Ellas

SHOW NOTES Where there's a will there's a way and today's guest is an excellent example of this.

On the latest episode of Ellas, marketing specialist, Melba Tellez, was a high school dropout who was inspired to get her GED, get her bachelor's and marketing degree to work at Amazon.

Her story is inspiring and provides an important lesson that it's possible to work for the life you've envisioned for yourself.

Melba talks about her childhood growing up between Texas and Montrerrey, the struggles she faced that caused her to leave high school, and the pivotal moment that motivated her to continue her studies.

She also talks about her role in Amazon, having a supportive marriage, and moving to Seattle to start her career in the tech industry.

Melba dives deep on how making mistakes helps you learn and be better. She also shares her experience of being part of Girls Who Code and helping other young women having space in the tech space.

Her work also inspires and educated our Latinas with her community, Mujeres on the Rise. Through this community, every week she features Mujeres who are doing great things and provide career and lifestyle tips through Insta Stories.

In this episode, Melba dives deep on providing vital advice about finances, work-life balance, Latina representation, and unity, and so much more! Take the time to sit down and listen to this empowering episode!

In this episode we talk about...

2:58 - Melba Tellez talks about how all women are chingonas and how we need to tap into that

3:59 - Listen to how Melba tried to prove everyone wrong and how she's now trying to prove herself wrong

5:28 - Melba shares about growing up between Texas and Monterrey

8:14 - Find out how Meba encountered an eye-opening moment that inspired her to get her GED

9:37 - Melba has always been a chingona, listen to how she went to college and had a full-time job

12:00 - Discover how Melba chose to study Communication and focus her attention on Marketing

14:05 - Melba shares how grad school was a difficult and competitive environment

15:10 - Listen to how Melba prepared for her job interviews in the tech space and mourned for her

18:00 - Are you interested in getting a master's degree? Melba provides an important discussion about how it will open the doors for you

20:00 - If you want to work in the tech industry, you should listen to Melba's insightful advice

20:23 - Find out what's an elevator pitch and how that works in your favor during the interview process

23:58 - Melba opens up about having a supportive and loving marriage that helped her take on her role in the tech space

25:26 - Listen up! Melba shares her experience of working in Amazon and dealing with imposter syndrome at the beginning of her time there

29:18 - Melba talks about how it's important to take on things that will bring value to you and not being afraid to push back

29:42 - Find out the second lesson that Melba learned while working at Amazon

31:54 - Melba dives deep about her role at Amazon and the project she's developing

34:35 - Are you managing a project? Listen to Melba's tips on how to have clear communication and working with deadlines

37:56 - Melba shares her experience of helping young girls with Girls Who Code

40:05 - Do you want to work at Amazon? Melba reveals what Amazon is looking for in their future employees

41:41 - Melba talks about creating Mujeres on the Rise and the topics that she and her guests provide

46:22 - Are you looking for a work-life balance? Melba shares vital tips to accomplish this goal

51:55 - Melba talks about the importance of Latina representation and unity

58:04 - Listen to these golden tips to achieving financial freedom

1:03:00 - Are you scared of networking? Melba shares her experience, advice, and helpful networking apps to use

1:08:12 - Melba talks about how to deal with job rejection and use it to improve your skills

1:13:51 - Listen to what Melba envisions for her career and the future of Mujeres on the Rise

1:16:02 - "I want Latinas to have a voice outside their own communities."

1:17:39 - Are you constantly worrying about what others have to say about you? Listen to Melba's experience with this negative thought process

1:19:15 - Melba shares important advice to living the life you envision for yourself

1:23:35 - Follow Melba and Mujeres on the Rise!

1:17:39 - Are you constantly worrying about what others have to say about you? Listen to Melba's experience with this negative thought process

1:19:15 - Melba shares important advice to living the life you envision for yourself

1:23:35 - Follow Melba and Mujeres on the Rise!

RELEVANT LINKS

Citi

Amazon

Girls Who Code

Mujeres on the Rise

Melba Tellez

AT&T

Tesla

Young Ignorantes

Totally Fandom

The University of Texas at Austin

LinkedIn

Bumble Bizz

Shapr

Read Melba's article on 5 Sins of Social Media Marketing

WANT MORE?

Follow Melba on Instagram: @Melba_Tellez

Follow Mujeres on the Rise: @MujeresOnTheRise

Visit Melba's website: Melba Tellez

Connect with Melba on LinkedIn: Melba Tellez

Follow Ellas: @EllasThePodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

SHOW NOTES

The future generation is seeing and listening to what's happening in the country and around the world.

Sonia De Los Santos is a family musician and Latin Grammy Nominee that is providing a loving, kind, and diverse message with her bilingual songs.

