20 Questions With: Christina Jovanna Olivarez

Hosted by Marisol Acuña Editor’s Note: This is a transcription of Latinitas Magazine’s SoundCloud podcast “20 Questions With,” where we invite bold and creative individuals to discuss their experiences and background. Listen along by clicking the link! Hola Chicas! Welcome to 20 Questions With, a podcast in conjunction with Latinitas Magazine. Latinitas Magazine is a strong…

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MONOGEM releases track in ode to her abuelita

HARLINGEN, Tx.—L.A.-based Mexican-American musician MONOGEM, also known as Jen Hirsh, grew up in a family that not only loved music but celebrated it. Specifically, Hirsh’s abuelita would play the timeless bolero track “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez on repeat throughout the house.    “I have the most beautiful memories of my abuelita singing and admiring the…

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From Pageant Queen to Director: Natalia Castillo Discusses Miss Texas Latina & FIREYOUP Program

Entrepreneur and pageant director Natalia Castillo has inspired many women with her drive and aim to empower others. Currently, Castillo is the director of Miss Texas Latina, a pageant in which Latina women compete in the Miss and Teen categories which then go on to represent their state at the national Miss U.S. Latina pageant….

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Talks With Annette Chavez Macias About “Big Chicas Don’t Cry” and Her Journey as a Mexican-American Author

I had the pleasure of speaking with Annette Chavez Macias, author of “Big Chicas Don’t Cry,” a novel about four Mexican-American cousins in Southern California who navigate the trials and tribulations of being a Latina woman in the United States. For reference, I was able to read “Big Chicas Don’t Cry” in October and wrote…

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Artist and Fashion Designer Bárbara Miñarro on Creating “Breakfast Friend” And Being a Latina Entrepreneur

Every day after school Bárbara would head to her grandmother’s studio and watch her as she handmade dresses. While Bárbara was never formally taught how to sew, she learned through observation, and as her skills sharpened so did her love of design, “I remember for my first communion, I designed my own little dress. I…

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Fashion Designer, Author, & Teacher Olivia Bis Talks New Memoir, Career & Friendship with Priscilla Presley

Fashion Designer, Author, and Teacher Olivia Echeverria (known professionally as Olivia Bis) has lived a colorful and fascinating life. From her upbringing in East Los Angeles to her rewarding fashion career in Hollywood, Bis has experienced success, career transitions, and an enduring love for teaching and clothing design. Last October, Bis released her new book…

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