Embrace, live, and Share Your Culture: Be an Advocate for Your Heritage. with Ereni Perez

Ereni Perez is a Mexican multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur renowned for bringing the vibrant beauty of Mariachi music to Edmonton. Starting life in a new country came with significant challenges. Ereni worked tirelessly to support her family while learning English and adjusting to a new culture. Despite these hurdles, she chose to pursue her passion for music and the arts. As one of Edmonton's first female Mariachi musicians, she founded Mariachi Loco in 2018, a talented ensemble dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Mexican and Latin American music with audiences across Canada. Ereni's entrepreneurial ventures are equally inspiring. She is the co-owner of Naiya, a home décor business based in Edmonton, which she runs alongside her sister, Gal Perez. Together, they work closely with artisans from Mexico to bring handmade, one-of-a-kind products to their business. Through Naiya, Ereni not only introduces unique items to the local market but also supports Mexican heritage and exposes the artistry of their culture to a broader audience. This dedication ensures that their business is as much about cultural preservation as it is about innovation. As a devoted mother of two boys, Ereni is passionate about preserving and celebrating her children’s dual heritage—Mexican and West African. Alongside her husband, Reckie Lloyd, she performs as a dancer and drummer with Sangea Academy, an arts organization dedicated to West African drumming and dance. This work has brought her immense joy and deepened her love for music and cultural expression. Her story is a testament to resilience, cultural pride, entrepreneurial innovation, and the transformative power of the arts.