Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Lemus
Hi Daniela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Cuba. I moved to the United States in 2013 at 19 years old. I started my music studies when I was six because my parents noticed my interest in music since I was a toddler. I was classically trained in both violin and piano. Even though music education in Cuba is very strict and requires a lot of sacrifices since an early age, I had countless positive experiences, and I am grateful I was able to study in two amazing music conservatories. I continued my music education after moving to the U.S and I developed an interest in the world of mental health as well. As a consequence, I obtained a bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Miami and a dual masters degree in Clinical Social Work and Public Health at Florida International University.
I performed at a wedding for the first time when I was ten years old and I instantly knew I was going to be doing it for the rest of my life. I always enjoyed performing and creating art to showcase to other people. I started performing at private events in Miami in 2014, while still adapting to a new country, language, and going to school. I always strive to give my best at every single performance because I value the confidence people put in my work. I truly believe people can sense my passion for what I do when they see me playing, reason why I have grown as a professional, creating a business that now offers personalized and unique artistic experiences.
My experience working as both a musician and a mental health professional have strengthened my belief of music having an incredible impact in people, and communities in general. Music unifies, warms the heart, lifts spirits, and makes us more humans. I take every opportunity I have to gift my music to people that I think might benefit from it. That is why I have performed in hospice care centers, in hospitals for children receiving cancer treatment, for children with special needs, and in every mental health center I have worked at.
I am currently working on taking my business to the next level. I am developing myself as a performer by learning new skills such as aerial and incorporating music from all over the world to my repertoire. I also count with a great team of performers to create the most special moments for events such as weddings, corporate, brand launching and groundbreaking events, among others. I am also working on the first steps of a project that will incorporate both the work of music and mental health because I want to continue doing my best to improve people’s life through my music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My career has been a challenging road, but I would not change a thing from it. As a child, I had to learn about sacrifice, discipline, effort since I started in the music conservatory at the age of eight. Then moving to the United States was the most difficult time. I was discouraged by many people that tried to convince me I was not going to be able to have a career as a violinist in Miami. I did not have anyone experienced to guide me, so I had to make several mistakes, knock on many doors, and work very hard in order to develop as a professional. Of course, something I can gratefully say is that I have always had the support of my family that believe in me and give me support and strength.
I became a mother three years ago and I doubted I was going to be able to be both a good mother and an entrepreneur, reason why I stopped performing for two years. Thankfully, my husband encouraged me to resume my performances and it has been the best decision ever because performing has become a need for me. My husband and my family support me to continue to develop as a professional while raising my beautiful son, Luka. I feel proud and happy every time he watches my videos and with a big smile says ” Esa es mami!”. I would like to take this opportunity to tell other mothers that are, or are working towards becoming entrepreneurs, that they are way stronger than what they think, that what they do is admirable, and they should be very proud of themselves.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional violinist, and I perform in every type of events. I perform at weddings, corporate, groundbreaking, brand launch events, among others. My repertoire goes from classical pieces to EDM, House Music, Bollywood, and Latin music. I am proud of having been able to perform with artists such as Flo Rida, Il Divo, Matthew Morrison, Tini, and Alan Cumming. I have been also hired to perform for Lamborghini, Messika, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, and other important brands. It also makes me very proud to be able to know hire and couch other performers that, as me, are working towards an entrepreneurial career. Lastly, and most importantly, I am very proud of having taken my career to a higher level while taking career of my sweet little boy. It reminds me women can do anything they set their mind to do.
What sets me apart from other is my energy and vulnerability when performing. People have mentioned to me that I am able to transmit emotions and feelings not only through the music itself but through my body language and facial expressions. I have a strong passion for what I do and I give my best in every single performance. I enjoy dancing very much so you will always see me dance, jump, and smile while I play. I believe I am a musician and an entertainer, so I strive to raise the energy of the listeners, to make them smile, and to create a positive and happy environment wherever I perform.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis was definitely a challenging time for all. During the crisis I worked as both a musician and a mental health professional. Covid-19 reinforced my beliefs about the music being essential for the soul. I used my music to send messages of hope and positive thoughts to the community and I received very positive feedback. I was also part of projects that blended the performance of musicians from around the world into one recording. These reminded me of the fact that music unites humans being and is universal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danielarlemus.webflow.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danyviolinist/
Image Credits
Pictures 1,2, and 3 – May Reguera Studio
Picture 4 – Jose Couceiro
Picture 5- Jose Cuello
Picture 6- Ariel Cuello
