In this episode of the MíraLA Podcast, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Aleja Jimenez, a Creator Brand Architect and founder of Planeta Eclectix. This creator talent development firm helps multicultural talent turn their influence into sustainable businesses, intellectual property, and long-term ownership.

Aleja’s journey to entrepreneurship has been anything but linear. Her path has taken her through fashion, communications, sales, poetry, content creation, and talent management, all while rebuilding her life after sexual abuse, her parents’ deportation, and divorce.

Together, Arianna and Aleja have an honest conversation about reclaiming your voice, rebuilding after life-changing experiences, and refusing to make yourself smaller. Aleja also shares why creators must begin thinking beyond brand deals and explore opportunities in intellectual property, media, partnerships, and businesses of their own.

At the heart of Aleja’s firm is the belief that visibility can be transformative, especially for women who were taught, explicitly or implicitly, to shrink themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Aleja’s nonlinear journey to entrepreneurship

• Rebuilding your identity after trauma and major life transitions

• Turning creativity and influence into a sustainable business

• Why creators should think beyond brand deals

• Developing intellectual property and long-term ownership

• The importance of visibility for multicultural women

• Taking up space without apologizing

Follow Aleja Jimenez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealejajimenez?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Eclectix: https://www.instagram.com/planetaeclectix?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Follow MíraLA:

MíraLA Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/miralapodcast?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

MíraLA Network: https://www.instagram.com/miralanetwork?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

MíraLA Film Festival: https://www.instagram.com/miralafilmfest?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to the MíraLA Podcast, leave us a review, and share the episode with someone who needs the reminder that she does not have to make herself smaller.

Credits:

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Nadieme Villar

Intern: Kamryn Dominguez

Editor: Lianna Wainwright Sponsor: Arres

Welcome to Season 3 of the MíraLA Podcast: Pussy Problems.

This season, we’re having the honest conversations women are often taught to keep private. From sexual and reproductive health to identity, relationships, motherhood, healing, pleasure, and the complicated realities of living in a woman’s body—nothing is off-limits.

Host Arianna Lemus sits down with women from different backgrounds to share personal stories, challenge shame, and remind us that our experiences deserve to be heard.

Season 3 begins now. Subscribe to the MíraLA Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Follow us on social media:

• MíraLA Podcast

• MíraLA Network

• MíraLA Film Festival

Listener discretion advised: This season includes mature conversations about sexuality, health, trauma, and other sensitive topics.

MíraLA Podcast #30: The Producers’ Edit

MíraLA Podcast: The Producers’ Edit is a special behind-the-scenes conversation on growth, community and all things MíraLA. Host Arianna Lemus, who leads the podcast with intention and a deep focus on relationship-building and storytelling, is joined by longtime producer Brenda Hernández, who has served as producer, editor, and camera operator, shaping the podcast’s production, structure, and brand.

In this candid Producers’ Edit, Arianna and Brenda reflect on the past, present, and future of MíraLA — from the evolution of the podcast to the growth of the MíraLA Film Festival and other collaborative projects. The episode documents the process behind the work, the challenges and lessons learned, and the moments that have shaped the platform, while also marking a transition as Brenda steps away from the podcast after two years of contribution.

This episode is for listeners who’ve been with MíraLA since day one — and for anyone curious about how collective, community-led creative work actually gets made.

📍 Recorded at Bear Punch Studios in North Hollywood, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

💫 Catch the Conversation

This special Producers’ Edit offers an inside look at MíraLA — the podcast, the festival and the people behind the work.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Special Thanks to our Season 2 Sponsors:

• Latina Hustle — Building pathways for Latinas in business, leadership & community. Explore more: shoplh.co

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle. Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

• NAMI San Fernando Valley — Championing mental health awareness & community care. Learn more: namisfv.org

• Cactus Foods — Supporting community through food & culture. Available at cactus-foods.com

• Bear Punch Studios — Your go-to creative studio for premium podcast audio and video production. Book your next session at bearpunch.tv

• Nine Glow — Skincare built for sweat, strength, and the glow you earn. Shop at nineskinglow.com

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Audio and Video Production: Bear Punch Studios

Editor: Brenda Hernández

In this episode, Arianna sits down with Danitza, a former Correctional Officer turned educator, author, and tech founder, to explore what it means to protect people and preserve truth.

From working in a Protective Custody Unit to earning a PhD in Human Sexuality, Danitza shares how trauma, empathy, and lived experience shaped her path. She opens up about her book Left Vulnerable, her work as a mother and leader, and her latest venture, ELYS, a startup redefining safety and legacy through compassionate technology.

This conversation is about courage, humanity, and making sure what matters most is never lost.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

Credits:

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Editor: Brenna Cherry

This week, Arianna Lemus sits down with Virginia Novello — a Mexican actress, writer, producer, and tantric coach whose work bridges storytelling, spirituality, and feminine empowerment. She is the co-creator, writer, and star of Las Tres Sisters, a Latinx female-driven feature film premiering theatrically this January.

Beyond film, Virginia is the founder of Sacred Alquimia, where she teaches tantra and holotropic breathwork, facilitates retreats and workshops, and hosts Orgasmica, her podcast exploring sexuality, creativity, and healing.

In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the journey of making Las Tres Sisters, the spiritual practices that have shaped her path, and her mission to help women reconnect with their power, pleasure, and creative voice. From filmmaking to embodiment work, she invites listeners to step into deeper authenticity, intuition, and self-trust.

