Meet Cynthia Flores

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cynthia Flores. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cynthia below.

Cynthia , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome has been one of the most difficult things to overcome. As I grew in my career, it was hard to find people who looked like me in the positions I aspired to hold. This made it challenging to find relatable mentors who truly understood the obstacles I faced.

Over time, I realized that while I had been searching for mentors, there were also people looking up to me as a mentor. Rather than focusing on who wasn’t in the room, I chose to step up and be that person for others. I shared my experiences, mentored others, and helped them navigate their own journeys. I also reminded myself that I wouldn’t have these opportunities if I didn’t deserve them. I made a conscious decision to hold space, to take up room in places where I once felt like an outsider. By stepping into that role, I not only empowered others but also built confidence in myself.

Imposter syndrome was also difficult to overcome in my creative journey. I started off doing coffee reviews just for friends and family, never thinking that more people would be interested in them. For a long time, I only saw myself as a mom who had to sneak away to record reviews in private. But with encouragement from those closest to me, I gained the confidence to step in front of the camera and share my work more publicly. As my audience grew, the support of strangers pushed me even further, inspiring me to expand my content and explore new creative realms. Through coffee and music, I found a way to share my culture and connect with people in ways I never imagined.

Looking back, overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t just about proving to myself that I belonged—it was about embracing my own voice, taking up space, and using my experiences to uplift others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I wear multiple hats in my professional and creative life. By day, I work in a healthcare position that ensures healthcare data is accurate, accessible, and secure. It’s a field that requires precision and attention to detail, but what excites me most is the impact—helping healthcare systems run smoothly and ensuring patients receive quality care.

Outside of my 9-to-5, I immerse myself in my passions: coffee and music. I explore local coffee shops in search of unique creations, share my culture through coffee, and curate playlists for Rappers Digest. But it’s more than just reviews—it’s about storytelling, experience, and connection. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting coffee shop owners, learning their stories, and witnessing firsthand how they bring people together through their craft.

What excites me most about this journey is how it continues to evolve. Whether I’m discovering a new coffee blend or curating the perfect playlist, I love creating experiences that bring people together. Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand further into music by exploring new collaborations. In the near future, we’re planning to host in-person music events that fuse culture and coffee, offering fresh ways to connect and celebrate community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were vulnerability, interpersonal skills, and confidence/self-acceptance. To me, interpersonal skills and confidence go hand in hand—you have to believe in yourself to truly connect with others, and strong connections can, in turn, reinforce your confidence.

Vulnerability was key because it allowed me to share my experiences authentically, whether in my professional work, coffee reviews, or music curation. Being open about my journey made it easier to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.

Interpersonal skills helped me navigate different spaces, from networking in my career to collaborating with creatives and small business owners. Learning how to listen, communicate effectively, and build genuine relationships opened doors I never expected.

Confidence and self-acceptance were probably the hardest to develop, but they made the biggest difference. I had to remind myself that I belong in every room I step into and that my voice and perspective matter.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace discomfort. Growth happens when you’re willing to be vulnerable, step outside your comfort zone, and build real connections. Work on your communication skills, surround yourself with people who uplift you, and most importantly, believe that you deserve to take up space. The more you show up as your authentic self, the more opportunities will align with you.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been in building my confidence. I made the conscious decision to invest in myself, focusing on nurturing my mind, body, and soul. Physically, I’ve committed to a regular workout routine and made healthier food choices, which have significantly improved my overall well-being. Mentally, I’ve been exploring different techniques to ease my mind and reduce stress. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and having the right mental tools to navigate those moments has been crucial.

On a deeper level, I’ve also been doing a lot of introspective work. I’ve spent time getting to know myself better—understanding my likes, dislikes, and triggers. This self-awareness has not only helped me navigate challenges more effectively but has also boosted my confidence. By investing in my personal growth, I feel more empowered and grounded than before.

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