We were lucky to catch up with Beatriz Chanes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Beatriz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Cultura Life Design’s journey began in the midst of unprecedented times – the start of a global pandemic that was reshaping the world as we knew it. It was a time of uncertainty and challenges, but it was also an opportunity for innovation, creativity, and taking risks.

As a family with a shared passion for art, design, and the rich cultural heritage of our Chicano roots, we had always dreamed of turning our creative pursuits into something more. The pandemic brought unexpected changes to our lives, including job uncertainties and a newfound appreciation for spending quality time together. It was during one of these moments that the idea of starting our own business took root.

With a laser engraving machine, a small workspace in our garage, and a strong desire to bring our culture to life through unique products, we took the plunge and founded Cultura Life Design. The risks were evident from the start. The world was grappling with economic instability, and venturing into a small family business during such times was a gamble.

We faced numerous challenges – from navigating the technical intricacies of the laser engraving process to establishing an online presence and attracting customers. The learning curve was steep, but our determination and shared vision kept us going. We poured our heart and soul into each design, striving to capture the essence of Chicano culture in every product we created.

One of the biggest risks we faced was the financial aspect. Investing in equipment, materials, and marketing while facing an uncertain economy was daunting. Balancing the demands of our new venture with our personal lives required careful planning and commitment.

Despite the hurdles, our hard work began to pay off. The authenticity of our designs resonated with a growing community that shared our appreciation for Chicano culture. Our laser-engraved products, ranging from phone cases to home decor items, began to gain attention, and our Etsy shop started to attract customers who were captivated by the unique blend of tradition and innovation.

The risk we took in the garage during the pandemic was a turning point. It allowed us to transform our passion into a purpose-driven business that not only celebrated our heritage but also contributed to our family’s livelihood. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but it was also filled with moments of triumph, creative fulfillment, and a growing sense of community.

Looking back, that initial risk of starting a small laser engraving family business at the start of the pandemic was a leap of faith that led us to where we are today. It transformed our garage into a hub of creativity and innovation, and it connected us with a diverse group of individuals who appreciate the beauty of our culture. While uncertainties still exist, our shared commitment to Cultura Life Design continues to drive us forward, reminding us that risks, when taken with passion and determination, can lead to meaningful and rewarding outcomes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Welcome to Cultura Life Design, where creativity meets culture in a celebration of Chicano heritage. Our journey began as a family united by our love for art, design, and our rich cultural background. As we navigated the challenges of the pandemic, we took a leap of faith and transformed our passion into a purpose-driven business that resonates with those who share our appreciation for Chicano traditions.

Driven by a desire to preserve and amplify our culture’s essence, we embarked on the path of laser engraving. From humble beginnings in our garage, we’ve grown into a platform that offers a range of thoughtfully crafted products that capture the spirit of Chicano life.

Our collection spans from coaster sets and rearview mirror oil diffusers for your car to home decor items, each intricately designed and expertly laser engraved to reflect the beauty and depth of Chicano art and heritage. Our vision is to bring the vibrancy of Chicano culture to everyday life, whether through custom phone cases that make a statement, home decor that embodies cultural pride, or accessories that tell a story.

We understand that our clients seek more than just products – they desire a connection to their heritage, a way to express their identity, and a means to stand out in a crowded world. At Cultura Life Design, we solve these needs by offering unique, handcrafted pieces that encapsulate the heart and soul of Chicano culture. Our creations resonate with individuals who want to embrace their roots while infusing modern life with tradition.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity. Each design is a labor of love, meticulously curated to honor our heritage. Our dedication to quality ensures that every piece carries the essence of our culture while meeting the demands of contemporary aesthetics.

We take immense pride in our journey – from the garage where our dreams took shape to the online platform where we now connect with a vibrant community of fellow culture enthusiasts. We’re proud to have turned our passion into a thriving business that brings cultural appreciation to the forefront.

As you explore Cultura Life Design, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you’re seeking a personalized piece that reflects your identity or a gift that resonates with someone special, know that each creation is infused with history, love, and artistry. We’re here to celebrate and share our culture with you, one intricately engraved design at a time.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

In the digital age of 2009, two individuals with a shared passion for art and culture found themselves on an online social platform. Little did they know that this virtual meeting would set the stage for a remarkable journey that would lead to the creation of Cultura Life Design.

As fate would have it, their initial connection was rooted in a love for creativity and a deep appreciation for Chicano heritage. Over time, their conversations evolved from discussions about art and culture to sharing personal stories, dreams, and aspirations. Through the pixels on their screens, a genuine friendship blossomed, fueled by their mutual respect for each other’s perspectives and shared values.

As the years unfolded, the bond between them grew stronger, transcending the digital realm. What began as an online connection slowly transformed into something more profound. Their virtual friendship became the foundation for a romantic relationship that bloomed with every heartfelt conversation and shared experience.

After five years of dating and nurturing their deep connection, the time was ripe for the next chapter. The founders of Cultura Life Design took a leap of faith and decided to blend their families. This union not only brought them closer to each other but also to a shared dream of celebrating Chicano culture in a meaningful way.

Embracing the rich culture that surrounded them in Tucson, they reveled in taking their children to mariachi practices and performances, immersing themselves in the music and dances that defined their heritage. The vibrant tapestry of folklorico dancers and the artistry of lowrider car shows added even more layers to their appreciation of Chicano culture.

As their children grew and embarked on their own journeys, the founders of Cultura Life Design found themselves at the intersection of love, culture, and creativity. It was this intersection that inspired them to channel their shared passion into a business that would celebrate and share the essence of Chicano life with the world.

From the initial online connection to the intertwining of lives, Cultura Life Design emerged as a testament to the power of shared dreams and a love that transcends both virtual and physical spaces. It’s a story of love, culture, family, and the beautiful journey of two souls who found each other across the digital landscape and turned their shared vision into a legacy of artistry and pride.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In the midst of our journey at Cultura Life Design, we encountered a challenge that put our resilience to the test. It was a situation that demanded creativity, determination, and a commitment to delivering on our promises.

We had received a significant order for cutting boards that were intended as awards for a special event. Excitement filled the air as we eagerly started the process, envisioning the beautiful engravings that would grace each board. However, fate had different plans for us.

To our surprise, the cutting boards we had ordered were suddenly put on back order. Time was of the essence, as the event was quickly approaching, leaving us with limited options. With the original boards unavailable, it became clear that we needed to think outside the box to fulfill our commitment to the customer.

Undeterred by this setback, we embarked on a journey across town, scouring stores for suitable cutting boards that we could engrave and finish in time for the event. It was a race against the clock, a test of our resourcefulness and dedication. As the hours ticked away, we worked tirelessly, fueled by our determination to meet the deadline and provide the customer with the quality they expected.

Throughout the night, our workspace was a flurry of activity. Engravings were carefully etched, finishes were applied, and the cutting boards transformed into the unique awards they were meant to be. Fatigue tried to creep in, but our shared passion and commitment kept us focused on the task at hand.

When the sun finally rose, we had a collection of beautifully engraved cutting boards ready to be presented. As we handed over the finished awards to the customer, their excitement and gratitude mirrored our own sense of accomplishment. Despite the unexpected hurdles, we had delivered on our promise and created something meaningful for the event.

This experience was a testament to our resilience and our unwavering dedication to our craft and customers. It showcased our ability to adapt, problem-solve, and persevere in the face of challenges. It was a reminder that even in the most trying times, our commitment to delivering exceptional products and experiences remains unshaken.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://culturalifedesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturalifedesign_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturalifedesign
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CulturaLifeDesign

Image Credits
Image Credit: Headshot taken by Captured By Kalina