From NYC Fashion Design to Authoring Heritage Design: Part 3
Building a Legacy of Pride
If my 30+ year career in fashion taught me how to dress the world, my journey into authorship has taught me something much more profound: how to honor the roots that allowed me to grow and climb to that high level position in my career in the first place.
In this final part of my series, I want to talk about the "Alchemy of Mestizaje"—the beautiful, complex blending of our Spanish, European, and Indigenous Mexican roots—and why I’ve dedicated this next chapter of my life to creating a "mirror" for Latino children.
More Than Just Stories
What started as a project to capture my parents' migrant journeys turned into an interesting path of self-discovery. Writing these books allowed me to heal parts of my own childhood—times when I felt "different" or "not enough."
By using authentic Spanglish and specific Tejano details, I’m not just telling a story; I’m validating the identity of every child who reads them. I want them to know that their language, their traditions, and their culture are not just "different"—they are beautiful.
From Books to a Movement
I realized quickly that three storybooks weren't enough to bridge the gap for families and educators, I’ve expanded this "brand" into a full ecosystem:
Educational Materials: Workbooks and coloring books that make learning a cultural experience.
The Family Fun Hub: A digital space on my website filled with recipes, crafts, and free downloads to keep the heritage alive at home.
The Characters: Fans are already asking for sequels! The love for the characters in El Rancho Chocolaté and Where El Cucuy Lurks has inspired me to keep the "well of narratives" flowing.
The Ambition of Mestizaje
My ultimate mission is to fill the historical gaps. I am currently envisioning a historical fiction series that traces my family tree from colonial Spain and Portugal to the Indigenous peoples of Mexico. Whether it’s exploring the origins of the curandera (folk healer) or the history of the Quinceañera, I want to illuminate the complex, rich history that shaped us.
My Purpose
I am taking the wisdom of my migrant roots and the strategic skills of my design career to build a legacy. Literature has the power to preserve culture, instill resilience, and foster unity. My goal is to ensure that the next generation of leaders moves through the world with an open mind, a holistic view, and a heart full of pride.
My journey from fashion designer to author is about more than just books; it’s about preserving culture (so our stories aren’t lost), empowering voices (telling kids they belong), and building resilience (honoring the ancestors who paved the way).
From the migrant fields of Texas to the showrooms of NYC, and now to the hearts of young readers—this is my legacy.
Thank you for following along on this journey from the runway to the writing desk. The best is yet to come!
This post concludes the 3 part series originally published in Latin Biz Today. You can read the full, in-depth final article here.
You can read the full article for the 2nd part of this series at Latin Biz Today right here.
And you can read the full article for Part 1 here!
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