Yvette Bodden's Blog, page 12

Empowerment Series: Award-Winning Filmmaker, Afro-Latina Actress, Netflix “Purple Hearts,” and Freevee’s Casa Grande Star, Loren Escandón Shares New TV Series with AW

Award speeches often begin with a celebration of accomplishments. We see the person in his or her glory and seldom think about the hardship endured on the way to the win.

Loren Escandón graduated with a degree in Theatre from Universidad del Valle in Colombia. Instead of staying put in her native country, she made a bold move. The fearless Latina moved to the US to pursue dreams of making a splash in the entertainment industry without so much as speaking the English language. There were plenty of roadblocks on the path she chose for herself, none of which dissuaded her from becoming who she was meant to be.

Today, her life in Los Angeles looks different than the one she left behind. Loren is an award-winning Filmmaker, Actor, Director, and Writer who has an impressive resume in Hollywood. Millions will recognize her as Marisol, the single mother to Cassie, played by Sofia Carson in the Netflix hit film, Purple Hearts. She has also guest starred in popular television series like Truth Be Told, Gentefied, CBS’ S.W.A.T, Fox’s 9-11, FX’s Crime Story, CW’s The Messengers, HBO’s Selena: The Series, and many more.

In 2022, Loren’s film, Los Patines won several awards.  In May 2023, she stars in Freeve’s much anticipated bilingual, five-part series, Casa Grande.

AW had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the actress to discuss her role in the new series, Latino Representation, challenges and lessons coming into the entertainment industry, and the legacy she would like to leave for future generations. Our interview will be inspiring to any dreamer who is on the verge of giving up. If you are close to quitting on everything you’ve ever wanted, Loren says “Don’t, do it!” I hope this interview provides the motivation needed to keep your dream alive.

Latino representation is critical in all industries. You have been passionate about playing women of color. In your newest role, you play Ximena Morales, Rafael’s wife and Mael’s mother. She dreams of a better future for her family while managing the realities of circumstances. Can you share a bit about the premise of the series and your character? Also, tell us, why was it essential for you to play this role. The name of the series is Casa Grande, it is on Freevee and I hope everyone watches it! This is a free platform that makes it convenient for you to access the programming. No subscription is needed, which is one of the reasons we love it and made our home there.

Casa Grande’s story revolves around four different families. You experience their values, beliefs, and perspectives on life, all these things conjure in this place. But at the same time, what is great about the show is how being trapped in this environment under particular circumstances becomes almost like a reflection of society, overall. The drama portrays love, loyalty, and betrayal, it shows how all these feelings can bring out the best and worst in humanity. In that exploration of family, class, religion, culture, and immigration, we find that at the end of the day, we’re all humans trying to have a life that’s worth living.

Ximena Morales is a hard-working mom but fun too! The reason, I really wanted to play her from the beginning. I felt a need to craft this woman in a way that honors all the farm workers in this country. I never really thought about the produce that goes into my refrigerator or the stories that come with the fruits and vegetables we bring to the table. I wanted to play the role with respect to the farmworkers that are often overseen or stereotyped by the idea of who we think they are. Humanizing these stories, especially in the political environment we are living is important.

You graduated with a degree in Theatre from Universidad del Valle in Colombia then made the brave move to come to the US to pursue your dreams. I can imagine that you had some challenges stepping into this career. Latinos had been invisible in Hollywood for decades but they are finally carving a space in front and behind the cameras. As a dreamer and proud “Colombiana,” who was coming into the entertainment business for the first time. What was your biggest struggle and greatest lesson, as you assimilated into this difficult industry? I think one of the biggest struggles encountered when I came to this country had to do with the perception of who I was. I moved here not speaking the language, so I wasn’t able to communicate at all.  I was an educated woman in Colombia but had to find a way out because representation was limited, there. My thinking was, I’d go to America, and it would be different. But I found myself in the same circumstances. In addition, I had the challenge of being an immigrant, a woman of color, who did not speak the language. Due to all those facts, people had their own idea of who I was and it wasn’t even close to who I really am, so that was a huge struggle. Now, I needed to identify as Latina which I didn’t need to do in Colombia, we were all the same. When the roles started coming around, I noticed how I was being perceived. The business believed there were only certain types of roles, I could play.

This is why Diversity & Inclusion is so important. Latinos are not a monolith. We don’t all look and sound one way. We are not a single culture but many, rich in diversity. The fact that the business saw all Latinos one way was another struggle. But this also offered my biggest lesson, don’t sit and wait for the business and industry to write the character you want for yourself. Figure out a way to create those projects that portray your culture from your point of view.

In recent years, Diversity and Inclusion have taken the spotlight, opening up opportunities for us in a range of industries. As an Afro-Latina who is not only an Actor but also Filmmaker, Director, Writer, and Activist. How do you secure your contribution to the representation of Latinos in the industry? There are different paths for me to do so. As an Actress, I am mindful of the characters that I portray. I have been blessed and feel privileged to say, “No” to some projects that come my way. If I don’t feel it represents my culture, demographic group, and race with dignity and pride, I turn it down. Everyone’s situation is different. It is financially complicated but I want to be able to have some sort of control over where I want to focus my craft.

As a Film Director, this changes because I can choose the stories that I want to tell, as well as, maintain some control over who I handpick to tell them with. In that sense, I always look to find the most diverse collaborators for my projects. It is a priority, for example, in my latest film “The Last Store,” the cast was all women of color and the only male character was Black. All heads of departments were women, and ninety-five percent of the crew were people of color. The film “Los Patines” was an all-female cast with everyone behind the camera being people of color. This is my contribution to help make a change in the industry. We have to start hiring our own people, repeatedly, until that happens, we are not there, yet.

You have played many great roles and continue to build this amazing career in front and behind the cameras. I love seeing empowered Latinas thrive! You have much more to do in your career but when you look towards the future. What do you hope your legacy will be for the next generation? I’d like my legacy to be, leaving an industry that does not need to think about inclusion, anymore. I would love to leave a body of work that represents my culture with pride, is a model to follow, and is a reflection of society. As an Afro-Latina in particular, leave behind stories that are as far away as possible from the stereotypes. Instead, present the richness, universality, and uniqueness that we are and have a company where everyone can be themselves.

We like to end AW interviews with a quote, mantra, or advice to inspire. What encouraging words do you have for anyone who may think they need to bargain their authenticity to be successful? Don’t do it, it’s not worth it. The value of who you are is in your art, persona, and humanity. It is who you are – your authentic self that truly matters. Don’t compromise your vision, or morality because there is no success without those elements.  As an artist, you are your biggest possession, and the more clear you are about who you are, the more it translates into your art. It’s the thing that helps you connect with people in the most intimate and profound ways.

I’d also say, keep going, do not stop! My character in Purple Hearts would say “El que no ariesga. No gana.” No risk, no gain. My daughter in the film, played by Sofia Carson has the tattoo and my mom used to say that all the time. When I started playing this character, I revisited this idea. It was when I had those words tattooed on myself. It has become my mantra. You have to create your own opportunities and make things happen for yourself. In this process, the one thing you cannot do is lose your authenticity. If you lose that, you lose yourself.

Loren came to this country believing that she could be everything, she imagined. She did not speak, read or understand the English language. The Latina was not privy to connections that gave her a boost to climb the Hollywood ladder.  Knowing who she is and what she was capable of sparked a fire. The combination of hard work, perseverance, and an unrelenting faith in herself has helped her stay on the path to greatness. All things are possible when you believe in yourself. Once you surrender to the idea that you can do anything, well, the sky is the limit.

AW is extremely grateful for every one of these interviews. We appreciate the talent and the collaborators working behind the scenes to help it all come together. I am inspired, just as much as you, by every conversation. It is far from easy to create something out of nothing. Women like Loren continue to fuel my dreams and encourage me to continue making contributions that help light a match in the life of others looking for inspiration. Hopefully, you are left feeling empowered to go out there to reach for your own star.

You can listen to this episode of the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services and watch it on our YouTube channel to enjoy all the side chats during the interview.

Check out Casa Grande, playing on Freevee now! To learn more about Loren, visit Loren Escandon, on Instagram, and Twitter @Lorenescandon

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Hollywood Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Author, Naz Meknat Shares her Survivorship & Triumph with AW

The human spirit is resilient. Our ability to love and overcome adversity is immeasurable. Billions of people around the world are thriving despite the pain they have endured. Whether it is a physical ailment or personal devastation, you have the choice to hold on to the positive. Fight to survive another day.

