"Mira, ponte las pilas." How many times have you heard that phrase before? Or "no seas una pendeja," or "nadie te quita lo que está para ti." These phrases helped guide us into the women we are today. We picked ourselves up and dusted ourselves off because we had tough love at home that taught us how to be tougher chingonas. And to be honest, these phrases still help me out to this day! When I’m feeling low, I think, "Mira, Erika, ponte las pilas," and get out of my slump. Because mama didn’t raise a pendeja! 

 

Carolina Acosta is a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, designer, and co-author of Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja. As the founder of Tragos Games, she’s built a bold, culture-forward brand that celebrates Latino identity through fun, connection, and conversation. A proud NY-born Latina with a love for salsa dancing and storytelling, Carolina blends her background in design with her passion for sharing underrepresented perspectives—creating everything from party games to community-driven experiences. When she’s not developing new products or mentoring the next wave of creators, you’ll find her exploring new countries, dancing all night, or playing party games with friends. Carolina’s mission is simple: to bring more unity, authenticity, and cultura to the table—literally.

 

Aralis Mejia is the founder of Silara Marketing, Head of Marketing for Tragos Games, and co-author of Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja. At Silara Marketing, she helps businesses of all sizes strategize and execute marketing plans that blend new tech with traditional tactics, including Tragos Games where she's been helping amplify the brand since launch. Born and raised in NYC, her background in hospitality shaped her love for creating memorable experiences—whether it’s for a brand, her family, or a table full of friends. Outside of work, you’ll find Aralis dining at the newest restaurant, hosting family get-togethers, or experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. From brand launches to birthday dinners, she brings heart and humor to every room she walks into.

 

Carolina Acosta is a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, designer, and co-author of Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja. As the founder of Tragos Games, she’s built a bold, culture-forward brand that celebrates Latino identity through fun, connection, and conversation. A proud NY-born Latina with a love for salsa dancing and storytelling, Carolina blends her background in design with her passion for sharing underrepresented perspectives, creating everything from party games to community-driven experiences. When she’s not developing new products or mentoring the next wave of creators, you’ll find her exploring new countries, dancing all night, or playing party games with friends. Carolina’s mission is simple: to bring more unity, authenticity, and cultura to the table—literally.

 

Aralis Mejia is the founder of Silara Marketing, Head of Marketing for Tragos Games, and co-author of Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja. At Silara Marketing, she helps businesses of all sizes strategize and execute marketing plans that blend new tech with traditional tactics, including Tragos Games, where she's been helping amplify the brand since launch. Born and raised in NYC, her background in hospitality shaped her love for creating memorable experiences—whether it’s for a brand, her family, or a table full of friends. Outside of work, you’ll find Aralis dining at the newest restaurant, hosting family get-togethers, or experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. From brand launches to birthday dinners, she brings heart and humor to every room she walks into.

 

This week, Carolina and Aralis share the incredible story of how their book, Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja, came to be and how they are working hard to preserve Latino culture for generations to come. They had no idea they were going to go viral, but once the community learned about their book, there was no going back. Now more than ever is the time to take pride in our culture and protect it for this generation and the next. Listen to hear the story behind the viral sensation and what they have planned for the future. 

 

Follow Caroline and Aralis on: Instagram: @tragosgame

Instagram: @nopendejashere

Facebook: Tragos Game

TikTok: @tragosgame

LinkedIn: Tragos Games LLC

Check out Mamá Didn't Raise a Pendeja: Anti-Affirmations Inspired by Tough-Love Abuelas here!

 

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

 

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.