📍 Recorded at Empowered with Gina / ZA Lawyer Studios in Valley Glen, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

• Latina Hustle — Use code “MIRALA15” for 15% off your order from now til December 21, 2025

Shop the full collection at shoplh.co

Credits:

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Op: Brenna Cherry

Editor: Brenna Cherry

MíraLA Podcast #27: KÉO — Artist, Producer & Multi-Hyphenate Voice Shaping Modern R&B

This week, Arianna Lemus sits down with KÉO — an R&B/Pop artist, producer, songwriter, audio engineer, and Recording Academy member redefining what modern soul sounds like. Her music has been featured across major shows including Queer Eye, All American, Project Runway, and That Girl Lay Lay, and she helped shape Barbie’s global rebrand with powerful, uplifting anthems heard around the world.

In this conversation, KÉO shares the journey behind her multifaceted artistry — from producing her own tracks to collaborating with Emotional Oranges, Nova Wav, Kiah Victoria, Alexander Lewis, and Sara Kawai. Drawing from classic R&B roots while pushing the genre forward, her sound blends emotional depth with melodic catchiness. As NPR’s Tiny Desk notes, her lyrics are “crafted with crowd-pleasing, relatable consideration and a hum-along chorus sticky enough to show up on Billboard charts.”

KÉO opens up about building her career in Los Angeles, finding creative freedom in self-production, and what it means to tell the truth through music. This episode dives into identity, discipline, collaboration, and the power of taking full ownership of your voice and vision.

📍 Recorded at Bear Punch Studios in North Hollywood, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Bear Punch Studios — Your go-to creative studio for premium podcast audio and video production.

Book your session at bearpunch.tv

• Nine Glow — Skincare built for sweat, strength, and the glow you earn.

Shop at nineskinglow.com

Credits:

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Audio and Video Production: Bear Bunch Studios

Editor: Brenna Cherry

This week, Arianna Lemus sits down with Natalie Aguilar, founder of Nine Glow, the skincare brand made for people who train hard and glow harder. A former ISSA personal trainer, Natalie turned her own gym struggles into a mission to create skincare that moves with you. Nine Glow was born from real experience and a simple truth: active people need active skincare.

In this conversation, Natalie opens up about her evolution from trainer to entrepreneur, the self-discipline that fuels her work, and why Nine Glow is more than skincare — it’s a celebration of movement, wellness, and the power of feeling confident in your own skin.

📍 Recorded in Empowered with Gina / ZA Lawyers Studios in Valley Glen, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

• Nine Glow — Skincare built for sweat, strength, and the glow you earn

Shop at nineskinglow.com

—————————————————————————————————

Credits:

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Op: Brenna Cherry

Editor: Brenna Cherry

This week, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Selina Ringel, an award-winning Mexican-American filmmaker whose bold storytelling and relentless creative drive have made her a standout voice in independent cinema. As a writer, producer, and actress, she’s built a body of work that pushes boundaries and resonates across communities.

Her latest feature film, You, Me & Her, earned 15 awards and premiered in 250 theaters nationwide as the Alpha test for Fithian Group’s innovative distribution platform, Attend. The film was later acquired by Starz, and is now streaming on Starz, Amazon, and Apple TV.

Beyond the screen, Selina continues to inspire with her bestselling book Be The Train, a powerful guide for emerging filmmakers that has quickly become required reading at film programs across the country. Her mission is simple but transformative: help creators take ownership of their voice, their stories, and their careers.

In this conversation, Selina opens up about her evolution as a filmmaker, the risks and resilience behind her work, and the mission that drives everything she creates.

📍 Recorded in Empowered with Gina / ZA Lawyers Studios in Valley Glen, CA 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Ops: Brenda Hernández / Marlon V. Rodriguez

Editor: Brenna Cherry

This week, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Yahaira Kolb, a visionary Latina entrepreneur whose legacy in beauty began generations ago. From mastering her craft behind the salon chair to building a renowned luxury salon and wellness medspa, Yahaira has made it her mission to help women feel confident, radiant, and seen.

Her journey extends beyond beauty—she’s also a savvy real estate investor and mentor, guiding other women to build wealth, embrace independence, and dream bigger. In this conversation, Yahaira opens up about the lessons, challenges, and mindset that shaped her path as a businesswoman and leader.

📍 Recorded in Empowered with Gina / ZA Lawyers Studios in Valley Glen, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Op: Brenna Cherry

Editor: Brenna Cherry

Production Assistant: Genesis Santizo

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Brenda Gálvez, a distinguished first-generation Latina whose work centers on building community, self-advocacy, and social and economic mobility. As the founder of Latina Hustle, Dr. Gálvez has dedicated her career to creating access and opportunity for under-represented communities - bridging local government, educational institutions, and professional industries to uplift the next generation of Latina leaders.

With expertise in designing culturally competent, person-centered career programs, Dr. Gálvez empowers individuals to not only pursue careers that align with their goals but to confidently navigate and thrive within them.

In this episode, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Dr. Gálvez to explore the importance of representation in professional spaces, the power of mentorship, and how she continues to champion Latina empowerment through education and advocacy.

📍 Recorded in Pasadena, CA.

💫 Catch the Conversation

This episode is brought to you by, Latina Hustle, building pathways for Latinas in business, leadership & community. Dr. Gálvez shares powerful insights on career accessibility, leadership rooted in community, and redefining success on your own terms. Shop Latina Hustle at shoplh.com and use promo code “MiraLA15” for 15% off your order.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

🙌 Special Thanks to our season 2 Sponsors:

• Latina Hustle — Building pathways for Latinas in business, leadership & community.

Explore more: shoplh.co

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

• NAMI San Fernando Valley — Championing mental health awareness & community care.

Learn more: namisfv.org

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Ops: Brenna Cherry / Alejandra Quiroz

Editor: Brenna Cherry