Naz Meknat is a survivor, who loved herself out of despair and came back to win, in spite of all the hardship suffered. The LA-based Celebrity Stylist works with some of the most recognized names in Hollywood, including Sterling K. Brown and Jeannie Mai. She has been featured in People and InStyle Magazines. In 2021, she wrote the memoir, 7000 Miles to Freedom to share her story of survivorship with the world. 

Naz was born in Tehran, Iran. At 23, she came to the United States as a refugee. Prior to arriving in America, her journey was filled with trials and tribulations. It began as a young 13-year-old when she was arrested by the morality police in her city. As a woman, she was held hostage and abused by her then-husband but none of this has stopped her from becoming the woman she was meant to be. Instead, she was emboldened to set her own path and help others do the same by raising their voices against injustices in her country. 

AW had the honor of speaking with Naz about the experiences that changed her life. This tale of triumph is sure to spark inspiration in anyone who is struggling to find their own voice or fearful of asking for help.

Sometimes, it’s easy for us to take things for granted. We were born into freedom. You come from an environment where you had to fight for every bit of your liberty. Can you share a little about your life before coming to the US? The situation in Iran is well-known, women in my country have started a revolution. The morality police played a major branch of policing after the Islamic regime of  1979. They monitor the streets, looking for any behavior that goes against their rules of religion. If you are a woman, you’re required to be covered from head to toe. Having your hair show, speaking to someone of the opposite sex, and wearing nail polish or makeup are all enough to get you in trouble. At the age of 13, I faced the barrel of a gun. I was thrown into a van and taken to jail by the morality police. The reason? Talking to a boy from the neighborhood in public.

I married my first boyfriend. Keep in mind, there are regulations that forbid a woman from having a love interest. Already having a history as a rebel with this organization, I could not risk more problems. Post-marriage, my family left the country, and I had to stay behind with my husband. 

Over time, my husband developed an alcohol problem. As an alcoholic, he was extremely abusive. I was not even allowed to leave the house to go anywhere alone. I had to make a decision to escape the situation. I lived in Iran until the age of 23 when I fled, reuniting with my family in Los Angeles.

In my country, men own the women. Rights were taken away, once the Islamic regime took over. Prior to marriage, you are indebted to a father, and after marriage to a husband. In September 2022, a 22-year-old woman was arrested for having exposed hair. She was beaten to death while in the custody of the morality police. The people of Iran are fed up.

What was the turning point that forced you to do something different? I kept the abuse to myself for a long time. I did not want my dad to know. He warned me not to marry. Finally, after enough cuts and bruises, I finally came out to my sister. She spoke to our parents in California and a plan was put in place for me to escape. I was able to convince my sister-in-law to let me go out for a few hours and see my uncle. This made it possible for me to get out safely.

The moment I spoke up, everything changed! My biggest message and reason for writing the book is,  “Please talk to someone. You don’t need to suffer in silence. What is waiting for you outside the situation is much better than what you are going through right now.”

Even in a free society, we can feel like we don’t have a voice. There can be fear of retaliation or judgment. We can also feel like, what we have to say does not matter.  When did you begin feeling like you had something to say? When did you find your voice? I was always a fighter against injustice. As a young person, I did not understand why things were the way they were, where I lived. Women’s rights were taken away, and it did not sit well with me. I questioned the reasons why I couldn’t be myself or dress how I wanted. I did not have the ability to listen to music or read the books, I chose. At 13, while in a cold jail cell after being taken by the morality police, I realized that I had to find a way to resist, and fight back. 

Once I got to the States, I began to use my voice by speaking up against domestic violence, particularly after “Me Too” and writing the book.

Surviving this type of trauma or any trauma leaves emotional scars. How did going through this ordeal change you? One of the most therapeutic things I could have done was write the book. I did not get a therapist, instead putting away the emotions. I tried to forget the ordeal. Not the best way to deal with trauma!  Writing the book forced me to deal with things. During the three-year writing process, I had to sit with the pain. I really had to feel everything I had gone through.

As far as changing myself, I am more compassionate. This has started a fire in me to continue to fight for women. I am no longer afraid of speaking up anymore or being judged by others.

I believe we have something to learn from every experience, good or bad. What has been your greatest lesson? How will you use it to help other women? The biggest lesson learned is that there is always someone willing to help or someone who cares. Oftentimes, people don’t their leave situation for lack of financial independence or fear of raising their children without a father.

I am lucky, I had the help of a family but I know many others do not have the same support. However, there are resources in the US to help survivors. You will find people that want to assist. Remember, the life waiting for you outside this situation is far better than what you are living.

You broke away from the constraints holding you back from freedom. You came to the United States, obtained your degree from the “Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising” of Los Angeles, and made a successful career as a stylist. You wrote a memoir about your journey, and you’re an advocate for Women’s Rights. You are bringing awareness to sexual and domestic violence. What is next for you, Naz? Right now, I am extremely focused on my people and the revolution in Iran. Iranians’ focus has shifted and we have never been more united. We want a regime change. We are attending rallies, and reaching out to representatives to encourage change.

Also, as a Celebrity Stylist, always taking care of my clients is important, especially during awards season!

We like to end interviews with a piece of advice, quote, or mantra to help empower others. For anyone listening who may feel they don’t have the courage to get out of a toxic or dangerous situation. Can you share some words that may have helped strengthen you in a time of need? People won’t know what you are going through if you don’t say anything. Set aside any guilt or embarrassment, there is no shame in asking for help. You never know who is willing to help, so say something. Say something.

Naz Meknat fought back from the mental and physical anguish. It could have destroyed her, if she let it. Choosing resistance was a risk but it empowered her to break free from the chains of an old-world mindset.  The journey of this empowered woman is an example of how we can use our voices to alter the course of our lives.

Silence is a passive killer that can diminish your worth. It can fool you into thinking that you don’t have a way out. Everyone has the right to individual happiness and freedom. Babies are born into the world with their fists held up, ready to conquer. Believe in your power to change your life because once you do, the world is yours. 

AW is immensely grateful to Naz for allowing a glimpse into her painful experience. It is important to continue sharing our stories to inspire men and women who are struggling. We all have a story, you never know who it can help. 

To learn more about Naz Meknat, visit Instagram@naz_meknat or nazmeknat.com

Watch the interview in its entirety on the AW Confidential YouTube channel and listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Anchor Podcasts.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

 

Empowerment Series: Award-Winning, NBCU Female Forward Director, Lara Everly Shares Important Episode of “American Auto” with AW

The world has changed significantly, over the course of the last several years. Some will say, our country has regressed, while others may argue that it’s not as bad, as it seems. Whatever side you are on, it is important to continue conversations that shed light on difficult subjects.

In order to contribute to the ongoing dialogue, AW is keen on delivering content that is entertaining but also thought-provoking, as well as, inspiring. With the help of amazing guests, we have been able to explore topics that are not always easy to talk about but necessary.

Lara Everly is part of NBCU’s Female Forward Directing Program. She is an award-winning Director, skilled at bringing comedy to unexpected topics. Her political short “Always & Forever” went viral with 26 million views. She had the amazing opportunity to direct an impactful episode of NBCU’s “American Auto,” where the plot revolved around one of the character’s conflicting views about women’s rights in the workplace.

I sat down with Lara to discuss her thoughts and experience while filming the powerful episode, which may be perceived as controversial in today’s political climate.

As a Director, you take a script and interpret the vision of the Writer or Producer through the use of sound, lighting, microphones, props, cameras, and actors. What major challenge did you encounter as a woman, making this episode?  This episode was under the spotlight with the network and studio in a supportive way. The show addressed something difficult, it was about abortion rights in the workplace but was cleverly wrapped into the woke culture and different generational views on activism. It is very nuanced, not every day do we take on topics like abortion or abortion rights on network television, so there were many eyes on it. I believe there is some pressure when you are at the helm of an episode like this.  Everyone wants to make sure it’s being handled with the correct level of intelligence that this kind of topic requires.

I felt very aligned, having done a ton of work in the reproductive health women’s narrative sphere. So, it felt kismet and serendipitous that this was the story, I got to tell. It just also happens that it was my first episode with network television.

The episode hits topics about corporations taking a position on the right to choose, disavowing political donations, feminism, harassment, and other charged matters that can flare tempers, which we watched happen at the end of it. How was it for you, directing the scene and dealing with these topics? Did you have any concerns going into the project? I did not have any concerns about the subject matter at all, just wanted to make sure that I was striking the right cord for NBCUniversal, Showrunners, and Writers.