In today's episode, Brenda and Sonia sit down at Segerstrom Center for the Arts to talk about her musical journey that began in Nuevo León, México and is flourishing in New York Island.

Sonia also talks about her two albums: Mi Viaje de Nuevo León to the New York Island and ¡Alegría! that was recently nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Latino Music for Children.

We also talk about Latina representation on stage and how not only little Latinas see themselves represented, but other children see that representation and connection to their neighbors, friends, and classmates.

Brenda and Sonia dive deep about the compelling and beautiful message that her songs give to children and of the importance of her singing in front of the White House.

From positive actions that Sonia's music brings to her talking about how she opened the doors for herself to be singing in famous venues, we cover all that Sonia has accomplished in this inspiring episode!

In this episode we talk about...

1:23 - Brenda talks about the wonderful experience of seeing Sonia de los Santos sing "This Land is Your Land" in Español and English

3:03 - Sonia talks about the importance of the message of "Esta Es Tu Tierra" in her concerts

5:38 - Listen to Sonia speak about her how she defines herself as a Mexican-American singer-songwriter and the positive actions she can do to through her songs

8:46 - Sonia shares her love for music during her childhood and how she wanted to move to New York

11:49 - Even though she studied communication, Sonia made the best out of her university years

14:41 - Sonia opens up about her move from Nuevo León to the New York Island

16:37 - Discover how Sonia toured with Grammy Award winning group Dan Zanes and Friends

18:17 - Find out how Sonia was inspired to have her own band and explore her Latin American culture through family music

19:12 - "Seeing the trust [Dan] and the rest of the band had in me was very eye-opening about the possibilities in the future. Maybe I can do this. I got to have more faith in me."

22:48 - Family music doesn't have to be immature. Sonia shares the beautiful and compelling nature of children's music

25:13 - Sonia talks about how she started her first album, "Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island"

27:46 - Discover how Sonia's music is nurtured by everyone's culture and listen to her advice on surrounding yourself with the right band

30:03 - Sonia describes the experience of making her first album and how her grandmother inspired her to write "La Golondrina"

33:08 - Find out the creative and collaborative process that Sonia has with her band

36:51 - Discover how Sonia's smile and happiness inspired her to write her Latin Grammy nominated album, ¡Alegría!

39:21 - Sonia shares how she focuses on her priorities when she's faced with condescending and remarks

42:44 - Listen to how Sonia creates a safe and welcoming space for children to enjoy music

45:45 - Sonia talks about the moment she and Elena Moon Park sang in front of the White House

49:56 - Sonia's music not only speaks to Latino families, but it also connects to other families and places representation to Latinas

51:50 - Sonia is one of many Latin American Family Musicians that represents her culture and is making space for other female singers

52:49 - Brenda and Sonia talk about an article that said that Sonia's success in Lollapalooza is due to J Balvin and Rosalía

1:00:20 - Sonia talks about the experience of playing in Lollapalooza and other amazing venues

1:02:19 - Focusing on the number of followers can be a vicious cycle

1:04:30 - Do you want to be a musician? Listen to Sonia's advice!

1:06:30 - Sonia talks about her beautiful hand-painted skirt

1:07:37 - Listen to Sonia's upcoming concerts and new songs!

1:09:25 - "Fly...don't be scared to follow your dreams."

1:10:22 - Follow Sonia and buy her albums!

RELEVANT LINKS

Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island

¡Alegría!

5 Latin Children's Music Artists You Should Know

NBC's Visiones

The Getty Museum

Austin City Limits

Madison Square Park

Central Park Summerstage Kids

Lollapalooza

Segestrom Center for the Arts

Sonia De Los Santos

Esta Es Tu Tierra (This Land Is Your Land)

Tatiana

Bachelor's Degree in Communication at Tec del Monterrey

Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

Dan Zanes and Sonia De Los Santos

Disney World

Dan Zanes

Elena Moon Park

La Golondrina

Tan Feliz

Luisa Bastidas

Macondo

Cien Años de Soledad

100 Years of Solitude

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Sonia De Los Santos & Elena Moon Park singing outside the White House

Read the Al Día article that Brenda and Sonia talked about

J Balvin

Mon Laferte

Guillermo del Toro

Read the CNN article that Sonia mentions

123 Andrés

Carnegie Hall

The New Victory Theater

Check out Sonia's beautiful hand-painted skirt

See Sonia's La Maraca music video

The Okee Dokee Brothers

WANT MORE?

