Daily Inspiration: Meet Lillyflor Del Valle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillyflor Del Valle.

Hi Lillyflor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music had always been an important part of my life. I started singing as a very young child and all through high school I was in choir and marching band (tenor and Alto sax). I left music behind after graduation but 10 years ago, I was given the opportunity to be a summer intern through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission at Tia Chucha Press (the publishing branch of Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural, located in the Sylmar, California), Part of their programming included a Son Jarocho workshop which I took and immediately fell in love. Through that workshop, I was introduced to a practice which incorporated writing, singing and dancing into a musical art form-centering commUNITY. I found a place where I could write the stories I carry with me as a first-generation Salvadoreña and mother. In 2016, I finally gave myself permission to share these stories publicly on stage (a dream I’d had since I was a child) and that’s how Lillyflor y Los Compas came to be. Along the way, I’ve made lifelong friends and collaborated with amazing musicians from the LA area who have made priceless contributions to the music. I owe so much to all the Compas past and present for holding it down while I share what grows in my heart.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle I’ve had faced is self-doubt. That impostor Syndrome is real and being a woman in this predominantly male-centered scene also has its challenges. What I’ve found most helpful over the years is the confidence to trust my vision and stay true to myself without comparing myself to others. In diving deeply into my creative energy I’ve been able to define who I am as an artist, what I want to say, and how I want to share it with the world. It hasn’t been an easy road but the journey is just as important as the destination and I’m still walking toward that horizon.

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?
In my professional life, I do tax prep and bookkeeping for small businesses. That kind of work sort of fell into my lap and I’m fortunate to be able to work from home and on my terms. January through April is the busiest time of the year for me. It’s a totally different environment from music but I like to be able to switch gears between both worlds.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I feel like having an open mind and heart when meeting people is a great way of establishing long-lasting connections and building a network. It’s also important to trust your instincts because not everyone you meet is genuine. As you work on your craft, you come across people who are creatively compatible with you. Often times those connections feel effortless and the exchange feels mutual rather than one-sided. Como dicen por alli, “Go where you are celebrated.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillyfloryloscompas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillyfloryloscompas/