From Latina Multi-Hyphenate Hustle to Strategic Architect

Building scalable systems using AI and Latina cultural heritage partner to protect the high value creative space.

I’ve been in the fashion, creative direction, media, and author worlds for over 30 years now, and people often joke around if that makes me a “multi-hyphenate” – at this point, my business card is running out of room. The truth is, as a Latina I’ve spent my career bridging all these worlds—from building celebrity brands for Brooke Shields and Wendy Williams to writing award-winning stories about our heritage. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned across all those roles, it’s that we Latinos are the undisputed masters of the “hustle.” We know how to work hard, we know how to get things done, how to endure, and we certainly know how to make magic happen with very little.

As I look at where we are this year, I’m feeling a shift—and I want us all to lean into it together. It’s time for us to move from being the hardest workers in the room to being the Strategic Architects of our own futures. Architecture is still a heavy lift, but instead of just “working hard” for the sake of the grind, we are aligning that effort—putting our energy into the structures that support our long-term vision instead of just exhausting our days.

After three decades of navigating shifts in various industries, these are four core pillars that I think will really define the next era of our growth – from “doing it all” to building it all”.

The End of the “Solo” Hustle

For a long time, I thought being committed meant doing everything myself. But real growth—the kind that lets you breathe—comes from building systems and trusting a team. In 2026, it’s Cognitive Orchestration. It sounds fancy, but really, it’s about how we are now using tools like AI as a “thinking partner.” It’s not about replacing our heart – that’s not a task that any AI agent can take on. It’s about letting the tech handle the busy work so we can stay in our creative flow and tell the stories only we can tell.

Resourcefulness is the New Sustainability

We’ve been “circular” before it was a buzzword. Think about it—our heritage is rooted in resourcefulness. That “circular philosophy” everyone is talking about in global business? That’s just a professional way of describing how our families have always operated: reusing, reclaiming, and making sure nothing goes to waste. In 2026, our Latino cultural history of “making do” is our greatest competitive advantage in the shift toward sustainability. It’s already in our DNA.

Your Story is Your Superpower

In a world full of AI-generated noise, people are craving something real. This is what I call Authentic Resonance. An algorithm can’t replicate your consejos, your specific family history, or the way you bridge your two worlds. Whether I’m designing fashion, writing one of my children’s books, hosting a workshop or a Cafecito with Latin Biz Today podcast, I know that leaning into my roots is what makes people stay. Your integrity isn’t just a value; it’s your market differentiator and your heritage isn’t just a background—it is the very lens that makes your perspective unique and irreplicable. When you lead with that authenticity, you aren’t just a “commodity” in a crowded market; you are a “storyteller” that people trust. In a digital-first world, your technology might get them in the door, but your cultural resonance and integrity are what make them stay.

Building Our Own Ecosystems

We’re moving into the Ecosystem Era. Success this year isn’t a solo sport; it’s about the strength of the network we build and, crucially, the financial foundation we stand on. I know that when you are a creative at heart, “the numbers” can feel like a chore, but those margins are the oxygen for your vision. When we master our finances and support each other, we move from being “artists” to being “owners.”

I remember vividly when I first launched my own Latina fashion consulting business. The shift from being a designer—focused on fashion trends, color stories and silhouettes—to being the only person responsible for submitting purchase orders, managing the flow of goods, negotiating costs with buyers and factories, and analyzing selling reports was a massive, daunting challenge.

Initially, I’ll admit it felt soul-crushing to my “creative” side. I worried that the spreadsheets were going to drown out the creativity. But as I became familiar with the data and learned how to manage the flow of the business, something shifted. I stopped feeling like “just” a designer, and I realized that was a good thing. I became a well-rounded entrepreneur; I felt empowered.

Mastering the “business” of my craft made me feel less like an imposter and more like the executive I was always meant to be. These skill sets are the bedrock of any business—learning them isn’t just about survival; it’s how you ensure your creative voice has the power to grow and develop for years to come.

As you plan for the year ahead, ask yourself this question – “Am I still operating in survival mode, or am I ready to master my business by leveraging AI for augmentation and building a financial foundation that lasts?”

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Cafecito with Latin Biz Today