Even as a little girl, I had an entrepreneurial bug. The earliest memory I can recall, I gathered objects throughout my home, set up a store and asked my parents to purchase them from me.  That was probably my most profitable venture! ;) 

But in all seriousness, I sometimes wonder how I’m not burned out from all the years of trying.  From lemonade stands to eBay side hustles, and even after corporate burn out, I still manage to find the energy to show up for Mestiza and give it my all. Every. Dang. Day. 

I’ll never forget when Alessandra and I quit our jobs. We had planned to do it on the same day, and the next week, move forward with our idea: “Mestiza.” Alessandra’s dad called us: “Girls, are you ready to do this?” “Yes, Carlos!” “Is failure an option, girls?” “No, Carlos!”  

On that day, I think we symbolically took a vow to make Mestiza work. Carlos was our minister. We essentially took an oath that we would do whatever it takes to nurture Mestiza and make sure it grows healthy and strong. It really is our baby. You love it. You don’t give up on it. And even when it gives you grief, you still show up.

So, why am I not exhausted?  Well, I am! But adages exist for a reason and I think this one is true: “love what you do any you’ll never work a day in your life.” For me, I love the game, I love my partners-in-crime, and I do it for my real babies so they won’t fear failure and will pursue what they love.

xx,