I have so much respect for Elena Crevello, who wrote the episode. She is brilliant, I wanted to ensure that I was achieving her vision and making her words pop off the page in the best way possible. It was one of those instances where it was important to get different takes. Oftentimes, the most highly passionate invested, emotional takes are funny but when dealing with this type of topic, it can be too much. I believe it was important to get many takes to have all options in the editing room.

The Oscars took place in March. In the history of these awards, seven women have been nominated for Director, and only three women have received the prestigious honor. NBCU’s Female Forward Directing Program is a first in the industry. Participating directors get an opportunity to shadow and then take the reigns on a television episode. What significance has this program had for you? Why do you think more programs like this are critical to the success of future female directors in Hollywood? I will sing praises for Female Forward all day long and in general, any of the diversity programs. The climate is changing but a diversity or directing program geared toward women or underrepresented communities is an amazing way in.

It is really hard to get that first episode. Ten to twelve episodes may be ordered and it’s tough to get one of those slots. The fact that this program guarantees an episode not just a shadowing opportunity, sets it apart. It is a huge gift, I’m so grateful because it gave me my break into network television and the Director’s Guild.

While things are changing, and opportunities are there, right now, there is a lot of catching up to do.

Do you feel it is necessary to have television programming that tackles difficult subjects? As a Director, what role would you like to play to help encourage these types of stories? I think it’s paramount! Comedy is a real gift. To be able to tackle difficult, tenderizing, and even political topics with humor, you are managing them in a completely different way. You’re bringing it to people’s living rooms in a gift-wrapped way. Viewers are enjoying the ride. It is entertaining and funny, they invest in the relationships and characters but maybe, it also gets them thinking about a topic, a little differently after watching. The content is not didactic, preachy, or dramatic. It may help us to think about topics in a new way when we tackle them through the lens of humor.

We like to end AW interviews with a piece of advice, quote, or mantra to empower others. For anyone facing hurdles while pursuing dreams or goals, can you share words of encouragement to inspire them to keep pushing forward in their journey?  I would say, find your community. The people that are down to collaborate and help one another. For myself, I have a mom group that works in the industry. We look out for each other when someone needs something. Having those people that cheer you on instead of competing with you is huge.

The other thing I’d say, we all have a story that is worth telling. Whether you are putting it to pen and paper or working with someone on it, you don’t need to wait for the content to come to you. We are content, living it, right now. Don’t wait for things to fall in your lap. Be proactive about getting your stories told, everyone needs content. Ask around, “What type of content are you looking for? Let me see what I have for you.” I did that with Refinery 29 and Scary Mommy, I asked what were the needs to be met and then pitched content to these platforms.

I watched this episode of “American Auto,” and called a friend after watching it. I walked away from it pondering all the topics and emotions without the heaviness behind the different dialogues taking place within the episode.

We absorb and interpret information in a variety of ways. Everyone likes humor, so why not use it to spark conversations about more serious topics? There should be more appreciation for networks, writers, showrunners, and directors working together to create content that is not only entertaining but leaves audiences with a sense of their affinity for our current reality. The possibility that this type of programming can cultivate more awareness and understanding of social issues offers hope for a better future.

AW is grateful to Lara for giving us a glimpse into the director’s chair, and NBCU for taking on initiatives that have a real impact on society and the rising stars of tomorrow.

Please listen to this impactful episode of the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services and watch it on our YouTube channel to enjoy all the side chats during the interview.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Dominican Comedian-Actress from Fuse’s Like, Share, Dimelo, “De Lo Mio” and “Righteous Thieves,” Sasha Merci Shares Roots with AW

Sasha Merci’s credits include the film De Lo Mio, a Fuse series called Share, Like, Dimelo, and El Teteo in Los Angeles, as well as, collaborations with Bumble, AT&T, Heineken, and many other brands.

She began her career in music and then transitioned to an art form that would offer more freedom of expression and creative autonomy. Comedy. Did she imagine the amazing things that have unraveled in her career? The Dominican beauty, says that “A dream manifested when she was cast as Nadia for the Lionsgate film, “Righteous Thieves.”

AW had the opportunity to speak with Sasha. We discussed family, identity, and the use of the word Latino vs. Hispanic. The conversation took a personal turn when we talked about internal validation and personal loss. I was able to see myself in her story, and we connected on a human level.

The Bronx native is making an impact on and off the screen. She is using personal experience as a 2nd generation Dominican to help our community open dialogue on topics that have long been taboo. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants myself, and raised in New York, I related to a lot of what she shared with me.

Before we begin, I have to ask, did you buy that house, yet? Not yet but working on it. As I’ve said in previous interviews, my parents will not understand the success or what I am doing until I buy a home for them. The question is usually “What are you doing because you aren’t doing it for me.” My dad has always been a humble man. His talks usually start with “God willing,” words that have been crucial to me during my upbringing. I stay true to my authenticity, the Universe will do the rest.

In a past interview, you mentioned how complex we are, as human beings. I have Dominican roots and understand how difficult it is to be open and honest about experiences with family, love, sexuality, colorism, and the generational trauma we carry. How hard has it been to be so vocal and honest with your comedy? Have you received any pushback from family or the community? I’ve reserved myself a lot in the last couple of years. I’m not posting as much and finding a lot of growth over time. Instead of being on the defensive side of things, and trying to be the voice for everyone; I’ve had to ask myself, am I being authentic and true to people that are like me?

Sometimes, we respond out of outrage. But through growth, I realized, if I’m going to respond, as a Comedian, I want to be funny but also, real. I feel like things can change with humor and one can address the elephant in the room with laughter.

Your candidness is refreshing and empowering. We need more Sasha and Aida Rodriguez to help crack open all the taboos around these topics. In conversation with Karina from Hot 93.3, you discussed using the words Hispanic, Latina, Latino, and Latinx. I will throw in Latine´! I can’t deny that I get confused with so many different terms but I’m okay with Latina. When asked, how do you express your Latinidad? Why do you think these labels keep evolving? How important is it to you that we get it right? I think education, having everyone on the same page and learning about its meaning is important. Hispanic and Latino can be triggering to some people and not others. It’s about our different experiences, our relationship with the terminology, how someone grows up, and what it was like during their time. I understand the need to create a new word but we should want the term to represent all of us.

I recently learned, if you are Hispanic, you are Spanish-speaking from a country colonized by Spain.  When you are Latino, you are from a Latin country that was colonized by Latin European countries, such as France, Portugal, and Spain. It is not an easy conversation, people may listen to or read this interview and not everyone will be on the same page.

I consider myself Latina and can refer to myself as Latinx or Latine´. I am not offended by any of it. Words are ever-changing, as we are continuously evolving. The only way to have real change is by expressing compassion and understanding for one another.

I love seeing Latinas rise. It is critical to see ourselves in the success of those forging a path to greatness. You are creating content that is relatable, authentic, and entertaining. Now, you are taking on the role of “Nadia” in the film, “Righteous Thieves.” Can you share a little about the role and what it means to you, as a child of Dominican immigrants, growing up in the Bronx, to be part of this production? This was always a dream! My reality starts with being 3 months old, taken to the Dominican Republic to live with my grandparents. I resided with all the comforts of a big home and hired help until the age of six. When I returned to the states, I had to adjust to living in a one-bedroom with my dad and six other people. I did not know the language and was bullied in school, like many others. But no matter how small my life felt, I knew I wanted more and better for myself.

I remember receiving the movie’s trailer before release and sending it to my brothers. They said, “I can’t believe it, you manifested this moment!” I want to thank Jolene for the opportunity, she truly made this happen. I look forward to seeing people invest in her to see how much more amazing things can be!

Nadia is a badass! I tapped into my high school girl, tough exterior. She is a locksmith by day, and a safecracker by night. The woman is talented at what she does. She is consumed by the skill and uses it as a form of expression and freedom. When building my world for this character, I saw her as someone who loves a challenge. Nadia gets an exhilarating feeling from breaking into your secrets. There is power in knowing, “Whatever you’re trying to hide, I am going to find it!” Playing this character pushed me to find out what I’m into and figure out what makes me come alive, something I loved about this character.