Follow Sonia on Instagram: @soniadls

Follow Sonia on Facebook: Sonia De Los Santos

Follow Sonia on Twitter: @soniadls

Visit Sonia's website

Buy her album, Mi Viaje de Nuevo León to the New York Island

Buy her Latin Grammy nominated album, ¡Alegría! Also available for digital download

Listen to her music on CD Baby and Spotify

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Song by: Sro CC by SA

I talk with Mexican-American family musician and Latin Grammy Nominee, Sonia De Los Santos. Brenda and Sonia sit down to talk about her musical journey and her two albums: Mi Viaje de Nuevo León to the New York Island & ¡Alegría! Listen to the episode to know more about how Sonia's beautiful songs are sending positive, loving, and kind messages to children and bringing a diverse representation to Latina singer-songwriters.

SHOW NOTES

How's your relationship like with Spanish?

Do you feel pain aching in your chest or warm happiness that radiates from your heart?

In today's episode of Ellas, I talk with Entrepreneur Wendy Ramírez and Communications Director Jackie Rodríguez of Spanish Sin Pena.

Wendy and Jackie are two chingonas who have worked at Washington D.C. to respectively help further our Latino community on immigration law and health policy.

We also talk about how they met and formed a friendship that ultimately led them to continue their support of our Latinos through Spanish Sin Pena.

If you've been thinking of learning our beautiful language, but feel embarrassment, fear or pain, then I highly recommend you listen to THIS episode!

Wendy and Jackie share helpful strategies, insightful tips, and vital reframing mindset exercises that shift the way one learns a language.

Get ready to feel inspired to learn Spanish or just feel pride in being bilingual! Don't waste more time and listen!

In this episode, we talk about...

1:55 - Wendy Ramírez shares how she decided to embark on the path of helping our Latino community

3:40 - Find out how Wendy reclaimed Spanish after she lost the ability to communicate in her mother tongue.

4:25 - Discover the inspiring and impressive work that Wendy was doing in Washington D.C.

5:36 - Wendy shares how she followed her passion for fashion with Intimalena

6:34 - Listen to why Wendy decided to create Spanish Sin Pena and help Latinos in the U.S become bilingual

7:14 - Jackie Rodríguez talks about her professional background in health policy and working at Spanish Sin Pena

10:11 - Wendy talks about being an advocate for her community and completing a law fellowship at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

11:20 - Listen to how Wendy and Jackie complement each other to make empower Latino Professional with Spanish Sin Pena

12:29 - Jackie goes deeper on why she moved to Washington D.C. and representing our Latino community by working in health policy

14:49 - "I worked at Capitol Hill and it was very, very challenging. I was there because my intention was to have an impact on my community and to change policy."

16:51 - Wendy shares the lessons learned while working at Capitol Hill which she now applies in her current endeavors

17:59 - Jackie talks about not forgetting to advocate for yourself and asking for support

20:32 - "You have a responsibility for speaking Spanish for the way you look."

22:50 - Find out how Wendy and Jackie are reframing the way Latinos are learning Spanish

25:06 - Focus on your message and not on your mistakes so you can make a connection with your fellow Spanish-speaking Latinos

27:58 - Are you interested in learning Spanish? Wendy and Jackie goes more in-depth of Spanish Sin Pena's workshops, meetups, and structured program

35:19 - Wendy dives deep about Spanish Sin Pena's learning program

40:00 - Wendy and Jackie share the relationship they have with Spanish

42:53 - Jackie talks about the supportive relationship she has with her family of learning Spanish

44:40 - Wendy shares how she speaks in Spanish to her niece so she can be bilingual

47:34 - Shed the shame that you have of not speaking Spanish

50:19 - Find out how to integrate strategies to your life so you can easily learn Spanish

51:18 - Ready to learn Spanish Sin Pena? Find out how to apply for their 6-month program!

54:19 - Spanish Sin Pena is offering a free strategy session! Find out how you can take advantage of it!

56:32 - Wendy shares how she provides customized strategy sessions for each of her students

56:55 - "Be in touch with your future self."

59:05 - "Own my power."

1:00:53 - Why are you afraid of speaking Spanish?

1:03:30 - Follow Wendy, Jackie, and Spanish Sin Pena!

RELEVANT LINKS

Spanish Sin Pena

Wendy Ramírez

Jackie Rodríguez

National Democratic Institute

Intimalena

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Univision

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Nailed it

Wendy Amara

The Future Self Experience

WANT MORE?

Follow Wendy: @intimalena

Follow Jackie: @jacki_ee

Follow Spanish Sin Pena: @SpanishSinPena

Visit Spanish Sin Pena

Interested in Spanish Sin Pena's 30 min strategy session? Text Si at

444999

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Song by: Sro CC by SA

SHOW NOTES

In recent years the Latino community has been given more representation than before.

One of the figures that have showcased part of our community, specifically the Cubanos in Miami, is actor, writer, comedian, and content creator Jenny Lorenzo.

