We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teresa Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teresa below.

Teresa, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I believe art should be meaningful, whether I’m recreating earring designs, crafting my own pieces, or collaborating with children. My work celebrates la cultura Latina, fostering connections to heritage and home. Witnessing the nostalgic joy it sparks fuels my passion to create.

Sharing art with children through workshops, especially piñata making, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to pass on the tradition and empower them to continue creating their own vibrant expressions.

Teresa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My creative journey began unexpectedly in 2016, born from a desire to find fulfillment beyond my 9-to-5. Crafting during work breaks led to an invitation to vend at a friend’s newly created pop-up Mercado, celebrating Latinx culture and art. Inspired by this community, I continued creating jewelry, accessories, and art that honors our heritage, eventually co-organizing these events to showcase Latinx and BIPOC artists and businesses.

Today, I express my passion for culture through art and community-building. I host piñata-making workshops that emphasize tradition and sustainability, sharing the joy of creation with all ages. As a multi-generational Mexican-American, relearning my cultural roots has deepened my appreciation for them. This journey has shown me that creativity can blossom at any age, transforming a once unimagined path into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

While my creative journey is fueled by a desire to build a successful business, it’s deeply enriched by the connection with others through the celebration of our shared cultural heritage. Witnessing my art resonate with others, evoking a sense of nostalgia and belonging, is incredibly rewarding. It fuels my passion to not only create but also to inspire. My hope is to continue to expose people to diverse art forms, materials, and techniques, empowering them to find their own creative journeys.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of asking for help. I’ve learned that we are a culture that doesn’t easily ask for help. As a culture, we often struggle with asking for assistance and let our pride take over. While the DIY spirit and self-reliance are admirable, it’s important to recognize that we can’t do it all alone.

I believe the true measure of success lies in recognizing our limitations and seeking support when needed. Instead of struggling to do everything ourselves, we can focus on investing in ourselves and our businesses, allowing us to delegate uncomfortable tasks like taxes and free up our time and energy to focus on our passions and strengths.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amanoseattle.com
• Instagram: @amanoseattle
• Facebook: @amanoseattle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-martinez-53bb201/
• Twitter: @amanoseattle
• Youtube: @amanoseattle