What is next for Sasha? Hopefully, more movies, tv shows, and stand-up. El Teteo is still happening and is special to me. I have grown from it while seeing it come to fruition. I love to see people have a good time and put their “stuff” aside to enjoy the moment. Seeing the event evolve so much in Los Angeles is marvelous and telling, Dominicans are everywhere! We show up in rain, snow, and storms, as a true testament to our spirit and resilience. There are many layers that we need to grow from but if I didn’t come from a Dominican household or had a dad that went through what he did, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Although, I don’t agree with many of the cultural norms. I can only live the way, I want to present in the world and be an example for the newer generation.

AW likes to end interviews with a piece of advice, mantra, or quote to inspire. You are creating your dream while staying true to yourself. What advice can you share with anyone who may feel like they have to bargain their authenticity to realize a goal or dream? It is a tricky question but I will say, “Nothing is more important than our internal validation.” It’s difficult because everyone wants to be liked, loved, and when you are in the world of entertainment, you want to be the center of attention.

You have to focus on internal validation because regardless of how much you do, everybody is a critic. You will try your best but people will make you feel like your best is not enough. Show up authentically. Live in your actual spirit because humans can feel your energy and know when you are being real, this is how you become relatable. When you fall in love with yourself, people will gravitate toward you.

AW extends its deepest appreciation to the dynamic Sasha Merci for sharing so much of herself with us. It was truly a gift to engage in honest and candid conversation on matters that can sometimes be difficult to discuss. When I began the AW journey, I never thought I’d have such a learning curve. Every interview, I have done has a different impact but more than that, I am inspired by each one.

Growing up, I did not understand the importance of embracing my roots. Dominican food, music, culture, and traditions are all part of who I am. My parents are immigrants from the Dominican Republic, who left everything familiar to them and came to the US in search of a better life. Were it not for their dreams, I wouldn’t be where I am today and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

Let’s continue to support Sasha and our Latinos by watching Righteous Thieves, now in select theatres, On Digital, and On Demand.

To learn more about Sasha, visit Instagram or Twitter @Sashamerci.

You can listen to the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services and watch AW Confidential YouTube in its entirety on our YouTube channel to enjoy all the side chats during the interview.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: ABC’s Station 19, FOX’s Rosewood, and Hollywood-thriller, “Righteous Thieves,” Actress, Jaina Lee Ortiz Shares her Fire with AW

Jaina Lee Ortiz is best known for her roles on ABC’s Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy, FOX’s Rosewood, USA’s Shooter, and the film Girls Trip. On March 10th, audiences will see her in “Righteous Thieves,” as, Lucille. More than a tech-savvy badass, she brings explosive energy to the screen. The movie stars a cast of dynamic actors including Lisa Vidal, Sasha Merci, Cam Gigandet (“Twilight”), Danube Hermosillo, and Carlos Miranda.

Every interview is unique in its own way. The individual connection we make with someone sets a tone and dictates the dialogue that can take place between two people. AW had the immense pleasure of sitting down with this Latina powerhouse. She is vibrant, filled with warmth and charisma. Her friendly smile made it easy to engage in conversation.

Jaina is an only child raised in the Bronx, NY by parents who instilled the importance of discipline, respect, honesty, and compassion. It is evident, the actress takes her values wherever she goes, treating others with the same kindness learned while growing up.

I believe whether you are reading, watching, or listening to our interview, you too will sense her genuine disposition.

You’ve had some great roles, Annelisse and Andi are dynamos. Fearless with strong convictions, confident but also flawed, both relatable characters. Would you use some of these words to describe yourself? How are you different from these characters? Yes, there is a part of me in every character but in real life, I would have done some things differently, and not necessarily made the same decisions as these women.  In Station 19, Andy is a rulebreaker and impulsive. She goes out and does whatever she wants! I am very cautious, and afraid to break any kind of rule. This may have to do with my dad being a homicide detective.

Growing up, I don’t remember seeing anyone I could relate to on screen. Latinos mostly played maids, sultry mistresses, or drug dealers. Thankfully, we are moving away from this and seeing ourselves on the big and small screens. As a Latina actress, do you ever feel pressure to play characters that are seen in a positive light by our community? I don’t feel that pressure because that is all I’ve done. All of my characters have been intelligent, and fierce. Women of strength, power, and courage, each of them was essentially a role model. As a member of the audience, I want to see more of those types of characters who are portrayed in a positive light. But as a performer or actor, I want to be challenged, secretly hoping to play that stereotype. First, it takes me completely out of my world, giving me the experience of a life that I know nothing about. Also, those people really exist and the fact they exist is important.

I am not saying that every role has to be a stripper, maid, or mistress. I don’t want that but if there is an interesting story being told then yes, I would play it. It is significant for our community to see ourselves in these movies because I didn’t see anyone like us on screen, growing up. For example, I remember seeing Oscar Issac, a great actor but I never knew he was Latino. Having a seat at the table is beautiful.

You bring fire to every role you play. Such amazing energy and an undeniable passion can be felt in every one of your characters. A lot of us struggle with allowing ourselves to be who we are; it seems to come naturally for you. Has there ever been a time in your personal or career journey that you’ve been asked to dial the intensity back? If so, can you share a little about the experience and how you dealt with it? Actually, I have never been encouraged to dial it back. On the contrary, I’ve been asked to bring more of it to the table. There are roles that it may work for, and others that do not. Living in that space and feeling confident in my strengths is wonderful. If you can’t be yourself then you end up fitting in whatever box you try to put yourself into.

As Latinos, we all have different experiences in our upbringing. I think you should use what you have and what you know. It is unique, sets you apart, making you individually beautiful. Go out there and be unapologetically you is my mantra.

I am excited to share that you are now bringing your fire to a new character in the new film “Righteous Thieves.” Can you tell us about it? Yes! “Righteous Thieves” is produced by Jolene Rodriguez, a good friend of mine, so talented! Directed by Anthony Nardollilo. I work with a great cast of friends including Lisa Vidal, who plays a badass, smart, fierce woman, the head of a secret organization. She gathers a team to help steal back artwork stolen by the Nazis during the Holocaust. It is a classic heist film with action and suspense. It is great because the movie also showcases what Latinos can do behind and in front of the cameras.

I play Lucille, a computer hacker who is not your typical geek. She knows some martial arts, likes to play with fire, and enjoys a little danger. It was fun to do my own stunts, invigorating! Although, after the tenth take, I see why people hire stunt doubles!

One of the things we have discussed is the importance of our community’s support for these films. Representation is essential. If we don’t show up, we risk losing the progress we have made, so far. In your opinion, how can we improve support? What are 1-2 things we can start doing to help encourage Hollywood to bring more Latinos in on the blockbuster films? Aside from showing up, as you said, “We are bigger in numbers.” The Latino community is massive, and while it may not be reflected in certain projects, if we want to truly push the envelope and expand as a community, we must collectively as a unit, agree not to tell those stories or create those characters. We are relentless when we get together and get things done.

We like to end AW interviews with a message, mantra or quote to inspire, empower, or encourage listeners. You work in an industry known for its “make-believe” magic. We live in a world of Instagram. You have managed to maintain yourself grounded and true to yourself. For anyone struggling or fearful to let themselves be who they are, what advice can you share to empower them? There is so much pressure in the times we are living in. With advanced technology and social media, we feel the need to live or create this ideal picture. At the same time, all these platforms give us the opportunity to stay connected.

Challenges and hard times will come. Stay present and while on this journey, don’t forget about the quality moments you share with the people you love.  Constantly, surround yourself with those that encourage and motivate you. Whatever you want to achieve, as long as you remain authentic, you will thrive and succeed. Enjoy the ride, continue to grow, and evolve. Goodness will follow.

Oftentimes, priorities shift as we age, and the fire we used to have is replaced with the exhaustion of responsibility. It becomes difficult to find the passion to pursue our deepest desires or enjoy a moment.  Jaina is an actor and professionally trained dancer, who carves time to do things that make her heart happy, including dance.

I learn from every interview, and this conversation offered a timely lesson. Don’t underestimate the meaning of doing things that set your soul on fire and never be diminished by the voices that hinder you from living a life you love.

We are incredibly grateful to Jaina and everyone who helped bring this interview to fruition. She is a force to be reckoned with, and one of the loveliest human beings on earth!

Righteous Thieves is set to premiere in select theatres, On Digital, and On Demand, on March 10, 2023. You can also catch Jaina, as Andy Herrera on ABC’s Station 19, every Thursday at 8 PM EST/7 PM CST. Check local listings for more information.