In today's episode of Ellas, Jenny talks with me about how her childhood in Miami has shaped her comedy and videos.

She also opens up about the bumps she encountered during her time in Buzzfeed, the highlights and lessons learned when she co-founded PeroLike and how she had to constantly prove herself as a video producer.

Jenny shares the reason why she was fired from Buzzfeed, the family tragedy that occurred during that time and working at We are Mitú.

She also goes in-depth on what motivated her to be a freelance content creator and shows she identified with during her childhood. Jenny also chats about her character Lupe in Cartoon Network's Victor and Valentino!

If you want to know what it takes to be a voice actor and finding the right team to collaborate with then listen to this episode!

In this episode, we talk about...

1:30 - Jenny Lorenzo shares about growing up in Miami and also being raised by her maternal grandparents

4:57 - Discover how Jenny's iconic Abuela character was created during her geek-related content

6:44 - "I looked around me...first of all there was barely any Latinos working there and second of all, no one was making Latino content at all."

9:08 - Due to a lack of Latino representation, Jenny, Jazmine Oliveros, Norberto Briseño, and Alex Alvarez created PeroLike

11:05 - Jenny talks about learning what the Latino audience is receptive to and what they absolutely hate

17:15 - Jenny opens up about why she was fired from Buzzfeed

24:03 - Listen to Jenny's journey with Crohn's Disease while still creating her videos and finding the balance of taking care of herself

28:52 - Jenny shares about her time working at We Are Mitú and the ever-changing evolution of digital media

33:28 - Discover why Jenny didn't create new characters during her time at Mitú

37:46 - Learn how Jenny is developing Laritza, Tía Gloria, Michi, Jasleiney, Flor and Maruchi

43:01 - Jenny talks about how she felt identified with the show, Qué Pasa USA? and how she wants to showcase the positive and negative aspects of Latino culture through her comedy

47:10 - Know all about Jenny's character in the Cartoon Network show, Victor and Valentino

54:34 - Discover the projects that Jenny has done this year and what she's planning for the future

58:58 - Do you want to work in comedy, voice acting or creating your own show? Listen to Jenny's advice on how to find the correct team to form your community!

1:06:47 - "Don't waste your energy on the wrong things and people."

1:10:02 - Genuinely feel happiness for other people's success and use it to motivate yourself to reach your own accomplishments

RELEVANT LINKS

Jenny Lorenzo

Miami Heat

Miami Marlins

Radio Mambi

Chonga

Buzzfeed

Jazmin Ontiveros

Norberto Briceño

Alex Alvarez

Pero Like

We Are Mitú

Flama

When Abuela Wants You To Eat

Gente-Fied Trailer

Marvin Lemus

Claudia Restrepo

Yessica Hernandez-Cruz

Gadiel Del Orbe

Curly Velasquez

America Ferrera

FBE

The Digital Trailblazer Award

NALIP

Crohn's Disease

ADD

Anxiety

Stephanie Lorenzo

Laura Di Lorenzo

HelloGiggles

AwesomenessTV

The Groundlings Theatre & School

SNL

Fresh off the Boat

Kim's Convenience

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

George Lopez

Qué Pasa USA?

PBS

Archie Bunker

The Jeffersons

The Office

Michael Scott

The Get Down

On My Block

Cartoon Network

Victor & Valentino

Adventure Time

Disney

Nickelodeon

Adult Swim

Rob Paulsen

Kiki Valdes

Abuela Mami Coffee

Diego Molano

Tony Montana

Churro Kings

Juan Gabriel

Kevin Bosch

Christina Cropper

Griffith Observatory

Thanos

Madonna

WANT MORE?

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Follow Jenny: @Jennizzle

Watch Jenny's videos: Jenny Lorenzo

Support her on Patreon

Song by: Sro CC by SA

SHOW NOTES

Throughout our lives, many doors will close when working towards our professional dreams.

It's up to you on how you'll take advantage of this opportunity.

On the latest episode of Ellas, I had the honor of talking with Mexican artist, Zemmoa.

She talks about how she has taken matters into her own hands and opened her own recording label, Zemmporio Records.

Zemmoa is a singer-songwriter, pianist, producer, filmmaker, and trans model that is opening the doors for the current and future generations of trans women in Mexico.

She talks with me about her greatest career highlights such as being one of the main acts of this year's Pride Parade in Mexico City, writing her column of the current experience for trans women in Mexico for Rolling Stone, and releasing her three albums, Puro Desamor, NNAV, and Covers.

Her fight isn't over and she's still working to have the life, career, and love she desires, not only for herself but for her fellow Mexican trans women.

