Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Guest:  Michelle Dancel

In this engaging conversation,  Michelle Dancel discusses her inspiring journey from personal challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her sea moss business, Eve's Wellness. Michelle shares her experiences of healing, community support, and the transformative power of sea moss, while also addressing the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of self-care, and her aspirations for the future.

Key Takeaways

• Michelle's journey began with personal challenges, including a divorce.
• She discovered sea moss as a superfood that transformed her health.
• Community support played a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey.
• Overcoming rejection is part of the business growth process.
• Quitting her 9 to 5 was a significant leap of faith for Michelle.
• She aims to expand her product line and reach stores like Whole Foods.
• Self-care practices are essential for maintaining her well-being.
• Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for new entrepreneurs.
• Client success stories highlight the impact of her products.
• Surrounding herself with supportive individuals has fueled her growth.

Keywords

• entrepreneurship
• sea moss
• wellness
• community
• business growth
• self-care
• holistic health
• empowerment
• personal journey
• overcoming challenges

Episode Links and Resources

• Follow  Michelle Dancel on Instagram @eves_wellness
• Eves Wellness www.eves-wellness.square
  
  

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Guest: Carlos Montes

Summary

In this episode of Fashionista Activista, host Diana Diaz engages with Carlos Montes, a prominent activist and organizer from East LA. Carlos shares his journey from early experiences of racism and oppression to becoming a key figure in the Chicano movement and the formation of the Brown Berets. He discusses the impact of activism on his personal life, the challenges of political repression, and his ongoing work with the Community Service Organization. The conversation also touches on the importance of public education, the debate surrounding charter schools, and Carlos's insights on health and longevity as a source of inspiration for the community.

Key Takeaways

• Carlos Montes began his activism in high school, influenced by racism and oppression.
• The Brown Berets were formed organically as a response to community needs.
• Carlos faced political repression and was arrested multiple times for his activism.
• He went underground to escape persecution, living in Mexico for a time.
• Carlos emphasizes the importance of public education and community organizing.
• He believes charter schools threaten public education and community integrity.
• Carlos's activism is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and family history.
• He continues to inspire younger generations through his work with CSO.
• Carlos advocates for healthy living and community engagement as keys to longevity.
• The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for social justice in East LA.

Keywords

• Activism
• Community Organizing
• Brown Berets
• Education
• Political Repression
• Carlos Montes
• East LA
• Social Justice
• Chicano Movement
• Public Education

Episode Links and Resources

• Follow Carlos Montes on Instagram @carlosmmontes
• Carlos Montes www.carlosmontes.org
  
  

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Guest: Maria Scott 

Summary

In this episode of Fashionista Activista, host Diana Diaz engages with Maria Scott, founder of Sweet Treats Galore and known as La Muerte Maria. They explore the intersection of fashion and activism, Maria's entrepreneurial journey, her cultural roots, and the importance of community empowerment. Maria shares her experiences growing up in an entrepreneurial household, the challenges she faced, and how she transformed her passion for baking into a thriving business. The conversation also delves into her artistic expression through La Muerte Maria, emphasizing the significance of cultural representation and the labor involved in her craft. The episode concludes with insights on inspiration, resilience, and the impact of visibility in the community.

Key Takeaways

• Fashion can serve as a powerful form of activism.
• Entrepreneurship often stems from necessity and resilience.
• Cultural identity plays a crucial role in personal expression.
• Self-taught skills can lead to successful businesses.
• Creating art can be therapeutic and fulfilling.
• Community connections are vital for empowerment.
• Never give up on your dreams, regardless of challenges.
• Inspiration can come from sharing knowledge with others.
• Visibility in fashion can promote cultural pride.
• Hard work and dedication are essential for success.

