We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Funes and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexandra, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance is crucial, yet often challenging to achieve. Initially, I believed that dedicating all my focus to work was the key to success. However, I learned that without a proper balance, even minor setbacks can have unexpected consequences due to an unstable foundation.
A friend once shared a valuable analogy: he likened life to a building. A weak foundation and lack of support can lead to collapse as you build upward. On the other hand, by maintaining balance, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and prioritizing physical and mental well-being, the structure remains resilient even as it grows. This perspective has guided me to prioritize a holistic approach to life, ensuring a stable foundation for sustained success.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a music composer for mixed media, primarily focusing on film and TV. What sets my art apart is its explorative nature; my approach can get a bit abstract, but it keeps me centered; I’m unafraid of experimenting with unconventional ideas—blending genres and instruments no matter the world they live in. I embrace the role of bringing unique ideas to life without judgment, allowing inspiration to flow freely. I enjoy imagining my music as a shadow that’s present in the scene; reacting to the energy in the room.
Professionally, I got to where I am by saying ‘yes’ and embracing the courage to try. The key is always to be open to opportunities without a rigid agenda. That being said, it hasn’t been an easy journey, given the competitiveness of the industry. Standing out is crucial, and the pressure is constant. Overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily challenge, but I’ve learned to ignore it and keep pushing forward.
The journey is filled with rejections and a few precious ‘yeses’ that bring immense joy. What matters most is staying in the race, continuously pushing to improve, and embracing discipline as a guiding principle. A significant lesson learned is to never give up and to keep close ties with friends who provide support during tough times. Learning from others, practicing, listening, and staying open to change are crucial aspects of growth in this field.
With my company, Abstract Forms Studios, I uphold three principles: versatility, humanity, and commitment. In a world that is becoming less human, I focus on maintaining a meaningful collaboration process from day one. This is a truly collaborative experience, and I strive to ensure it feels like one, inherently tying into the commitment aspect. Versatility is a key pillar, as I embrace ideas without judgment — if it can be imagined, I am dedicated to making it come to life.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m based in New York City, so if a friend visited for a week, we’d visit my favorite places: Dumbo, Williamsburg, and Soho. We’d explore different restaurants and coffee shops. I would also take them to thrift shops in Williamsburg, check out the carousel in Dumbo, spend a day at the MET, walk around Central Park and visit Washington Square Park. New York City offers so much, and I am sure we would not run out of things to do and explore.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I firmly believe that success is a collective effort, and I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible support system guiding me through every step of my journey. My heartfelt shoutout goes to my family, whose unwavering support I can never fully comprehend. I am also grateful to my mentors, who pushed me when I doubted myself. And last but not least, my amazing friends—who have witnessed both my best and worst moments—never finding reasons to judge or bringing me down. I feel blessed to be surrounded by people whose love and support enrich my life. That being said, I am committed to reciprocating the same level of support to them whenever needed.
Website: https://www.alexandrafunesmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrafunesmusic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-funes/