For more on Jaina Lee Ortiz, visit Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok @jainaleeortiz.

You can find the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services and watch it in its entirety on our YouTube channel to enjoy all the side chats during the interview.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: “Righteous Thieves,” Grey’s Anatomy, The Baker and the Beauty & Being Mary Jane – Actress, Lisa Vidal Shares with AW how She is Living Her Best Life

Lisa Vidal is well-known for playing strong characters in television series such as Chicago PD, Southland, Rosewood, Boston Legal, The Division, ER, and Third Watch. She has also been seen in films, among them Star Trek and Mighty Aphrodite. 

The first time I saw Lisa in action was in 1994’s coming-of-age film, “I Like It Like That.” The story revolves around the ups and downs of a Puerto Rican couple learning life and love while living in a poverty-stricken inner-city neighborhood. She played, Magdalena Soto, fearless and passionate with an incomparable touch of sass. Her bold spirit jumped off the screen, speaking to women in the audience who dreamed of something bigger. The role happened a lifetime ago but she continues to exert the same energy today, as all those years ago. The native New Yorker’s eternal authenticity and fiery loyalty to her Latino roots seem to only reinvigorate, as time passes.

Over the years, this amazing talent has captured even more hearts, gaining the respect of a new generation with characters like “Mama Ortiz” on ABC’s medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Kara Lynch on BET’s Being Mary Jane, and Mari Garcia in The Baker and the Beauty.

Beginning March 10, 2023, you can see her as Annabel in the Lionsgate film,”Righteous Thieves,” produced by another powerful Latina, Jolene Rodriguez of Broken English Productions. In the movie, Lisa plays the leader of a team that is looking to recover priceless works of art. The heist-thriller stars an impressive ensemble cast that includes actors Jaina Lee Ortiz, Cam Gigandet, Carlos Miranda, and Brian Cousins.

AW had an opportunity to interview the dynamic actress about how she embraces life. This young spirit is on fire, with no signs of stopping.  Her resume speaks for itself but there is much more to the woman than meets the eye, as I discovered during my exchange with this inspiring Latina mama. 

You have a loyal fan base. We loved you as Mari Garcia in “The Baker and The Beauty” as well as, Kara Lynch in “Being Mary Jane.” You’ve played countless characters over the years that are not only strong but brilliantly driven. Whether, it’s films, television, dancing on Instagram, or delivering energetic interviews, we see your zest for life in and out of character. It is palpable and real, with wonderful qualities that make you engaging and relatable. Where do your love of life, people, and self come from? How do you maintain the level of energy displayed? My zest for life comes from God! I am grateful for everything in my life good and bad, believe it or not. I’ve been through a lot in my lifetime, many tough things, that could’ve taken me down but my faith keeps me strong, hopeful, and excited for life. I love people! I feel like we are all just trying to live our best life. Working to keep it together through the difficult moments, I have compassion and appreciation for that. I try to live in gratitude for all my opportunities and blessings. It actually keeps me happy and dancing!

What has been the biggest positive shift or change you have made, as a woman, so far? Has life after 50 been what you expected? If so, in what way? Turning 50 came with some challenges that were more physical than anything. So far in my 50’s, I have survived breast cancer, going through a double mastectomy, and experienced major hormonal changes. Not fun! And yet, it makes me the more grateful – I beat cancer. I’m healthy and have this new lease on life and I want to live it to the fullest. I’ve been gifted a second chance and I’m embracing growing older, gracefully. Becoming wiser and more aware of who I am as a woman, a mother, a Latina, a wife, an actress performer, and just an all-around person.

In real life, you juggle many roles – an acting professional, mom, and wife, similar to many AW readers. How do you make sure you spend time in your happy place? My happy place is a relaxing time with family, sisters, and girlfriends. Cooking! I love to cook for friends. I love to get manicures and pedicures, do girls’ lunches, or just hang out. I dance every chance I get and love music! Every morning, I set aside quiet time, and spend it with the Lord to re-energize my spirit. Strengthening my soul prepares me for whatever comes during the day. I feel lucky and blessed to have that gift.

AW is all about inspiring, empowering, and encouraging women to live their best lives and create the life envisioned. I believe as women, we share a common thread. It is the reason for writing these stories and experiences, to help others see the endless possibilities available to them. What advice can you share with women worried or hung up on aging? I think beauty comes from the inside. It is key to care for our internal well-being before worrying about the external. Be kind to yourself. Women carry a lot on their plate, multitasking countless priorities. Being sympathetic, compassionate, and considerate towards one another is important. Helping each other, as women, is something we should always do. There are also things we can do for ourselves, such as staying away from people who are negative toward us. Sometimes, you encounter individuals that don’t want to see you win – that is their problem.  Let’s celebrate ourselves and one another whenever possible, leading with mutual kindness. Words have an impact, if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all. Use your words to build each other up otherwise, they aren’t worth anything. 

There is so much about life we have no control over. During this time of uncertainty in the world, do you have a quote or words to share with readers that have helped you throughout periods of hardship? “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 has helped me overcome A LOT! It encourages me to remember that I am not in control of anything…

Lisa’s vibrant personality and gratitude for everything in her life are inspiring. She has endured personal struggles without surrendering her faith and love for life.

Overcoming personal loss has taught me incredible strength. It is easier to give into fear or anxiety during periods of uncertainty. However, I believe all of us are capable of tapping into our power at any age.  Life’s worst moments will test you and force the most change. It is ultimately up to you to decide which road you will take when it happens. Will you opt to rise up or become the victim?

I say, FIGHT BACK! Be the inspiration and encourage those around you to empower themselves and work to create a better life. The possibilities really are endless when you start believing in yourself and the beauty within.

AW is immensely thankful to Lisa and all women forging a path to greatness. You inspire me every day to continue sharing stories of real women.

“Righteous Thieves” is set to premiere in select theatres, On Digital, and On Demand, on March 10, 2023. For more on Lisa Vidal, visit Instagram@thereallisavidal and Twitter@thelisavidal

Protected content. Updated 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: 5-time Emmy Award Winning Journalist, Founder of “Life’s About Change,” Karen Swensen Shares her Faith with AW

Karen Sweeney recently appeared as a guest on a best friend’s edition of Hoda Kotb’s Making Space podcast. She is Hoda’s bestie but she is also, a mom, journalist, student of life, entrepreneur, and a woman of incredible faith who has been repeatedly tested by adversity.

In 2000, six years before her wedding, she was operated on for a benign tumor in her uterus.
In 2005, while covering Hurricane Katrina, her own home was destroyed by the storm.
In 2011, after a brief time in Boston, she returned to New Orleans 6 months after her husband was diagnosed with advanced cancer. She was a mother of a 9-year-old, at the time. Her husband lost his battle with cancer after 6 years.

Karen is an award-winning correspondent with multiple Emmys, Gracie’s, Associated Press, and Press Club Awards.  Walking away from a successful career, as WWL-TV-New Orleans Anchor on the Eyewitness News was not easy but her calling to fulfill a purpose was strong. She wanted to start “Life’s About Change” to help others find joy. 

AW had the incredible honor of interviewing Karen. Honestly, it was an emotional conversation. I connected with her pain, as a woman and human being. Her life turned upside down and inside out but she is here and thriving. We all have a story, some go through more pain than others. Her grace, smile, and open heart were a gift and I know readers will be inspired, as they deal with their own struggles.

I love your company and the work you are doing! Can you tell us a bit about the mission of “Life’s About Change?” It all boils down to helping people navigate change that otherwise might be overwhelming. In my experience, after Hurricane Katrina such a monumental catastrophe, I was in a deep spot for a long time and did not seek help. I thought, “I cannot change what happened but can change how I react to it.” When I shifted my focus from what remained instead of what I lost, it changed my life. My focus was different and this stuck with me for a long time. I want to promote change to help others in a state of gratitude. Change isn’t always bad. It can be great but always presents challenges. 

Where do you draw strength from? How did you come to a place of acceptance and purpose? In a nutshell, my faith. Keeping those I love close. If you can see someone down the road on the same journey, and get through then it will give you hope. The clouds can’t stay cloudy forever. The sun will come out, you have to just wait it out.

What is the alternative to not finding acceptance? Whether I accept things or not, what is the alternative? With every challenge I have been equally blessed, there is a flip side. Every little victory is magnified, celebrate them. 

