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Life & Work with Yansa Samada Valdes of Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yansa Samada Valdes.

Hi Yansa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a professional flutist and music educator originally from Cuba, where I began my musical journey at the age of nine. I studied and graduated from the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana, Cuba, where I received years of formal classical music training through the conservatory system. While my foundation is classical, my artistry has evolved to include Latin jazz, soul, and contemporary styles.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to live and work in different parts of the world, including Russia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. These international experiences have deeply shaped my musical identity, allowing me to develop a broad and versatile background influenced by diverse cultures, audiences, and performance settings.
About two and a half years ago, I moved to the United States and began rebuilding my career in Houston, Texas. Since then, I’ve been actively performing at private events, restaurants, and festivals, while also expanding my work as a music educator. I teach flute and beginner piano, primarily to children and teens, focusing on building a strong musical foundation while keeping lessons engaging and meaningful.
In addition to performing and teaching, I am developing original music and creative projects centered around identity, culture, and the immigrant experience. I also run my own brand, BAE Studios (Believing, Achieving, Excelling), where I aim to create a space for artistic growth and expression.

Today, I continue to grow as both an artist and entrepreneur, combining performance, education, and creative direction, with the goal of expanding my impact in the music industry and within my community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. My journey has been shaped by constant change, adaptation, and resilience. Throughout my career, I’ve lived and worked in countries like Russia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. While those experiences enriched me artistically, they also required me to continuously step out of my comfort zone, adjust to new cultures, and rebuild my professional identity each time.

Moving to the United States was one of the most challenging transitions. I arrived with experience, training, and passion—but without a network, without stability, and having to start from zero. As an immigrant, I’ve faced limitations that affected my ability to travel and access certain opportunities, which has required patience and persistence.

There have also been moments of uncertainty—balancing financial stability while pursuing a career in the arts, building my own opportunities, and wearing multiple hats as a performer, teacher, and entrepreneur. It hasn’t always been easy, and there were times where progress felt slow.

But those challenges have also been my greatest teachers. They’ve shaped my discipline, strengthened my mindset, and pushed me to grow beyond my limits. Today, I don’t see obstacles as setbacks, but as part of the process that continues to define my path and my purpose.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a flutist and creative artist who blends live performance with modern sound and cultural influences. I specialize in Latin jazz, soul, and contemporary styles, creating engaging and emotional experiences through my music.

I perform in a variety of settings and adapt my sound to connect with different audiences. What I’m most proud of is building my career independently and creating my own opportunities.

What sets me apart is my versatility and global perspective, shaped by living and working in different countries. I focus on creating a unique experience, not just performing.

What’s next?
In the near future, I am focused on recording my own music and developing a professional project that reflects my artistic identity. I am currently planning to record a studio album that combines original compositions with creative interpretations, inspired by my cultural background and musical influences.

I am also looking forward to expanding my presence as a performer and growing my brand, while continuing to build meaningful projects that connect with people. My goal is to evolve not only as a musician, but as a creative artist with a clear and authentic voice.

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