Listen now to discover how she's making a path and inspiring women to be the person they've always dreamed of being!

In this episode, we talk about…

1:37 - Zemmoa shares how she defines herself as an artist and how art is saving her life

2:56 - Discover how art has comforted and given peace to Zemmoa

3:56 - Find out how Madonna inspired Zemmoa to be free, sexy, and be an artist

5:21 - "I was searching for my life, my name, my personality, and who I was."

8:19 - Listen to how Zemmoa took matters into her own hands by opening her recording label and writing and recording her songs through Messenger and PowerPoint

12:16 - Zemmoa shares how your work will speak about you

15:14 - "Art is the best way to heal our sadness"

16:09 - Money issues have made Zemmoa produce, edit, and make her own music videos

18:41 - It was difficult to have her parents support, and after 10 years they saw her sing live at the Pride Parade in Zocalo, Mexico City.

21:00 - Zemmoa is a warrior of love in Mexico and shares she's fighting to make a change for women in her country

22:47 - Listen to how Zemmoa shared her feelings and process of love in her column for Rolling Stone

22:55 - Zemmoa shares how Mexico is a contradicting country. While the government helps trans women be the person they are, it's hard to be accepted and loved as a woman

28:28 - "We have to do something. We have to march, we have to raise our voice, and at the end, work."

30:23 - Zemmoa talks about all the highlights she's accomplished during her 10-year career

33:58 - It was difficult for Zemmoa to be one of the main acts for Mexico City's Pride Parade. Listen to how she was able to accomplish this dream and represent her community.

37:20 - Find out how to break the fear that is stopping you from your greatness.

38:15 - Zemmoa shares powerful advice for fellow young trans women who are working for their dreams

39:13 - Immerse yourself in Zemmoa's artistic banknotes and find out how it was covered by Vogue Italia

43:48 - Women are always sexualized, used, and metaphorically being killed.

49:07 - Zemmoa discusses how hard it is to love each other

53:14 - "Don't be scared. Don't give a fuck about the opinions of others. Just do whatever you are thinking."

54:46 - Follow and listen to Zemmoa!

RELEVANT LINKS

Zemmoa

Madonna

Batman and Bruno Díaz

RuPaul's Drag Race

Boy George

David Bowie

Zemmoa on Spotify

Puro Desamor

NNVAV

Covers

Ya No Más

Zemmoa in Rolling Stone

United Nations

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Ariana Grande

Care Bears

Zemmoa in Vogue Italia

We Are The World

Imagine

WANT MORE?

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Follow Zemmoa: @Zemmoa

Listen to Zemmoa: Zemmoa

Shop Zemmoa's Merch: Buy her music and shirts!

Song by: Sro CC by SA

SHOW NOTES

Do you dream of working in graphic design and opening up your own shop?

Are you always creating and thinking of new ways to inspire your community?

If you answered yes to both questions, then I highly encourage you to listen to today's episode on Ellas!

I speak with my dear friend, talented graphic designer, and artist, Claudia Ramos!

Claudia shares about her childhood, from moving from El Salvador to Los Angeles, discovering her passion for drawing to being a mom and finding a work and life balance.

She also talks about her amazing job at Hasbro and all her greatest accomplishments, plus all the lessons she has learned during her professional career.

Claudia opens up about being the breadwinner of her family and how she was able to have her parents understand the change of roles in her own household.

We also talk about her creative inspiration for her shop and her new illustration shop: Hola Mijas Bonitas!

Get ready to dive in! You won't want to miss this episode.

In this episode, we talk about…

2:17 - Claudia Ramos shares her childhood in Los Angeles and the passing of her older brother

4:19 - Claudia talks about her high school, community college, passion for drawing and her first encounter with graphic design

6:12 - Find out how Claudia opened the doors for her younger sisters and cousins

7:42 - Listen to how Claudia teaches and inspires her sisters, cousins and creative friends to start their own business

9:27 - Even though it was difficult to find a job after graduation, discover how Claudia persevered

11:58 - Claudia was able to explore her fashion side and think outside the box while working at Forever 21

12:54 - Discover how being a mom and being super creative helped Claudia be part of American Greetings

14:17 - Claudia shares how even though she wasn't experienced in UX Design, she was open to learning

18:00 - Are you a mom and want to find that work and life balance? Claudia opens up on how she's been able to achieve that balance

21:19 - Claudia talks about her wins and lessons learned during her time at American Greetings

24:29 - Discover how Claudia started her design shop after being laid-off from American Greetings

25:35 - Listen to how Claudia's designs were featured in Bride to Be and how it fueled her business

27:43 - Claudia opens up about the highlights and lessons learned during the beginning of her shop