Keywords

• Fashion activism
• Entrepreneurship
• Cultural identity
• Community empowerment
• La Muerte Maria
• Sweet Treats Galore
• Maria Scott
• Visibility
• Empowerment
• Creativity

Episode Links and Resources

• Follow Maria Scott on Instagram @lamuertemaria 
• Follow Maria Scott on Linktree @lamuertemaria
  
  

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Guest: Luis Cornejo

Summary

In this enlightening episode, host Diana Diaz welcomes Luis Cornejo, who shares his profound journey of exploring cultural identity and embracing queerness. Luis delves into how fashion has played a pivotal role in his mental health and self-expression. He discusses the challenges posed by religious trauma, the fluid nature of identity, and the empowerment found through community support. Luis highlights the importance of overcoming negativity, performing self-care rituals, and communicating needs in relationships. This episode is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in building one's brand and self-identity.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Identity: Understanding and embracing cultural roots is essential in shaping personal identity.
• Fashion and Mental Health: Fashion serves as a powerful tool for enhancing mental health and personal visibility.
• Authenticity and Healing: The journey to authenticity involves healing and self-acceptance.
• Religious Trauma: It can significantly influence self-perception and identity formation.
• Fluidity of Queerness: Queerness is a dynamic and evolving identity.
• Empowerment and Community Support: Self-expression and community connection are vital for empowerment.
• Overcoming Negativity: Focus on love and acceptance to transcend negativity.
• Self-Care Rituals: These are crucial for emotional well-being and maintaining balance.
• Communication in Relationships: Clearly expressing needs is fundamental for healthy relationships.
• Building a Brand: Authenticity and resilience are key to creating a strong personal brand.

Keywords

• Cultural Identity
• Fashion
• Mental Health
• Authenticity
• Religious Trauma
• Queerness
• Empowerment
• Community
• Self-Care
• Emotional Well-Being

Episode Links and Resources

• Follow Luis Cornejo @luis_thee_lmft and luis-cornejo.com
• Learn more about the impact of fashion on mental health #
• Explore resources on overcoming religious trauma #

Join us in this vibrant conversation as Luis Cornejo unveils the transformative power of fashion and community in navigating identity and enhancing emotional health. Listen now to discover how embracing your true self can lead to empowerment and joy!

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Guest: Laura Olvera aka Señora Calzones

Episode Highlights: Laura Olvera

In this lively episode of the Fashionista Podcast, host Diana Diaz sits down with the inspiring Laura Olvera, known to many as Señora Calzones. Laura shares the evolution of her entrepreneurial journey, beginning with her earliest memories of entrepreneurship inspired by her father. As she transitioned into motherhood, Laura found herself reclaiming her sensuality and self-love, which became cornerstones of her brand. The COVID pandemic served as a pivotal moment for Laura, allowing her to reassess her life and refocus her energies on empowering women through unique boudoir experiences.

Laura discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability and individuality in the fashion industry. She delves into how her brand, Señora Calzones, is rooted in her family's history and aims to celebrate women through intimate fashion. The episode also touches on the impact of fashion shows in fostering community engagement and challenging societal norms.

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurial Roots: Laura's journey began with the influence of her father, teaching her the value of entrepreneurship from a young age.
• Reclaiming Sensuality: Motherhood and the pandemic provided Laura with the opportunity to reconnect with her sensual self, which became crucial to her personal and professional growth.
• Empowerment through Boudoir: The boudoir experience offered by Señora Calzones is about celebrating individuality and empowering women to embrace their sensuality.
• Community and Conversation: Fashion shows are more than just events; they are platforms for challenging societal norms and sparking important conversations.
• Overcoming Challenges: Laura shares her experiences with criticism in the fashion industry and how she navigates imposter syndrome by removing expectations and staying true to her unique story.

Conclusion

Laura Olvera's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. Through her brand, Señora Calzones, she encourages women to embrace their authentic selves and invest in their self-worth. Her insights into entrepreneurship, motherhood, and sensuality are both enlightening and inspiring, reminding listeners of the power of community and the beauty of individuality. Tune in to this episode for a dose of empowerment and a celebration of Latina fashion and self-love.

