Check Out Ezra Flores’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ezra Flores.

Hi Ezra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Ezra Flores and I hope this story inspires you.

I was a five-year-old girl living in my own little world. My parents were separated at such a young age that I never really had anyone to guide me except my feet. This passion led me to dancing.

Dance was my escape from the chaos around me. For a while, it was just my dad and I. He was a break dancer back in the day and I thought it was the coolest thing ever! My dad was an alcoholic. It was tough… I had to watch over my dad a lot. From there I met my mother again… I hadn’t known much about her. She was gone for the first three/four years of life. I moved in with her and my journey in Riverside began. I hated it. I felt alone.. confused… But then I would find myself dancing in my room. Releasing my frustrations. As I looked in the mirror, I noticed something beautiful…my movement. I knew I carried something special. Something I knew I couldn’t let go of and that was DANCE.

Living with my Mom was a very negative environment. It didn’t feel fair. I was very controlled. I didn’t feel supported nor loved. It was never about me or what my dreams were. Once I started High School, I thought to myself, “I’m going to join the dance team and prove to myself that I can do what makes me happy.” I auditioned and I made the team. After that, a fire lit up inside me and I just took off. After graduation, a huge transformation happened and I was able to move out of my mother’s home. I moved in with my aunt and enrolled in college. I was a double major in dance and business. It was going great. I joined a community dance team as well. Met amazing people who became my family. I trained so hard. I was working two jobs. Getting zero sleep. It wasn’t healthy. I ended up moving out of my aunt’s and couch-hopped around different cities. I slept in my car for about three weeks. I was figuring it out… As I trained in dance every day, I received an important email for a music video. I couldn’t believe my eyes. As I skimmed down I see “Daddy Yankee” I was nearly in tears because this was the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life. This was the start. Later, I saw auditions for an agency. I had no idea how to get professional headshots so I had a photographer friend who helped me. I went into the audition, gave it my all. Without hesitation, I MADE IT. That was the start of my dance journey. I got to work with amazing artists, go on tour, and meet the most amazing, talented, and humble human beings I had ever met.

I am now a mother of two. A one year old baby boy and a two-year-old babygirl. I have the most amazing and supportive partner I could ever ask for. I’m an owner of my at-home bakery! My dance journey is still going but as a mom, I had to take a step back for a year and focus on my babies, I’m now slowly getting back into the groove of my movement. I’m not giving up and I’m here to show my children and YOU, that just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to set your dreams aside. That just means you have to push harder and work harder. “never give up, stay inspired, and keep going.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, I struggled with A LOT of self-confidence. My mother was constantly putting me down and I was sexually abused as a child. I felt like I was in a constant battle Until I got a grip of myself and carried myself throughout the years. I didn’t give up… As much as I wanted to… I didn’t.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional dancer and an owner of an at-home bakery. Most importantly, I am a proud MEXICANA. I struggled so much but I also grew more than I can explain. My journey is still going and I am so proud to say that I am standing strong.

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?
Mental health is important!! GET THAT THERAPY.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: officialezramarie