29:50 - Find out Claudia does her branding image and makes it special for her customers

31:27 - Is working at Hasbro your dream job? Claudia shares all the wonderful work she does at Hasbro

32:30 - Discover how Claudia started working at Hasbro and how she demonstrated she was the best

36:22 - Claudia has some insightful advice for anyone who is determined to be promoted a full-time employee

38:35 - Find out what Claudia's daughter thinks of her designing for Disney Princesses & Descendents

39:09 - Claudia opens up about her husband's condition, how she became the breadwinner of the family and he became a stay at home dad

42:14 - Are you the breadwinner of your family and struggle with your parents accepting this fact? Claudia talks about her experience and how she stood up for herself and husband

50:10 - Interested in attending summits? Claudia shares her summit experiences and why you NEED to attend one!

52:58 - Spreading joy and being genuine has opened the doors for Claudia

56:02 - Do you want to work in graphic design or want to open up your shop? Claudia has many helpful tips for you!

58:56 - Claudia's creativity isn't stopping anytime soon! Follow her adorable Hola Mijas Bonitas illustrations!

1:02:28 - Listen to Claudia's inspiring advice for baby Claudia

1:04:53 - Follow Claudia and buy her merch!

RELEVANT LINKS

American Greetings

Hasbro

Disney Princess

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors

Claudia Ramos

Los Angeles High School

North Hollywood High School

Los Angeles Valley College

California State University Northridge

California State University Long Beach

Forever 21

Just Wink

iPhone

SAGA

Bride to Be

Etsy

Moana

Descendents

Surtex

Monopoly

Minecraft

Sanrio

Aggretsuko

Star Wars Comics

The Lord of the Rings

Marvel

Equestria Girls

Rainbow Dash

Alt Summit

#WeAllGrow

Hola Mijas Bonitas

WANT MORE?

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Follow Claudia Ramos: @ClaudiaRamosDesigns

Follow Hola Mijas Bonitas: @HolaMijasBonitas

Song by: Sro CC by SA

SHOW NOTES

Trusting your journey is one of the best ways to accomplish your professional goals.

Today's guest on Ellas is the perfect example of trusting her work, skills, and journey to reach her dreams of working in fashion.

Andrea Vaamonde Marcano is an amazing and talented Venezuelan marketing manager that uplifts Latin American fashion designers to reach the next level of their business through her lifestyle and fashion consulting agency, Estudio Vaams.

I talk with Andrea about her passion for fashion, working in Venezuela and studying at Parsons. We also chat about her experience working alongside another great Venezuelan woman and designer, Yliana Yepez.

Andrea shares her experience from working in freelance consulting and working as the fashion coordinator at Vogue México y Latinoamérica.

If you're passionate about one day working at the fashion bible, I highly recommend listening to today's episode. She shares insightful advice, tips and the highlights of working at Vogue.

We also talk about her making her next career move towards marketing manager at Bumble México, founding her consulting agency and starting her fashion podcast: Latinamérica de Moda.

I highly suggest you take the time to take in Andrea's wonderful advice for you to gain the confidence of trusting your own journey!

In this episode, we talk about…

2:02 - Andrea Vaamonde Marcano talks about her childhood and passion for fashion

3:09 - Listen to Andrea's experience of working at her first fashion job at children's brand EPK

4:00 - Andrea talks about moving to NYC and studying fashion marketing at Parsons

5:27 - Find out how Andrea's passion for fashion increased while working at Vogue México y Latinoamérica

6:10 - Andrea talks about how working at Bumble México and her consulting agency, Estudio Vaams, helps her take Latin American fashion designers to the next level

6:44 - Interested in knowing more about Latin American fashion? Listen to Andrea's podcast, Latinoamérica de Moda!

8:18 - Andrea shares her time of working alongside Venezuelan fashion designer, Yliana Yepez and other great Latin American designers

9:55 - Find out how in 3 months Andrea helped Yliana launch BLUES by kyky

14:38 - Andrea talks about her freelance consulting experience and styling in the luxury fashion industry in Mexico

16:41 - Discover how Andrea started working at Vogue México y Latinoamérica

20:44 - Andrea opens up about her greatest moment of working at Vogue México y Latinoamérica

25:00 - Interested in working in Vogue México y Latinoamérica? Andrea shares the work schedule you need to be aware of

26:56 - Andrea opens up about sometimes not enjoying the different fashion seasons

28:20 - Listen to how Andrea's professional relationship with Latin American designers has flourished

32:18 - Andrea shares the lessons that she learned while working in Vogue México y Latinoamérica

35:54 - Listen to how Andrea decided to open her fashion and lifestyle consulting agency, Estudio Vaams and working in a tech startup, Bumble México

39:34 - Andrea shares the biggest highlights she has experienced while working at Bumble México

43:08 - If you want to learn more about the business of Latin American fashion then listen to Andrea's podcast, Latinoamérica de Moda

48:25 - You want to work in fashion marketing? Listen to Andrea's insightful advice!