You have experienced a world of change. We all deal with the reality that “Life is really about change.” How have you changed, as a woman from five years ago? I have somewhat blossomed, and am more confident, and fearless. I value so much more what you can’t put a price tag on. I live in more gratitude than ever before. Sometimes change is forced upon us, but it is elusive too. Either way, it brings its own set of stressors, The more we can work with it instead of fighting it, the more successful we will be, as people.

In a CBS interview, you said, “Just trust the Universe.” What did you mean? For me, that means trusting God, that he has a purpose for me. I am not part of any organized faith but to me, the Universe is a blanket phrase for that. Trust that if I am on the right path, things will work out. I am open and people like you will enter my life. 

“If you don’t have peace about it, you must reject it.” It is the only rule I will ever use, if I don’t feel good about it, I will shelf it. It is about trusting a higher power for me.

What has been your greatest life lesson, so far? I would have to really think about it but this is all very temporary. Better things await. We are given this time to do these three jobs, love, serve and be happy. It comes down to finding the true joy in life. We don’t need all this other “stuff.”

We like to end all our interviews with a message to empower and inspire readers. What words can you share with those resisting change, or unable to move forward with their lives because of a life-changing event? Be kind to yourself because it will come. Life is about change and how you face it.” It’s ok if you are nowhere near where you want to be. When ready, embrace the growth, and the lesson. Gain strength from it,  become fearless, then go live your life.

Everyone goes through a fair amount of change throughout the course of their life. In the areas of love, home, career, family, and ourselves there is a constant evolution. I have had my share of changes including divorce, depression, motherhood, job loss, relocation, loss, and great love. Change can be extremely difficult, it takes us out of our comfort zone. But, as Karen said, if we can accept instead of fearing pain, it can create our greatest moments!

I will borrow a quote Karen used in a recent interview with Hoda Kotb, “We are all here to walk each other home.” It is possible to learn from one another and plant seeds everywhere that help encourage others. My hope is that our conversation motivates you to shift your own perspective, next time you have hardship.

This interview can be found on the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services, as well as, its YouTube channel. Share this inspiring episode with anyone who needs encouragement!

To learn more about Karen, visit lifesaboutchange.com, and Instagram@lifesaboutchange. 

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Astrologer & Psychic Seen in Cosmopolitan, E! News, Popsugar and US Weekly, Esoteric Esa Shares Love Predictions with AW

Growing up, reading the daily horoscope was always a fun part of my morning. I looked forward to seeing how much of what I read, really happened. I think watching my mother do it, inspired me to do the same. Do you believe that your star sign predicts what happens in your life? Are you familiar with Astrology or the characteristics of your Zodiac sign?

Astrology has been around since the 18th century. Originally, the purpose of it was to foresee a person’s journey in life. Some of the predictions were based on the positions of the planets and the star sign he/she was born under. Over time, it evolved to include the perception that personalities are based on the energy represented in our birth chart, too. Zodiac signs have also been tied to the relationships and experiences in our lives. While many people are incredulous, others swear by this fascinating pseudoscience.

Esoteric Esa is an Astrologist and Psychic with bylines in Cosmopolitan, Popsugar, and Hip Latina. The expert has been featured in E! News and US Weekly. Now, she has teamed up with Chispa, the #1 dating app for Latino singles which has received over 7 million downloads to bring us the 2023 Love Predictions.

AW sat down with the Astrologer to discuss her journey and the story behind this work. We also talked about zodiac compatibility and characteristics, a collaboration with Chispa, and how to use her guide to help us understand ourselves better.

I had the opportunity to review your zodiac help guide. I am an Aries and wow! It was on point but it is still a mystery to many. Can you briefly share with us how you began your journey to becoming an Astrologist? For those not familiar with it, maybe, explain briefly what is Astrology. I love my Aries brothers and sisters. It is a good year for Aries in love! You are going to meet your soulmate this year. Astrology is energy, language, art, and science. Your astrology is about understanding the energy that is sitting in your aura and who doesn’t like learning about themselves? Would love for you to read these horoscope predictions we wrote for Chispa. Astrology is helpful in getting to know yourself and increasing self-awareness and self-examination. As sexual beings, we need to know what makes us tick, and turns us on. This way when swiping, we know our compatibility. The horoscope stickers help steer you when looking for a partner.

There is a large community looking for different ways to connect with that special someone but finding that “right” fit is not easy! What role do you think zodiac signs play in our lives and the romantic partners we choose? Beautiful question – love that! We want our “Solteros” (Singles) to find love on Chispa this year. This was the point of these horoscopes. This process can be overwhelming, but we wanted to do this collaboration, in hopes that your needs are met while meeting people online.

How can we best use this guide to find new love? If you are not familiar with zodiac signs, this will be a good resource. First and foremost, you should use it to understand yourself better. We can learn more about what makes us amazing. If you have matched with someone on Chispa and they happen to have their zodiac sign posted, then the guide should offer a bit of a heads-up. You can go to the blog post and read about their sign. I suggest gaining familiarity with who you are going into this experience with. Are they sociable? How do you make them comfortable in this environment? Respectfully, these tips can help ensure you don’t waste your time and they don’t either.

I want to talk about your collaboration with Chispa, the #1 dating app for Latino singles that has over 7 million downloads! You are bringing us your 2023 Love Predictions. Tell us what that is about and how it can help singles in our community.  One of the best parts of this partnership is how Chispa has honored my authenticity and been open to my work. I was so excited when Chispa connected with me because whether we are familiar with astrology or not, a lot of us in the Latinx community grew up watching Walter Mercado. The O.G. of Astrology. He was such a part of our culture, this is an ideal collaboration. I do many readings on love compatibility. I’m a huge advocate of understanding the affinity of different signs with our loved ones and those we interact with.

I can’t let you go without sharing some of your magic. So, in your opinion, what are the two most compatible and least compatible signs of the zodiac? This is a fun question, one I am asked all the time. I love that you are asking. There are lots of nuances to astrology. When it comes to love in particular, we want to look at the Moon and Venus signs for compatibility but at the very least, you want to know your Sun sign and someone else’s. I recommend trying your own element, first. Zodiac signs are categorized by elements, Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. For example, for Aries, I’d say interacting with other Fire signs like Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius is a good way to approach astrology with your dating. Pisces are introverts, more homebodies, and would put out Aries’ fire. Aries enjoy adventure and are spicy!

In terms of signs that mesh, Virgo, and Sagittarius are deep thinkers, philosophical, intelligent, and grounded in each other. Usually, these couples will have lots to talk about and kick it, really well.

In terms of signs that don’t do well together, Leo and Cancer are like Fire and Water. We have Cancers, who are so empathetic and giving. Leos are self-focused and command presence. Cancers would be energetically drained by someone who generates a lot of energy, demanding much attention.

I like to end AW interviews with a quote, mantra, tip, or advice to encourage readers, listeners, and viewers. I believe finding love starts within. It is important to learn to love yourself before finding the right partner to complement. How can your zodiac guide be an aid in understanding ourselves better and improving self-love? Thank you for seeing it from that perspective because it’s not only about toxic positivity and optimism, optimism, optimism. The reality is that we all have unhealthy and shadow traits that need work.

This was something else, I appreciated about this project, and how we wrote predictions. We made sure to season it very lightly and delicately with every sign’s flaws. I view these weaknesses as opportunities to improve.

Lastly, be yourself and stay authentic. Sometimes, when we really like someone we want to do whatever it takes to be liked, and show only the best version of ourselves. There is a desire to be loved but we are doing a disservice. In the long run, this will not create a healthy relationship. If you have to convince someone to see your worth then you are dimming your light, therefore hurting yourself.

You can find the zodiac predictions on Chispa.com. Remember these are not only for romantic partners. Readings can assist the understanding of friends and family and all around improve the interpersonal relationships in your life.

It is important to strengthen self-awareness, as you grow into the person you are meant to be. Whether seeking self-improvement, a love connection or just believing in the celestial, these predictions can be entertaining, and sometimes useful. They can serve as a learning tool to get in tune with who you are and your relationships.

I encourage you to check out some of Esoteric Esa’s predictions! Let us know in the comments section if you find any of these to be true in your life!

This interview can be found on the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services, as well as, its YouTube channel. Make sure to listen until the very end of this magical episode!

For more on Esoteric Esa, visit Instagram: @esoteric_esa, Twitter: @jgaaljandres

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Netflix Star of “Designing Miami,” Founder and Creative Director of Sire Design, Eilyn Jimenez Shares her Dream with AW

The road to our dreams is never easy. We are discouraged by rejection, delays, naysayers, and the challenges presented along the way to success. Eilyn Jimenez says that “With tenacity, dedication, and hard work, anything is possible.”

