Beyond the Stories

Using "Creative Construction" to Build Confidence in Kids

As a designer with over 30 years in the fashion industry, I’ve spent my life building things from scratch—taking a simple sketch and turning it into a tangible product. But when I transitioned into writing children’s books like El Rancho Chocolaté, I realized that the most important thing we can "construct" isn't a garment or a book; it’s a child’s sense of identity and confidence.

The Problem: In a world that moves fast, many children feel the pressure to be perfect. They see the final product but don't always understand the beauty of the process. How do we teach them to embrace their heritage and their "mistakes" as part of their creative DNA?

The Solution: The Creative Construction Method This is the heart of my workshops and my storytelling. Whether we are reading about the magic of the ranch or the mystery of Where El Cucuy Lurks, I encourage kids to use these "3 Pillars of Creative Construction":

🌎 Cultural Foundations: Understanding where you come from gives you the strength to decide where you’re going.

💡 Design Thinking: Viewing a challenge not as a "problem" but as a design flaw that just needs a new perspective.

🎨 Resilient Artistry: Learning that every "mess" is just a first draft of something great.

Bringing the Workshop to You: Turning Readers into Makers

Reading a story is only the beginning. To truly internalize the concepts of resilience and self-confidence, children need to get their hands dirty—they need to build.

I partner with schools, libraries, and community centers to bring "Creative Construction" to life. These aren't just storytimes; they are hands-on lab sessions where we use design-thinking to navigate emotions and identity. Drawing from my 30 years in the fashion industry and my journey as an author, I’ve developed four signature workshops:

• The Recipe of Resilience: Inspired by the flavors and traditions in my books, this workshop teaches children how to create their own unique “spice”. We look at the "ingredients" that make us who we are—family, culture, willpower—and learn how to blend them into a resilient mindset.

• The Blueprint of a Character: Every great design starts with a blueprint. In this session, children step into the shoes of a designer creating their own monstruo based on my book, Where El Cucuy Lurks. They don’t just draw a monster; they add mixed media details and select the tools needed to overcome their own monster, learning that they are the architects of their own character and future.

• The Texture of a Tale: (Building on my FIT roots!) We explore how different fabric swatches come together to create a strong quilt. Children learn that their unique "swatches"—their language, their background, and their quirks—are what make their personal story durable and beautiful. A sensory literacy experience using professional textiles to master descriptive language and emotional intelligence.

• The Map of El Camino: Based on El Camino del Destino, this workshop focuses on the journey. We map out goals and identify the "detours" of life, teaching children that a change in direction isn't a failure—it's just a new path to their destination.

Why “Creative Construction”? Because when a child builds something with their own hands, they prove to themselves that they are capable. They move from passive listeners to active "Jefes" of their own lives. I’ve seen the power of this transformation firsthand while teaching at Manhattan University—that unmistakable look of pride and the sense of "unbelievableness" when a student realizes they can take a abstract concept from their head and physically bring it to life. It is the moment they stop following a path and start designing it.

For the Caregivers

While my books and workshops are designed to ignite the imaginations of the little ones, I created the Sanctuary Collection specifically for you—the parents, the grandparents, and the educators.

This collection is a physical reminder that you are a vital part of this creative process. It is an invitation to slow down, take a breath, and allow yourself the grace to grow alongside your children. Because caregiving isn't just a role; it’s a journey that requires its own moments of peace and reflection.

If you’re looking for a way to engage your child’s imagination while finding a little more "Sanctuary" in your own daily rhythm, I invite you to explore my world:

• For the Little Builders: Shop the Books

• For the Caregiver’s Soul: Discover the Sanctuary Collection

• Book a Workshop Session: Bring a Creative Construction workshop to your school or library