Luisana
Ebina
3 days
I was born in Venezuela, a country once brimming with promise but now marked by recent challenges. In the past two decades, Venezuela has faced significant political, economic, and social turmoil. Hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and widespread migration have transformed the nation I was born into. These changes have deeply impacted the lives of many Venezuelans, including my own family. From 1993 to 2001, I experienced my early childhood there, surrounded by the vibrant culture of my homeland. However, my family’s journey soon took me to the United States, where I lived from 2001 to 2008. Growing up there gave me a broader perspective on life, blending the vibrant culture of my homeland with the opportunities and diversity of the U.S. My dual cultural identity shaped who I am today. In 2008, we returned to Venezuela—a time when the country was already beginning to face significant challenges. Despite the growing instability, those years were formative for me, grounding me in my roots and making me into a person deeply connected to my heritage but also open to the world. In 2016, I ventured to Peru, where I spent six transformative years. During my time there, I grew as a person, discovered new passions, and even participated in two triathlons, pushing myself to new limits. Peru became a second home, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture leaving a lasting mark on me. In 2022, I returned to the United States, where I stayed for two years. It felt like coming full circle, reconnecting with old memories while embracing new opportunities. Now, in 2024, I find myself in Kanagawa, Japan—a new chapter in my life. Japan’s culture, history, and beauty inspire me daily as I continue to pursue my passions and create new experiences. Through all these moves, one thing has remained constant: my love for music. The cello has been my lifelong companion, a way for me to express my emotions and connect with others no matter where I am. Beyond music, I’ve always been drawn to nature and adventure. I love camping in the mountains, hiking, and swimming, though I’ve had to overcome my fear of marine life to embrace the ocean fully. Participating in triathlons and learning to surf have taught me the value of courage and persistence. Animals hold a special place in my heart, and I strive to live with compassion toward all creatures, even those I find challenging to love, like insects and rodents. While I’m not yet vegetarian or vegan, I’m mindful of my choices and aim to live with respect for all life. Fashion and makeup have also played a role in my story. My time as a model taught me confidence and the joy of self-expression, something I still cherish today. Most importantly, I love connecting with people. Meeting new friends, learning their stories, and experiencing their cultures bring me immense joy. I thrive on spontaneous adventures and meaningful conversations, which have enriched my life across continents. From Venezuela to the U.S., back to Venezuela, then to Peru, the U.S. again, and now Japan—my journey has been anything but ordinary. Each chapter has shaped me into the person I am today: a musician, an adventurer, and someone deeply passionate about life.
Luisana
I was born in Venezuela, a country once brimming with promise but now marked by recent challenges. In the past two decades, Venezuela has faced significant political, economic, and social turmoil. Hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and widespread migration have transformed the nation I was born into. These changes have deeply impacted the lives of many Venezuelans, including my own family. From 1993 to 2001, I experienced my early childhood there, surrounded by the vibrant culture of my homeland. However, my family’s journey soon took me to the United States, where I lived from 2001 to 2008. Growing up there gave me a broader perspective on life, blending the vibrant culture of my homeland with the opportunities and diversity of the U.S. My dual cultural identity shaped who I am today. In 2008, we returned to Venezuela—a time when the country was already beginning to face significant challenges. Despite the growing instability, those years were formative for me, grounding me in my roots and making me into a person deeply connected to my heritage but also open to the world. In 2016, I ventured to Peru, where I spent six transformative years. During my time there, I grew as a person, discovered new passions, and even participated in two triathlons, pushing myself to new limits. Peru became a second home, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture leaving a lasting mark on me. In 2022, I returned to the United States, where I stayed for two years. It felt like coming full circle, reconnecting with old memories while embracing new opportunities. Now, in 2024, I find myself in Kanagawa, Japan—a new chapter in my life. Japan’s culture, history, and beauty inspire me daily as I continue to pursue my passions and create new experiences. Through all these moves, one thing has remained constant: my love for music. The cello has been my lifelong companion, a way for me to express my emotions and connect with others no matter where I am. Beyond music, I’ve always been drawn to nature and adventure. I love camping in the mountains, hiking, and swimming, though I’ve had to overcome my fear of marine life to embrace the ocean fully. Participating in triathlons and learning to surf have taught me the value of courage and persistence. Animals hold a special place in my heart, and I strive to live with compassion toward all creatures, even those I find challenging to love, like insects and rodents. While I’m not yet vegetarian or vegan, I’m mindful of my choices and aim to live with respect for all life. Fashion and makeup have also played a role in my story. My time as a model taught me confidence and the joy of self-expression, something I still cherish today. Most importantly, I love connecting with people. Meeting new friends, learning their stories, and experiencing their cultures bring me immense joy. I thrive on spontaneous adventures and meaningful conversations, which have enriched my life across continents. From Venezuela to the U.S., back to Venezuela, then to Peru, the U.S. again, and now Japan—my journey has been anything but ordinary. Each chapter has shaped me into the person I am today: a musician, an adventurer, and someone deeply passionate about life.