About 5 years ago, Eilyn dreamed about where she is today, and the experiences she is living. Her career, as Founder and Creative Director of Sire Design, is on fire. The Netflix series, “Designing Miami” in which she stars with her husband, Ray Jimenez has become a hit! He is the Founder and Creative Director of Raymond Nicolas Design House. How is that for competition? The Cuban and Dominican dynamic duo are a winning combination on screen and in real life.

AW sat with the talented designer to talk about her dreams, her influences growing up, woman empowerment, the popular series, and what is next for the power couple.

This interview is dedicated to the dreamers and families that come to the United States with not much more than a dream in their pocket.

Millions of dreamers don’t get to see their vision come true. I have no doubt that you had to overcome your own barriers to get here. You said that you dreamed about where you are today. Can you share with us when and how you came to this point? As individuals, we all have dreams, goals, and aspirations. Some of those are tangible, where you feel “Yes, for sure I got this.” While others are like “Wow, this is a dream come true.” These are the ones we feel, may never happen. I had a vision of what I wanted to do and accomplish but I never knew exactly what the path was to get there. There was one thing that was always consistent which is hard work, and a good heart. I know putting my best foot forward and doing the work with tenacity can accomplish almost anything.

When we found out that Netflix picked up our show, it was an a-ha moment. I thought “Oh My God! This is what I’ve been working for all my life!” Getting the recognition and doing things I’ve been wanting to do is amazing. Being able to do this in the first round, getting the first season, and doing the show on such a huge platform was something we did not expect. We wanted to contribute something authentic and doing it this way was really beautiful. I do not have hair, glam, and make-up every day, my house is not picked up all the time, and everything is not always peaches and peonies in the office, but that is real life!

On the other side of the coin, you have beautiful experiences like creating these spaces with the clients, and working with so many Latinos. We wanted to show all this coming together, and seeing the realization of that was a very serendipitous moment for me.

It takes passion and commitment to bring our dreams to fruition. As the daughter of immigrants, I believe that our dreams have become part of our fabric. My parents came to The United States from the Dominican Republic dreaming of a better life. I feel a lot of that was passed on to me. Now, I get to give the baton to my daughter, as she goes out to pursue her own success. How have your parents influenced your life? What has been the most valuable advice you received from them, as you go after the life of your dreams? That is a great question! I am making this up, don’t know if there is such terminology but I think there is such a thing as “immigrant syndrome.” When you come to this country as an immigrant, you know there are dreams you can accomplish and others that are untouchable. It isn’t uncommon, the perception that certain dreams are not meant for you, not for Latinos. Oftentimes, you are urged to “choose a normal life.” Do the thing, get married, have kids, work a 9 to 5p but dreams are not really spoken about as a real option.

I refer to it as “immigrant syndrome,” believing you have reached the motherland, we have gotten here, and this is as far as we can get. But I think as children of immigrants, we now see things differently. We are feeling grateful, saying “Thank you for your sacrifices but we’re now going to take it up a notch, take this a bit further. Vamos agregarle un poquito de sazon!”

I believe this ideology was something taught to me. I see my father, an immigrant, and who he is as a person. I see him as an adult and how he limits himself out of fear. Working from this mindset of wanting to be more but feeling like “Ok, this is enough.” I have wanted to break this cycle. I was born here and can do whatever the hell I want! I could do anything, as long as, I set my mind to it and do the work.

As immigrants and Latinos, one of our greatest strengths is the refusal to give up. It is generational, it’s in our blood and DNA. Quitting is not an option, determination that comes from our family. Our parents sacrifice so much to come to this country looking for possibilities. Now, we take that baton and pass it on to future generations.

One of the things, I love about Sire Design is the team you have built! The women are all about female empowerment and supporting one another. You mentor and give them an opportunity to prove themselves, allowing space for growth. Did you have the same opportunities coming up the ranks? Were there women who helped you with your dream? Unfortunately, can’t say the environment I have today is a model taken from my experience. Never, was I in a scenario surrounded by women that empowered me and pushed my dreams. On the contrary, as a woman and Latina in an industry that is primarily led by men, you are often belittled. Plus, if you have some nice hair, a pretty face and you are kind or nice, you’re taken as someone who may be ignorant but attractive, again, dismissed to a certain point. Although deep down I have a soft heart, it all helped me develop a thick skin.

I knew I wanted to work in a place where I loved going to and where people enjoyed working. We only have one life. In America, we are taught that life revolves around our work then we go home. I did not want that for myself or anyone that worked with me. The team works hard but we laugh, have fun, and support each other. It is an environment where you are working but cultivating creativity, too. I want to see everyone be their best selves and grow with the firm.

You have a thriving business with an incredible team then comes along this Netflix series, “Designing Miami.” Was the show part of your dream? How did it come about and do we get a second season? Possibly, you have to wait and see! There is a lot in the works, conversations going on and we are making moves.

“Designing Miami” somewhat fell into our laps. Having done previous work with television, led to this opportunity. Cameras don’t bother me, probably because I am just being myself. The thought of doing television was there but I never imagined having my own show on Netflix. This is a unique experience, it’s rare to have two people that do the same thing, are married, and are also competitors. The idea was interesting to the producers, it is based on real life, and nothing is made up. A pilot was filmed and we had 3 offers but ultimately, we went with Netflix.

I will never forget the day we received the phone call. Growing up as a child of immigrants, even though, I’m a first-generation American, you think things like this don’t happen to you. This kind of world and life is only for certain types of people. Don’t get me wrong, you still get some pushback. We are Latinas in a Latino-driven show, we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. We did not imagine it was even possible, so when it happened, it was surreal.

I believe it is important to check in with ourselves regularly as we build our dream life. There is a lot of pressure that comes with this life, prioritizing, pivoting, and replacing some dreams with new ones. You are a busy lady! Paying attention to our mental well-being has become critical. Great question! One tip I can offer is my dreams and goals, I write them down and don’t revisit them until the following year. When I open that book, I get to see all the things I’ve accomplished. Some I may have even forgotten about! I think by not looking at them, you are still manifesting but not putting pressure on yourself.

Also, it is important to understand that everyone’s timing is right. Long as you are consistently working towards your goals, whether you make mistakes, or get lazy. I can’t tell you how many days I have felt like I don’t want to do anything. It is okay, you are human. We live in a world of social media, which has a way of making us feel like we are always catching up. We have to go at our own pace and do things in a manner that feels right to us. If a dream is causing anxiety or worry, it has the wrong approach. Enjoy the process, even though sometimes it hurts because it’s not all flowing the way you want it to. If you are not enjoying the process and growing from it then you need to redirect your vision. We’ll always have our dreams, keep working on them, and it will all fall into place.

How does Eilyn take care of herself? I get my hair done once a week, and my nails done every two weeks, monthly massage and facial, champagne Wednesday, and Truffle Fries with my girlfriends. Life is meant to enjoy, and taking moments to do all those things, keeps me sane. All of those things reflect love, being a friend, and taking care of myself.

I like to end AW interviews with a mantra, quote, or advice for our listeners. What would you like to share with readers and listeners that are still working on their dreams and feel discouraged or like giving up? We all have those types of days. Life is sometimes like a boomerang and it won’t always be great. If it is amazing, quick and all peaches there is no growth or learning. The hard parts and discouragement are what build character. It is like a slingshot, you have to pull back with force to get further, this is the same thing.

Whenever, you go through something difficult, process it. You know that down the line, it will make sense. It is intended to get you to where you need to be. If things don’t work out, it’s happening for a reason. Continue to do things with a good heart, and be genuine. See what the world gives you back when you do that.

AW is filled with gratitude to Eilyn for sharing her dream with us. She is authentic, relatable and so graceful when discussing her journey. Our interview came on a day when I felt my own confidence lacking from a week of disappointments. Dreamers encounter endless roadblocks on the way to realizing a vision. We thrive during times when the wins are rolling in one after the other and forget that behind them come challenges. We cannot fear or be hindered by the barriers ahead. If the dream is worth it then the grind will be too.

Share this story with anyone who may need inspiration. It is a great reminder that we can all make our dreams a reality if we continue doing the work.

For more about Eilyn Jimenez, visit Instagram@eilynjimenez_ @siredesign or http://www.siredesign.com.

