We had the good fortune of connecting with Myra Joy Veluz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Myra Joy, what’s your definition for success?
In my opinion, success is often viewed like the canopy of a rainforest where attaining one’s desired goals are extremely visible and often the pinnacle of a career. However, just below the canopy lies the understory layer and this is where I define success.

To me, success is not solely about reaching the peak of a career or achieving the most notable accomplishments. While those moments are significant and deserving of recognition, true success lies in the depth of one’s experience and the impact made under the canopy.

In this layer, I find the core elements that sustain and nurture long-term growth. It’s about the ability to adapt to change, overcome challenges, and continuously learn and improve. Success in the understory involves building meaningful relationships, collaborating effectively, and positively influencing those around you.

This layer represents the daily efforts, small victories, and incremental progress that often go unnoticed. It’s about consistently pushing boundaries, setting and accomplishing personal goals, and embracing a growth mindset. It’s in this space that I believe true success resides.

While the canopy might showcase a few remarkable achievements, the understory is where one’s character, resilience, and commitment are tested and developed. It’s the place where you learn from failures, refine your skills, and demonstrate your dedication to continuous improvement.

I believe that success should not be confined to a single moment or milestone but should be measured by the positive impact created along the entire journey. It’s about finding fulfillment in the process, cherishing the relationships built, and leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond personal achievements.

So, when I think of success, I see it as a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses both the visible achievements at the canopy and the rich growth in the understory. By embracing and nurturing both layers, I believe one can truly define and achieve success in a meaningful way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Lolo (grandfather in Tagalog) mass produced school supplies—primarily the Manila envelope— in Caloocan, a city in the Philippines. I believe that the reason he chose to manufacture school supplies was so everyone, especially students, had what they needed to succeed. I imagine that he never thought a folded paper would be used by millions of people all over the world. This butterfly effect left a lasting impression on me and is the reason why I chose a career in dance. As an artist, I feel it is my purpose to connect with others and I believe that I have the potential to make a significant impact in the dance field on a national and global scale.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On repeat for brunch would be the following: Zinc, Agnes, Spanglish, and Mike & Anne’s

For dinners- Houston’s in Pasadena, Manuela, Mercado, Little Beast, CaCao Mexicatessen, Relentless Brewing & Spirits

For drinks- The Cellar, We Olive, Pasadena Wine Shop, Idle Hour, Local Peasant

For entertainment- Boston Court Pasadena, Ice House, Hollywood Bowl

To Hang Out- sip coffee at Arcade Lane in Pasadena, picnic at Griffith Park, bike around Echo Park Lake, see the art at The Broad, take a walk around the Reservoir in Silverlake, eat at Smorgasburg LA, watch a movie at Melrose Rooftop Theatre

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
San Marino Dance Academy, Lauren Allison, STRIDE Pasadena, and all of my dance teachers– these places and people have seen me through every success and failure and for that I am so grateful

Instagram: justalittle_joy_ride

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myra-joy-veluz/

Image Credits
Jess Nurse

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