteh was leaving back to New York.

Around the same time I was transferring from MDC to Barry University and happened to walk into the music department instead of the medical building and I took that as a sign to switch my major to music. A year and a half later I graduated with my bachelors in Music, specializing in Voice and could finally understand the music language a little better. That same year, 2009, Alex’s birthday came around again and I found myself struggling to get my friends together for the show, so I called my friend Rafael Sangiovanni and he suggested some new musicians. The new members surprised the hell out of me. I had sent out a song list for them to learn and those guys came into rehearsal playing every tune like rockstars. God is so amazing! The diversity in our repertoire that year was loud. We went from Boleros to Hip-Hop to Rock-N-Roll to Latin Rock and Disco and these guys made each transition sound seamless. January, 5th of 2009 SUO was born. A few months later we recorded a demo and were called for our first gig at the Rockshop in Miami Beach. One gig turned into two, three, four. Then we weren’t only performing at bars like Bougies or Sunset Tavern on the regular, we were being called for wedding and corporates gigs. It was growing rather quickly and along the way I began expanding my services. I was offering uplights and photo-booths and calling on some friends to Dj. After I became a mom, I started hiring other bands or singers to perform with SUO. This kept the brand alive and allowed me to enjoy my daughter. I’m very grateful to be surrounded with such amazing singers and musicians it makes it easy to branch out and keep my clients happy.

Singing has opened many opportunities for me and taken me around the world. I have performed throughout the United States, in Canada, Paris and even Morocco. When I’m not singing I am teaching piano and voice privately or at Carrollton in Coconut Grove. So much for music not being a career huh. lol

I believe what sets SUO apart from other cover bands is the diversity in the repertoire and the way I personalize shows for my clients. Its been years and I still sit down before my shows and build the setlist just like I did for Alex’s birthdays.

At times running the band and balancing life has been challenging, but I remind myself to take my time and enjoy the process along the way. Challenges help us grow and open new doors so why not embrace them.

Covid was a hard time for the industry and sent me into an emotional spiral but luckily my family and friends inspired me to not give up and find different ways to keep the music alive. As well, my father gave me a great opportunity to expand his Pest Control business and since Covid I work with him part time. Ends up the bug life is pretty interesting and I really enjoy the science behind it, plus I get to bond with my dad more often then I used to. If you have Termites or Bug Issues check Advanced Pest Solutions. Charlie Perez is the bug doctor and I’m his PA.

Along the way I have learned that not one idea looks the same or is expressed the same from one person to another, so its important to listen, respect opinions and learn not to take things too seriously or personal. Life and people are constantly changing so it’s important to be flexible, resourceful and never give up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with lunch at Versailles because they have amazing service, their Cuban food is the bomb and the prices are reasonable. Then we would head to South Point to hang out by the water and catch the gorgeous Sunset. We would head back home to freshen up and have a small Getty at house. Nothing like catching up with old friends, playing Taboo and just laying low.

Day two we would head to the Keys. If you are in Miami, you have to visit the Florida Keys. As soon as you pass the stretch it’s like a weight is lift off your shoulders and life is just peaceful and simple. We would head to my Sunset Grill for brunch and then hit the sand bar with the fam-jam. At night we would sit outside by the water and catch up some more while the sound of chimes brush the air and stars fill up the night.

Day three we would have breakfast at the house then head to back into Miami. Lunch/Dinner would be ether Pubbelly, Ghee or ABrooklyn Pizza by Dadeland. All amazing food. Later we would head out to The Gibson to hear some live music and drink the finest cocktails in town. The Gibson makes you think you are in a different city. It’s super dope.

Day four we would head to the park for a morning workout/stretch and chill while the kids play in the playground. Then head to El Rancho Grande in Kendall to eat the most amazing Mexican food not to mention the have the cutest puppy shop 4 doors down. Why not fall in love with a puppy before you leave Miami? At night we would head to Birdbowl for a family game night.

Day five we would sleep in and then hang by the pool while I BBQ some burgers. At night we would head to Bougies or Magic 13 to hear great live music. I love the atmosphere at both of these venues and the vibe is always welcoming and super chill.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to thank God for all the blessings in my life. For my family, my health, my achievements, and the love that surrounds me. I want to thank my beautiful wife for inspiring me to go after my art and for shining light on my most challenging days. I couldn’t do it without you. To my mother and father, thank you for always believing in me, supporting me and teaching me to balance work and living it up all at the same time. You guys are the catalyst to my entrepreneurship and have helped me pave the road I’m on today. And last but not least, to my daughter Valerie, thank you for choosing me and Mami to guide you and share life with you. You are my biggest achievement and continue to inspire me to be a better person everyday.

Website: Bandsuo.com

Instagram: Bandsuo

Linkedin: Natalie Perez

Facebook: Band SUO

Yelp: Band SUO

Youtube: Band SUO

Image Credits
Photo 1 – Santos Rodriguez 2 – Rosamaria Perez 3 – Rosamaria Perez 4 – Jennifer Arcila 5 – Her Perspective Photography 6 – Rosamaria Perez 7 – Paul Hoyle 8 – Rosamaria Perez 9 – Her Perspective Photography 10 – Rosamaria Perez Headshot – Her Perspective Photography