Watch the interview in its entirety on the AW Confidential YouTube channel and listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Anchor Podcasts.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Protected content. 2023 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: CEO & Founder of The Spicy Life, Relationship Expert and Matchmaker, Spicy Mari Shares her Best Spicy Tips for the Holiday Season with AW

Spicy Mari is a powerhouse. She is a Matchmaker, CEO, and Founder of The Spicy Life which focuses on helping individuals and couples unlock the power to attract their purpose-mate and find love. 

The prominent expert is knowledgeable, strong, confident, and fearless when it comes to delivering the truth about relationships. Her expertise has been featured on ABC’s Tamron Hall Show, Access Hollywood, E! Daily Pop, NBC Access Live, VH1’s Basketball Wives, BuzzFeed, Essence Magazine, SoulPancake, People Magazine, Tastemade, LATV Network, iHeartRadio, just a few names on the list.

The journey to developing her method of fueling deep connections began with a B.A. in Communications from the University of California-Berkeley, and an M.A. in Communication from USC, along with certification from the International Dating Coach Association to complement her credentials. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. 

AW sat down for an interview with Mari to strip down holiday dating to its gritty truth. Although the magical season is beautiful, there are millions of people struggling during the most wonderful time of the year. It comes with challenges that bring stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The season also has plenty of relationships battling with finances, family toxicity, and differences in tradition.

In this episode, she offers spicy tips and insightful advice to get you through the season. Whether you are single, in a relationship, or about to break up with your boo, this is for you!

According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 38% of the group surveyed, experienced increasing pressure during the holiday season that led them to emotional distress. 

While a lot of people love the magic of the holiday season, there are others having difficulty. If you are without a mate, feelings of loneliness and abandonment are not uncommon around this time. What do you think about dating during the holidays? Is it a good time or should we be taking a pause, and staying single, instead? Is taking a break from love the best option? Great question! I am a firm believer that if there is something you want, for example, if you’re seeing yourself without the partner or love you desire and feel alone then isolating yourself is not going to make it better. However, as a coach, there is no way, I will be able to get you into a new belief that being alone is fabulous. I cannot change your mind. I say, do the behavior that serves you. Work on making behavioral changes to get you closer to your relationship goals. You may want to begin with these two actions:

What is something right now that serves you and gets you within proximity of what you want? Have you done the personal work to heal childhood trauma and get over limiting beliefs? Have you done anything to get you to a place of appreciation, so you can recognize when that special person is in front of you? What practices are you adopting to improve self-growth and self-improvement?  Create more awareness, evolve, and come to a higher level of consciousness.
 If it is a relationship that you want, then not dating won’t work. What are you doing to connect with people on a daily basis? If the ultimate goal is a relationship but you are not doing something daily to improve that situation then you don’t really want it. We have to do the actions. Whether, it’s swiping 30 minutes a day, going to a fresh location never visited, involving yourself in a passion project, attending a sporting event, or beginning a new hobby. Be in the vicinity of the person you want to attract. Go where there are a million men. You may find the type of person you would like to hang out with at the place. Do the behavioral change to help connect, this way you are not looking at 2023, again, asking yourself, where is she or he?

So, we have been doing the work. We find someone we like. It has now been a month or two since we are spending time together. Should we take him to the holiday office party as a date? Do we take him home for festivities with family? How long does one date before having him/her take part in our holiday festivities? I love the question! The “C” in spicy stands for communication. We don’t do enough of it, to communicate! We make a lot of assumptions based on previous experiences but not on the person in front of us. We should be talking about it and having these conversations.

If you are enjoying a person’s company, it shouldn’t be about is too soon to take them to your party or how long is the wait before bringing them, as a plus one. Do you want to see this person in a social setting? Are you vibing with this person? Will they get along with the family? It is not about time, instead see the value and intention behind the invitation. You both need to have a clear understanding and be on the same page as to what it means. “If I do this thing what does it mean to him/her? What does it mean to me?” It is empowering to know whether this person is into you or not, that way, you can save space for someone who will want the same special relationship, as you do.

A worthy mention, it’s okay to allow him to feel as if he is leading. But, I also believe that part of our comfort and security comes from clarity and understanding. If this person has not made you feel 100% secure then there has to be clear communication. Actions and words have to be in alignment for trust to take place.

We can’t leave out our couples. Men and women in relationships have their own set of troubles during this time of the year. Is it ever a good idea to initiate a breakup around this year? Actually, there is a high number of breakups around the holidays. Like with cuffing season, we want a partnership and to have someone to snuggle up with. The weather is changing and we’re not going out as much, we are not as accessible. Breakups before Valentine’s Day are common. People wind up ending relationships because they are spending more time coupling, and trying to figure out. Do I want to be this person?

If you are not crazy about where this is going or you are sensing an incompatibility, let them go. If you are planning to break up, do not drag it into the new year. This can offer a fresh start to re-energize and get ready to find new love. Instead of stalling that person, leaving him or her feeling bamboozled at the start of a new year, end it now. Become more clear with one another and stop ghosting! 

Tensions with in-laws are a real thing! What advice can you give those people who have toxic in-laws? How can we manage to spend our special time with difficult in-laws? This is more around mindset and tolerance. Change your language and thought process to “I’m so grateful, I get to hang out with my in-laws and they are still alive.” We have to insert positive affirmations. Being mindful of how we make our partners feel about their families is important. We can make this enjoyable or contribute to the stress and lack of joy. Sometimes, it feels like you always have to be “on” around the in-laws. If you get into the mindset of “These are memories we are creating,” then you allow yourself to be present instead of anxious about the future. You will have a better time. Give yourself breaks while you are there, schedule calls, read your book, or do your workouts. You have to pour it back into your cup, too! 

Can you offer the best advice to couples who have different traditions but want to celebrate and honor one another’s holiday? We all have our own memories and life experiences. We can appreciate our culture, celebrate it, and appreciate it without taking from our partners.

I am Black and Mexican, my husband is Jamaican. The way his family celebrated holidays is different than mine. His mom did all the cooking and they did not have gift-giving. He did not feel pressured to get the perfect gift. I, on the other hand, made gift exchange a big production. I remember, our first holiday together. My family brought a combination of gumbo, tamales, and jambalaya. In one instance, his family asked, “What is this or that?” I did not take offense, instead, I saw it as an educational opportunity. It became a moment to teach them about our traditions. We can learn from each other to create a legacy. This gives us a chance to build new traditions and make things more fun. 

What advice can you give us about the gift-giving tradition? Over the years, it can become more stressful than fun. Spicy Tip: Give your partner a list of five things that you would appreciate with various price points, including the links. Then tell them to surprise you! Take your partner’s list to make sure you give something they are pleased by, as well. This takes the pressure off and will make us a lot more pleased. 

AW likes to end interviews with a piece of advice, mantra, or quote to inspire our community. Can you offer your two best Spicy Tips for singles and couples going into this holiday season? My favorite scripture will be my spicy tips for both of them. “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened.” If you are not asking, seeking, and you’re not knocking, closed mouths don’t get fed. Communication is key, let your partner know what you need. 

If you are single and want one, go get that partner. Go on, as many dates as possible, seek variety, taste the rainbow, and have different experiences! This can help get you closer to the person that is meant for you. Attend all the events that you are invited to because you don’t know who you are going to meet! You also have no idea how many friends you will make that may introduce you to that special someone!

To couples, this is a great time to plan dates and the New Year. Go cut a tree, see Christmas lights, and try ice skating. You can date, even if you’re married. Why not take advantage of the romanticism of the holiday?

The season can be taxing due to the nostalgia of it all. Love and joy fill the air, making us feel that anything is possible. Responsibility for our mate’s happiness may entice us to overindulge in presents that can cause a financial burden. Memories of holidays past, sometimes bring on feelings of sadness. Wherever you are in your journey, one thing is for sure, life is a gift. Every day you breathe life into your body is one more day you get a chance to make dreams come true.

If it is love you want, nurture it within yourself, first. If you have it, be grateful for the blessing. Tomorrow is not promised, open your heart this holiday season.

AW is incredibly thankful to Spicy Mari for sharing her story. This interview is filled with great advice that can only be captured by watching it in its entirety. Check us out on the AW Confidential YouTube channel and listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Anchor Podcasts.

Find out more about Spicy Mari by playing with her Twitter or stroking her IG @SpicyMari. The Spicy Life Podcast is now on all streaming platforms. 

*This interview was condensed for clarity. 

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com