51:10 - Trust your journey and let yourself shine

52:32 - Listen to Latinoamérica de Moda, follow Andrea and Estudio Vaams!

RELEVANT LINKS

Vogue México y Latinoamérica

Tim Blanks

E! Entertainment

Fashion File

John Galliano

Dior

John Galliano for Dior

EPK

Parsons School of Design

Bumble México

Estudio Vaams

Latinoamérica de Moda

Yliana Yepez

Monica Sordo

Ricardo Seco

Paula Mendoza

Saint Laurent

Dolce & Gabbana

José Forteza

Olivia Palermo

Cristina Ramella

Condé Nast México y Latinoamérica

Valentina Collado de Rojas

Kelly Talamas

Gio Ponti

Villa Planchart

Un Sueño Caraqueño

Karla Martínez de Salas

Salvatore Ferragamo

Efraín Mogollon

Arum Nitai

Natalia Mazzei Zubillaga

Whitney Wolfe Herd

Lorena Saravia

Andrés Pajón

Carolina Herrera

Oscar de la Renta

WANT MORE?

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Follow Andrea Vaamonde Marcano: @andreavaamonde

Listen to Latinoamérica de Moda on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Song by: Sro CC by SA

SHOW NOTES:

Are you interested in designing clothes for plus size women?

Then what are you waiting for?

Life is about taking chances and my guest, Ashley Nell Tipton is the true woman of action that followed her passion and is now a plus size fashion designer!

On today's episode of Ellas, I talk with Project Runway winner and fashion designer, Ashley Nell Tipton. Ashley talks about her first encounter with her passion, designing her own independent plus size fashion brand and being a contestant on Project Runway' season 14.

She also opens up about the dark side of a competitive reality tv show, how she was able to find inspiration to design, and how she made history during New York Fashion Week.

We dive deep on Ashley's experience of having the opportunity of working with a big company like JCPenney and now owning her fashion brand, Ashley Nell Tipton Designs.

I highly recommend taking the time to listen to this episode and I hope you'll be inspired to continue on your path towards your own fashion dreams!

In this episode, we talk about...

1:11 - Ashley Nell Tipton talks about her childhood in San Diego, California

1:46 - Discover how Ashley found her passion and talent in fashion

3:26 - Find out how Ashely expressed herself through her clothes

4:30 - Ashley's designs are breaking away from traditional plus-size looks and filling in the gaps by producing colorful and distinct styles

5:07 - Ashely shares how she followed her dream to study fashion design

6:27 - You're NEVER too young to follow your dreams! Ashley was 20 years old when she presented her FIRST collection in New York

7:05 - The women in Ashley's family were the pillars of her path towards fashion design

8:28 - Ashley talks about how she presented her first collection at Full Figured Fashion Week

10:17 - Listen to Ashley's journey as an independent plus size fashion designer

12:29 - In two weeks Ashley created a new plus size collection to present on Project Runway

16:29 - Do you want to know the casting process for Project Runway? Find out now!

18:00 - Listen to how Ashley got on Project Runway

20:37 - Ashley opens up about the dark side of competitive reality tv shows

23:11 - Discover how Ashley was able to find inspiration in order to create her designs during Project Runway

24:51 - "Being on a reality tv show that is a competition, you have to be able to think quickly on your feet and you have to think of a solution very quickly and you have to believe in yourself."

26:50 - Ashley shares how she found the motivation to create her designs while being in a high-pressured environment

28:45 - Find out the lessons and skills that Ashley learned during her time at Project Runway

31:25 - Working with plus size bodies is what inspires Ashley to create her fashion designs

32:15 - Ashley's winning collection was the FIRST plus size collection presented in Project Runway

36:39 - Listen to Ashley's journey of designing her winning collection for Project Runway

38:40 - Ashley has made history! She is the first Latina plus size fashion designer to present a plus-size collection in New York Fashion Week!

43:00 - Discover how Ashley was able to produce a plus size clothing line that reached every woman in America

48:28 - Learn the difference between owning your own fashion brand and working with a big brand

50:00 - Find out how Ashley didn't give up on the designs she believed in when working with JCPenney

52:00 - Ashley's placed JCPenney's plus size collection in the spotlight

53:14 - Know the cons of working with a big company and the projects that Ashley did after her time with JCPenney

54:35 - Ashley shares what she would do differently when working with another big brand

55:53 - Discover the lessons Ashley is incorporating to her plus size fashion brand, Ashley Nell Tipton Designs

58:08 - Do you want to learn how to sew? Ashley can teach you how!

