Hispanic Heritage Mirror Power & Building a Legacy- Part 3
The wellspring of my Hispanic Heritage is a continuous source of stories
Editor’s note: This is part three of this three part series. Read part’s one and two here: part one: My Creative Blend of Hispanic Heritage and Design- part 2: Hispanic Heritage and Design: Part Fashion to Storytelling
As a Latina entrepreneur I found true passion in Children’s Books because as a young reader myself, becoming absorbed in fantasy and adventure was always a wonderful escape and a treasured experience. It was a time and place just for me and building my own self confidence.
My newest role as an author was really about trying to capture the beauty of my parents’ journeys, but innately, what the stories did, was to provide a deep sense of self-understanding. This intentional focus on my family history created a powerful feedback loop that I had not fully anticipated. My own thoughts and feelings as a child—when I was ridiculed for being darker and different—continuously feed into the story writing, and those stories loop directly to validate the feelings of children today. This cycle intensifies my desire to be out speaking to these young children, instilling pride and showing them, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
My deliberate use of Spanglish and authentic Tejano life details validates their identity, telling them their culture is beautiful. This personal, authentic style empowers young readers and serves as a tool for ESL students.
I have a passion for this brand of storytelling and writing of children’s books because I recognize the lack of representation still to this day of stories that are relevant to my background. My driving goal is to create a beautiful empowering mirror for young Latino readers.
To date the three children’s storybooks also have a full suite of supporting educational materials (workbooks, coloring books, etc.) that bridge culture and language for families and educators as well as a website with a “Family Fun Hub” of articles, recipes, craft ideas, free digital downloads and so much more.
The Wellspring of Heritage: A Continuous Source of Stories
The well of narratives I can draw upon is truly endless. I have documented countless moments that I intend to shape into future children’s books, ensuring this legacy continues to grow.
This well of inspiration runs very deep and includes stories about special birthday parties and traditions, my father’s journey learning to play the accordion in Tejano style, my mother’s migrant story, and the early years of the bridal shop that launched my love for design. The characters in the three storybooks are already so well loved that I’ve written small story extensions on the website for fans who are already requesting sequels.
The Alchemy of Mestizaje: Blended Culture
My ultimate mission as a writer and it’s an ambitious one; is to fill historical gaps I see. I envision a historical fiction series that explores the process of mestizaje (the mixing of cultures and blood), tracing my family’s roots from colonial Spain, Portugal, and Italy, through to the indigenous peoples of Mexico. It’s a story that has been lost even within my own family tree. I’d really like to better understand our European and indigenous Mexican blend of culture. Some cultural traditions we know well, but often without realizing their complex origins. A good example is the tradition of the curandera (folk healer): while the role draws heavily on Indigenous herbalism and ritual, it also incorporates
Catholic elements like prayers to saints and holy water from Spanish practices. Another key blend is found in celebrations: the Quinceañera combines the ancient Indigenous rites of passage for young women with the Spanish tradition of presenting a daughter to society and the Catholic mass.
I believe the greatest contribution a storyteller can make is to illuminate these complex histories.
Literature’s Legacy: Empowerment and Unity
As I’ve learned more about the richness of storytelling and honoring our traditions and heritage, I truly appreciate what Literature contributes to society. I knew what it was capable of, but I had not quite expressed it so clearly. It truly is powerful in its ability to….
- Preserve Culture: Ensuring the oral traditions and cuentos are not lost.
- Empower and Validate: Telling young readers they belong and their voice matters.
- Instill Resilience: Sharing narratives of ancestors who overcame immense hardship.
- Foster Unity and Educate: Building self-confidence in young readers through cultural affirmation and fostering an appreciation for diverse viewpoints. Cultivating the next generation of leaders who can see challenges holistically and with an open mind.
My purpose as an author is to take the wisdom of my migrant roots and the skill of my design career to build a legacy of pride and belonging for the next generation. To purchase the three children’s storybooks and a full suite of supporting educational materials click here.
Related content:
Series Part 1: My Creative Blend of Hispanic Heritage and Design- part 1
Series Part 2: Hispanic Heritage and Design: Part Fashion to Storytelling- Part 2
A Latina Entrepreneur’s Journey Building Her Business [Video]
