Meet Andrea Flores | Massage Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Both discipline and curiosity. At a young age my father always made sure I always put in the effort and work for anything I participated and then some. He always mentions “you never know whose watching you, so always strive to do your best and beyond.” Curiosity comes easy as an extrovert, but learning how to network has turned my curiosity into a superpower by engaging in conversations with strangers with a deep intention to connect.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career as a massage therapist has been as linear as all the roots of a tree, all of them, everywhere. Not to say it has been difficult, but to share how all the parts of my life have prepared me to stay rooted in the passion that is healing through the art of touch. I knew when I was in college I wanted to help people. I would volunteer and work several jobs, asking questions and yearning for more opportunities to help others. I ended up working in mental health and drug addiction sector which gave me insight to compassion and the reality that anything at anytime can shift. And then following that career after several years I realized how massage therapy was being used in our community events, and group organizations. I knew I was a caring individual and didn’t think twice to enroll into a massage program. It was then a lot of internalized shame rose to the surface about my own perspective of success and how I wasn’t doing enough for the “American Dream” that I envisioned my parents having for me. I was able to work through the deep emotions and make space for learning and really embody peace within. No one is perfect, but the idea of being okay starts with our own feelings and thoughts about ourselves. Now as a certified massage therapist I call myself the Massage Therapist Therapist! I work in the Silicon Valley for the diverse tech companies, and I also started my mobile massage business that allows me to provide services to clients at their residences. I always encourage those around me who ask me how I maintain the energy and passion for what I do, and remind them that we all want someone to see us, to listen to us, and to be with us. Therefore if we take time to acknowledge and share our stories, others will share that gift too. Sharing allows us to be vulnerable, and vulnerability becomes the connecting point to other opportunities and other people which in turn means your ultimate road to success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Even though my work is in Santa clara and my hometown is Monterey, I would suggest enjoying all the spots mentioned below along the drive of Highway 1. I love breakfast and brunch, so first we would stop at Blooms in Santa Clara where they have great vegetation options and amazing seasonal cocktails. Then I would like to walk off the food over in Santana Row where there are cute boutiques and spray myself with all the new scents in stores and buy a few candles. And then we would head to Spicy Roy’s, authentic Jamaican food in San José for lunch from my friend Fitzroy. We would then enjoy the drive down to Monterey by taking the coastal drive through Santa Cruz and maybe stop by Fruition Brewery in Watsonville where they serve amazing Hazy’s and sours. My friends My Mom’s Mole and Hole Foods vegan donuts do pop-ups there so you are in for a treat if you follow them to find out if they are out there when you visit! And lastly once we make it into Monterey you pick up a torta “Cubana” from La Tortuga or a hot pastrami sandwich from La Sala’s Bi-Rite market and we take it to the wharf and enjoy the sunset! The ocean views will never get old.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my village and I love them all so dearly. My success is based on my ability to be here from immigrant parents who came to the US for the “American Dream”. They tell me I am their dream come true. Blessed to have them and love me unconditionally. A lot of mentorship came from my coaches who pushed me and reminded me to stay humble. One in particular is Jimmie B. He is from the South and he would tell me his stories of hardship and hopes during my early teens. He kept me focused and made sure I stayed away from trouble by making me work overtime in tennis practices. And last but not least Ms. Isadore. She is simply an angel on this earth!

Website: https://www.vidahmobile.com/

Instagram: @masvidah23