Inspiring Conversations with Veronica Hernandez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Hernandez.

Hi Veronica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Be what you needed as a child Mya Angelo. My journey started when I was 4 years old. I clearly remember praying to help others just like me when I grew up. I had no idea what that meant or looked like. My obsession with behavioral science started as early as I can remember. I was extremely observant, and I was always looking for ways to improve things. I was always creating strategies and processes. I didn’t want to make mistakes. 

Learning from previous challenges gave me internal power and strength. I was fearless. I took on every challenge because I understood that anything was possible. This mindset excited me. I loved sharing my knowledge, processes, and strategies with anyone willing to listen. My business sense started at 7 years old. I started cutting hair for anyone who let me. I regularly challenged myself with a new technique. 

At the age of 19, I started my first business. I had helped run my brother’s events and I worked as a waitress. I felt I had enough skills to be successful. Learning business skills helped me overcome so much during this timeframe. At the age of 23, my brother asked me to help him run his nightclub. I took on both businesses not knowing what I was doing. I remained dedicated for seven years. 

At 30 years old, I felt like I was not being true to myself or my son. I decided to focus on home life and personal development once again. During this time, I started my philanthropic journey. I became a regular volunteer for various nonprofit organizations. I was ranked 15th in the nation for doing hair and I was nationally recognized, I continued with my career as a hairstylist.

On February 28, 2022, my older brother suddenly passed away. My entire world was upside down at this point. Memories of our childhood flooded my thoughts. I felt pushed to document our life story, during this process I extracted 52 life lessons that my big brother and I lived by. I recognized that our survival guide would be of great benefit to others. 

In my brother’s honor, I decided to publish an empowering guidance book to share our journey of challenges, accomplishments, success, hardships, and lessons. As I sat in tears writing this book I realized the power of our story. The ultimate goal was to publish my book, share my book with the youth, and raise money through the book to donate to safe spaces for the youth. This massive plan started as a prayer, but the grieving process let me take action. 

Not for my benefit but the legacy of my phenomenal brother’s heart in the community. My brother and I promised each other to always give back. Modern Guidance TM is the name of my power tool and my company that allows me to speak to audiences as a thought leader. Sacred United is named after my brother. It is the nonprofit that I founded with my sister Monique Estrada and son Noah. 

Sacred United is currently partnered with The Spot 2.0. Together we provide resources and a safe place for the youth. We focus on creative expression through the arts. Breakdancing is our primary focus regarding sponsorships. My brother and I would dance for hours daily. He would compete in breakdancing competitions and often win first place. 

My brother was a local legend. He loved encouraging other talents but more importantly, he created a family on the streets. The brotherhood the B-Boys created for each other remains unmatched in my opinion. I am grateful and honored to have the privilege to continue my brother’s legacy of love, learning, and lessons. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every business I opened was blind hope and faith. I had no mentorship or guidance. Lots of mistakes were always made. I was always fearless without realizing what I was signing up for. When I wanted to give up, I was already invested and had to see it through. 

I found that other business owners in my field were not helpful or willing to help me. Most people that I tried to get advice from saw my efforts as competition. This made me feel alone in entrepreneurship. I did learn to share my strengths and resources with others as often as possible because of this. 

We’ve been impressed with Modern Guidance and Sacred United Nonprofit, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Modern Guidance TM is my primary business. I do group sound therapy sessions, some as large as 47,000 people. My personal power message is also shared with high schools as a thought leader, family sessions, private sessions, and corporate team building. A portion of the book’s profits go directly to Sacred United Nonprofit. Sacred United is the vessel I have chosen to continue my brother’s legacy. Our love for the youth is our priority. 

A safe space for youth is our approach to being the change. The Spot 2.0 is the community center that we sponsor. Together we contribute to the needs of the youth developing dance skills for competition and performances. One of the lessons in Modern Guidance TM is Creative expression, the beautiful ideas and creativity in the mind should always be brought to earth, to be enjoyed by all. 

Share your gifts with the world, there is only one you. Another favorite lesson is Dance, for centuries our ancestors have used dancing for healing, strengthening, connecting, praying, and releasing traumatic events. When we move our bodies, we strengthen our core. Movement is medicine. One business is private sector, and another is nonprofit 501C3. Both are making a significant mark on the community. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Personal power, authenticity, and personal development are all currently at an all-time high. In 2022, Wellness revenue was $5.6 trillion according to Global Wellness Institute. The numbers have increased substantially since. Regarding Sacred United nonprofit, our 5-year plan is to stabilize and support youth safe places. 

The youth that seek a safe place often struggle in their home. The youth who don’t feel safe at home often seek validation and approval from outside sources. Creating programs that support our children’s artistic talents will only strengthen their confidence and personal power. Our programs also assist with building community amongst peers. 

Pricing:

• Modern Guidance TM Life Lessons, Insights and Empowering Lessons Book $33.33
• Choose Love T-Shirt $25.00
• Modern Guidance TM Sound Therapy Group Session $222

Contact Info:

• Website: ModernGuidanceShop.Com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredunitednonprofit/?igsh=Mmkwc2dreWZob2Mx&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552545037859&mibextid=kFxxJD

Image Credits
Monique Estrada and Abel Reyes