Why did you choose this business?I didn’t. It chose me.What is your business philosophy?Movement. Business is like a shark. If it doesn’t move, it dies. Also, you have to defend and practice integrity with your life and other people will too. Sometimes you will stand alone, but it’s ok. Standing alone has its benefits too. In this way, the knowledge becomes a philosophy of life. What is your or your company’s greatest asset?The people. I am not the most important person in my company Jesus Muñoz Flamenco or in Flamenco Works, Inc. I can easily say that the moms of Flamenco works, Joy Prieto, Deanna Tenorio, Evelyn Tinkerhoof and Patricia Morales will eventually be self-sustaining the vision. I can say that in my company, artists like Yosmel Montejo, Ismael Fernandez, Katumba, Israel Katumba, Guillermo Guillen, Mariano Morales, Ana Polanco and Anna Colom are equally as important to the company vision as I am. What are your strongest business traits?My friends and colleagues say I’m fearless. I don’t know if I agree completely. I just know I don’t fear the work, and I don’t fear starting all over from the beginning.What motivates you to succeed besides the desire to make money?As an artist, my work is really to reflect the times and add my grain of rice to affect positive change in the world. To do that, I start locally with my community first.What do you offer that the competition doesn’t?Our focus is children and youth, and encouraging them to dream and to move on to perform other places, or to stay in Albuquerque if they’d like. I would like to eventually integrate the kids into my own professional company. I’ve already performed in many of the country’s great theaters and with other established companies, I’d like to use my own connections to create that opportunity for these kids. Sometimes dance or arts can become insular. This model is not, that’s why I elected moms to lead the way, and have elected to be more of a guide. I asked them to create a wish list. Where do you see your child in five years? Where do they see themselves? Then, I, along with the flamenco moms, will help those kids get everywhere they want—and dream—to be.How do you maintain your competitive edge?I put on the flamenco boots. I may not have always been the best dancer, or had the greatest opportunities, but I’ve never feared doing the work. I will outwork anybody. Also, I’m grateful. I’ve realized what being grateful or lack of it can do to a situation. I always find a reason to be grateful. I preach and practice integrity. People don’t believe you if you just talk about it, you have to practice it.What do you think is the biggest obstacle in operating a successful business?Thinking globally, while acting locally. Also, not losing any quality or integrity while doing it.What was your best business decision?To start. We can’t possibly plan for all the things that might happen. Starting was the most important thing I’ve done.In what area of your business do you invest the most energy?I invest most of my energy in the art and the kids. If you had to choose another career or start another business what would it be?I’d sell hot dogs at baseball games. I imagine there are less politics.Do you have a hero or mentor—business or otherwise?As an artist, I get inspired by so many great artists. Three that I love are Andres Marin, Oruco and Juana Amaya. They’ve reached a level of humanity that is divine. In business, I’ve been mentored by the great Maria Benitez and Carlota Santana. As a teenager I would also study how the founder of the National Institute of Flamenco, Eva Encinias, would work in curriculum. All of them have something special to offer.Anything else you would like to add?Yes! Flamenco Works is presenting an amazing concert: Jesús Muñoz Flamenco: DREAM, on Thursday, March 22 at the KiMo Theatre. You all need to be there. It’s going to be amazing. On Saturday, March 24, from 2 to 5pm, we’ll have a Flamenco Works open house with music and food. Be at the concert and the open house!Why the concert DREAM?I want to reflect our times using Flamenco dance. I wanted to hear a child’s response to the question: "What does being American mean to you?" There is no right or wrong answer.
Business Profile: Flamenco Works, Inc.
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