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Episode Highlight: Corissa Hernandez

In this episode of Fashionista Activista, host Diana Diaz interviews Corissa Hernandez, the owner of Nativo Restaurant and a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to community empowerment. Corissa shares her journey from a challenging upbringing with strong female role models to her education and career choices that led her to become a teacher. She discusses her transition into entrepreneurship, challenges in the financial industry, and her commitment to creating spaces that reflect and uplift her community. Corissa emphasizes the importance of mental health, self-care, and surrounding oneself with supportive people as she balances multiple ventures and continues to inspire others.


Key Takeaways

• Strong Female Figures: Corissa's upbringing was significantly shaped by influential women, instilling values and strength that impacted her life and career.
• Crucial Career Shaping: Education played a pivotal role in Corissa's professional development, providing the foundation for her transition into different fields.
• From Teaching to Entrepreneurship: Out of necessity, Corissa moved from a teaching career to entrepreneurship, showcasing her ability to adapt and grow.
• Overlooked in Education: The podcast highlights how financial literacy is often neglected in educational systems, yet it is crucial for personal and professional success.
• Focus of Business: Corissa's business is dedicated to empowering the Latino community, creating opportunities and resources tailored to their unique needs.
• Priority for Leaders: Effective leadership requires prioritizing mental health, ensuring leaders are well-equipped to support and inspire their teams.
• Reflecting Identity: Community spaces should authentically represent the culture and identity of the people they serve, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Highlighted Journey: Corissa's journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in facing challenges and achieving success.
• Essential for Success: Having a supportive team is crucial for the success of any venture, providing strength and diverse perspectives.
• Risk and Reward: While entrepreneurship involves risks, it also offers the potential for meaningful change and personal fulfillment.

Conclusion

Tune in to hear Corissa Hernandez’s inspiring journey of empowering communities through entrepreneurship. Explore financial literacy, Latina business ownership, and more on the Fashionista Activista Podcast!

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Episode Highlight: Lucy Thompson

In this engaging conversation, Lucy Thompson shares her inspiring journey from growing up in El Sereno to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant industry. She discusses her deep-rooted family values, her transition from fashion to food, and the creation of her restaurants, Pez Cantina and Pez Coastal Kitchen. Lucy also introduces her new seasoning line, Boom, emphasizing the importance of community, self-care, and sustainability in her life and work.

Key Takeaways

• Power of Community and Family: Lucy Thompson's journey reflects the power of community and family.
• Fashion as Self-Expression: Fashion served as a form of self-expression and empowerment for Lucy.
• Career Shift: Transitioning from fashion to food was a significant career shift for Lucy.
• Pez Cantina: Born out of a love for Mexican cuisine and community.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The restaurant industry requires resilience and adaptability, especially during the pandemic.
• Community Giving: Lucy emphasizes giving back to the community through her businesses.
• Boom Seasoning Line: Aims to elevate everyday meals with organic ingredients.
• Self-Care: Crucial for maintaining balance in a busy life.
• Sustainability in Fashion: Important to Lucy, who advocates for thrifting and quality garments.
• Impact of Hard Work and Passion: Lucy’s story is a testament to these values.

Conclusion

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Lucy Thompson's remarkable journey and her dedication to making a positive impact through her businesses and community efforts. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the intersection of fashion, food, and activism with us on the Fashionista Activista Podcast!

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to the season two premiere of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Our first guest of season two is Supervisor Hilda Solis, an American politician and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors member for the 1st District. She served as the 25th United States Secretary of Labor from 2009 to 2013 under President Obama. A member of the Democratic Party, Solis represented California's 31st and 32nd congressional districts in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009, which include East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.

In the episode, Hilda Solis discusses her appreciation for The Goddess Mercado in East Los Angeles. She shares stories about attending Sunday mass with her family and reflects on her father's love for the outdoors. Hilda also talks about her siblings and husband, emphasizing their strong bond. As the third oldest of seven siblings (four sisters and two brothers), Hilda grew up in a tract home in La Puente, California. She shares her unique experiences as a Latina running for office and some of the challenges she faced along the way.

