Meet Felicita | Artist and Founder of Travelin’ Music Lessons

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

Hi Felicita, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
A quote I think about often is one by Albert Einstein. “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” I now understand what Einstein meant by his quote. Growing up, math and science didn’t come easy to me so I just assumed I wasn’t very smart. This feeling eventually became the “imposture syndrome” I fight as an adult. I wish I would’ve understood sooner what Einstein was trying to say. He meant that although I wasn’t great a certain subject, it did not mean I wasn’t great. It meant I was great at something else, which became music and the arts. In 2016, I began my business venture, Travelin’ Music Lessons, where I gave in-home music lessons in voice, piano, and guitar. It was the best decision I have made for my artistry and my mental health by allowing me to be in a space where I can nurture my creativity and express myself. I have been blessed to do a job that doesn’t feel like a job. I have grown as an artist and person as well as helped others in their musical journey. From putting on multiple recitals to winning our very first award from Georgia State University, Travelin’ Music Lessons has been a blessing from above. Not to mention, it has allowed me the freedom to pursue my music career. Although it hasn’t always been easy. For years, I’ve struggled to see myself as a business owner. I felt as if I was the fish climbing the tree. So, I’ve learned to acknowledge the feeling of imposture syndrome and as a result, I say my favorite affirmation to myself- I am worthy of all great things. I am worthy of a great career. I am worthy of a great life. I am worthy of a great love. I am worthy of a great home. I am worthy of my dreams. I am worthy of all great things.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began singing at the age of 17. Once I started, I could not stop! Since then, I have opened for Latin-Grammy winning artists and I’ve been featured on GPB NPR, Univision, etc. The road here hasn’t been easy. Along with fighting the need to appease others view of me, I have worked really hard on making art that makes me proud of me. My music is a representation of my culture and life experiences. Expressing myself in my art is journey I am still on. Being Guatemalan-American, I am continuously learning about my culture and my roots. My music is also a representation of where my family is from as well as, the experience of being a first generation Latin-American.
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 am so grateful for the city of Atlanta! Pre-Covid- my favorite thing to do was go to music/art events with friends. My favorite thing to do now is ride my bike around town. My bike route starts at Freedom Park, passes through the belt line, and end turns around at Piedmont Park. It never fails to inspire!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been many people who impacted my journey greatly but two women in particular come to mind. Barbarella Diaz, Executive VP of Community Affairs at Diaz Foods, believed in my potential as a teacher. She helped me navigate different parts of my business from speaking to clients, putting shows together, and talking about money. Most importantly, she allowed me to ask a million questions and is always willing to share her wisdom. She is incredibly professional and kind. The second woman who comes to mind is Dr. Isabelle Monlouis, Professor of Practice Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Georgia State University. Dr. Monlouis helped me see myself as a business owner. She helped me gain confidence in myself as she does with so many other women in business. Her passion and courage is infectious. Because of Dr. Monlouis, I walk into a rooms with my head held higher. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://www.iamfelicita.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicita_xo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicita-pineda-1a546714b/

Twitter: @felicita_xo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicitaofficialmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXEo6plRzC0

Other: https://linktr.ee/Felicita_xo

Image Credits
@xcubecudi, @visualsofisa, @leg8r, @naka35mm, @valhallacris