1:01:01 - Ashley talks about her self-acceptance workshops and how she'll help you navigate your life as you learn to accept yourself - just the way you are!

1:01:23 - Putting yourself down is something very common in the Latinx community, find out how Ashley was able to accept and lift herself up

1:03:08 - Ashley opens up about how she was able to overcome the negativity with the word 'fat'

1:04:17 - Listen to Ashley's advice to her younger self

1:05:12 - Ashley shares vital advice to her fellow Latina plus size women interested in fashion design

RELEVANT LINKS

Project Runway

Ashley Nell Tipton

Ashley Nell Tipton Designs

Tumblr

Full Figured Fashion Week

Mondo Guerra

Lifetime

Mood Fabrics

Plus Size Dress Forms

Ashley's winning plus size fashion collection

Tim Gunn

Heidi Klum

JCPenney

Disney

Coco

Ashley's Plus Size collection for JCPenney's collection

Torrid

Lane Bryant

Target

Kohl's

JOANN

Walmart

Ashley's Plus Size Jewelry

Beyoncé

Ashley's sewing classes

Ashley's self-acceptance workshops

Robert Fritz

WANT MORE?

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Me: @bren_jai

Follow Ashley Nell Tipon: @ashleynelltipton

Follow Ashley's line: @ashleynelltiptondesigns

Song by: Sro CC by SA

SHOW NOTES:

Every generation of Latinas has paved the way for future generations to start their path without the weight and stigma that our sisters had to bear.

In today's episode of Ellas, we talk with Chicanita scholar and storyteller, Aneliza Ruiz, who shares the stories of fantastic L.A. girl gangs that paved the way for our generation: Pachucas and Cholas.

Aneliza Ruiz is a Barnard College graduate that wrote her thesis: Girls, Gangs, y Chingonas: Women, Art, and Home-work in Los Angeles.

This vital thesis centers on our Pachuca and Chola sisters and how they've rewritten traditional Mexican traditions and found their own voice and agency through fashion, beauty, and art.

She also shares how her upbringing in East L.A. has shaped her identity which ultimately inspired her to research, interview, and share the stories of these women.

We deep dive into Aneliza's thesis, talk about her educational experience in an Ivy League, and the support system she created with her fellow community of women of color.

In the last minutes of this episode, Brenda Deshazer makes an important announcement, so stick to the end to listen!

In this episode, we talk about…

0:32 - Meet scholar and storyteller, Aneliza Ruiz

1:52 - Discover how Aneliza's community of East L.A. has shaped her identity and academic career

5:33 - "You're from a marginalized community - you need to go to college if you're going to live."

7:04 - Aneliza shares how she felt she wasn't well represented in her classes, but she had the leverage to inspire and drive her to tell a different story of her community

9:52 - Imposter syndrome was hard, but Aneliza was saved and encouraged by her fellow community of women of color

13:01 - "This is not the story I wanted to tell. I wanted to write for my community, instead, I wrote for you guys."

15:01 - There's a certain thing that happens when you call attention to race in a room full of white people and they feel uncomfortable

18:52 - Aneliza shares how her research work was very solitary and how her girl gang encouraged her to write her thesis

21:12 - Learn the difference between homemaking and home-work

25:57 - Find out how Pachucas and Pachucos emerged in the U.S.

26:48 - Discover how Pachucas rewrote their home-work with their stylish and opulent Zoot Suit

30:23 - Did you know that there are two different Chola aesthetics? Find out the difference between Norteñas & Sureñas

35:21 - One pencil for a badass makeup look

37:17 - Find out how Chicanas have rewritten home-work in art

41:27 - Pachucas, Cholas, Chicanas, Latinas - we're all CHINGONAS

43:56 - Aneliza's path is just beginning, find out how she's continuing to rewrite her own home-work

46:34 - Aneliza's shares advice to the next generation of chingonas

48:25 - Listen to Brenda Deshazer's important announcement

Relevant Links

Barnard College

Columbia University

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Cholas

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship

UCLA

Juan Gabriel

Mexican and Mexican Mass Deportation During the 30's & 40's

Pachucas

The Great Depression

The Pachuca Zoot Suit

Los Angeles Library

Pachucas in a police lineup

Norma Mendoza-Denton

Maybelline

Aqua Net

Originals Magazine

Scalar

Oprah

Ellen DeGeneres

Want more?

Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast

Follow Us: @bee.andi & @bren_jai

Follow Aneliza's Project: @home_workforchingonas

Produced and Edited by: Devell Deshazer II

Song by: Sro CC by SA