Solis was raised in La Puente, California, by immigrant parents from Nicaragua and Mexico. She earned degrees from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and the University of Southern California and worked for two federal agencies in Washington, D.C. After returning to her home state, she was elected to the Rio Hondo Community College Board of Trustees in 1985, the California State Assembly in 1992, and the California State Senate in 1994. Solis was the first Hispanic woman to serve in the State Senate and was reelected in 1998. She actively sought to pass environmental justice legislation and was the first female recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2000.

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to the Fashionista Activista Podcast, brought to you by the powerful Goddess Mercado!

Welcome to another magical 🦄 episode of the Fashionista Activista Podcast. Today, we have the pleasure of talking with Megan from the Shadowplay Collective. Megan's journey is nothing short of inspiring. After her divorce, Megan found healing and solace in starting her own business. The Shadowplay Collective has brought her closer to people, where she has found that her connections through candle-making 🕯️ and taro 🃏 have been truly transformative.       

Megan has had a long and illustrious career in the fashion industry, from working in the factory to becoming a senior designer. But after 20 years in the industry, she found herself in a state of constant burnout. She would have to take extended breaks from the industry just to recover. However, Megan's mental shift came when she had her daughter during one of those breaks. She realized that she needed to make a change in her life, and that's when she started the Shadowplay Collective. ✨✨

Megan's journey wasn't just about starting a business, though. She also underwent an ego-death journey, which helped her find her confidence and authentic self. Megan's story is one of transformation and inspiration, and we are so grateful to have her on the podcast today.

Thank you for listening, and we hope this episode has inspired you to find your own path to healing and transformation. 🚀

Follow, like, and comment! 🌟
Instagram: @shadowplaycollective
www.shadowplaycollective.com
Linktree: linktr.ee/Shadowplaycollective

Host: Diana Diaz 🎤
Guest: Megan
Producer: Xavier Mejia

Follow, like, and comment! 🌟
Instagram: @thegoddessmercado

Learn more about the Goddess Mercado: thegoddessmercado.com


The Fashionista Activista Podcast is brought to you by the Goddess Mercado,  sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, and is produced by mejia.tv

Podcast Backers:
Communitax 
Legacy publishing 
Mexichic Crafts

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez

Welcome to the Fashionista Activista Podcast, brought to you by the powerful Goddess Mercado!

In this episode, we talk to Martin Gamez, the Tax, Accounting & Financial expert behind The Goddess and Queer Mercados. 🌟 Martin is the Chief Executive Officer of Communitax, and he specializes in research, development, and employee retention credits. His passion for community organizing and activism has enabled him to excel in his field. Martin's expertise in these areas is highly regarded, and his contributions have been invaluable to the organization. His commitment to research and development has helped Communitax stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, his dedication to employee retention credits has ensured that the organization attracts and retains top talent. Martin's passion for community organizing and activism has also helped the organization build strong relationships with various communities, resulting in increased brand awareness and loyalty.

As the son of immigrant parents, Martin shares the steps he's taken to go beyond his East Los Angeles experience and become a successful entrepreneur. He offers valuable tips and insights on how to make it in the business world, including the importance of networking, taking calculated risks, and having a strong work ethic.

Martin's story is truly inspiring and serves as a reminder that no matter where you come from, it's possible to achieve your dreams with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. So, if you're looking to start your own business or take your current one to the next level, be sure to tune in to this podcast episode. 🙌 Tune in now and join the conversation. 🎊

Follow, like, and comment! 🌟
Instagram: @66gamer
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/martin-gamez-5164a113

Host: Diana Diaz
Guest: Martin Gamez
Producer: Xavier Mejia

Follow, like, and comment! 🌟
Instagram: @thegoddessmercado

Learn more about the Goddess Mercado: thegoddessmercado.com


The Fashionista Activista Podcast is brought to you by the Goddess Mercado,  sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, and is produced by mejia.tv

Podcast Backers:
Communitax 
Legacy publishing 
Mexichic Crafts

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez