We were lucky to catch up with Ursula Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ursula, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
The lasting impact Soleil Vida Studio hopes to make in la comunidad (the community) is to break down the status quo and cultural stigma surrounding healing. I aspire to empower a generation of mujeres (women) to radiate and model self-love, process/regulate their emotions, and creatively live su vida (their life) abundantly.
My greatest ambition for myself and my message to mujeres everywhere is to constantly challenge yourself, never lose your curiosity and have the courage to try something new. You are worthy of a life full of abundance, where discovering your values, purpose and mission are only a step away. Take the time to sit with yourself, become consciously aware of how trauma presents itself in your life, and build a support system that empowers you to follow your dreams.
As a mother I want to show up for my children and model to them a mujer who lives with intention, loves herself and fills her cup to then pour abundantly into her comunidad. I hope to craft a legacy that positively impacts the mental wellbeing of my children and future generations to come.
“When you accept your unique self + begin your self-healing journey = Glowing opportunities” – Ursula.
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.
I am a 1st generation Mexican American, raised alongside two older sisters and a single “super” mom in Texas. I spent my childhood summers with my tía surrounded by extended family in Mexico. Initially, I felt lost between my two cultures as I didn’t feel a sense of belonging within either. Growing up I felt the need to assimilate and camouflage to hide aspects of myself from others. I didn’t begin rediscovering my Latina identity until I was assigned Día de los Muertos trend work as a Product Designer of Michaels Arts and Crafts in 2018. The next year I became a leader/founder of HACER (Hispanic/Latinx Association of Creative Engaged Resource Group), Michaels first-ever Hispanic/Latinx Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employee Resource Group. In my time as leader, I researched and celebrated Hispanic/Latinx heritage holidays, festivals and independence days in order to bring authentic representation to our team members and customers. Taking the time to rediscover my cultural heritage impacted the way I present myself to the world today. I am proud to be a descendant of great artisanal ancestors and I infuse the Latinx culture into all aspects of Soleil Vida Studio.
I founded Soleil Vida Studio this year with a mission to create a support system of mujeres who want to be seen, heard, and creative on their inner GLOW-up journey. I define an inner GLOW-up as a healing transformation that lights up tu vida (your life). When you choose to discover your unique self, true beauty is revealed. As Founder + CEO of Soleil Vida Studio, I unite mujeres on their inner GLOW-up journey by hosting DIY craft workshops focused on positive self-talk, empowering your inner mija, and cultivating a mind-body connection.
I strive to create a support system of mujeres who come together in a safe, judgement free space to share their stories and learn new crafts while offering the healing power of creativity, improving their self-confidence and reducing stress. I believe that healing in comunidad builds a sense of belonging, combats feelings of isolation and provides validation through shared experiences. An individual can go from surviving to thriving when in connection to a strong support system.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
As the founder of Soleil Vida Studio, I not only host DIY craft Workshops but also provide freelance design services. As a previous Product Designer for Michaels Arts and Crafts, I am experienced in creating trend focused product designs, icon and print/pattern artwork. I have an understanding of the product lifecycle starting with trend forecasting, product design, visual merchandising plus retail leadership experience. A few projects I have been privileged to work on this year are a tree mural for Mosaic Family Services, Inc., a logo suite for Oak + Willow Counseling, and 2024 Christmas pillow designs for a major retailer.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Jefa in Training by Ashley K Stoyanov Ojeda is a Spanglish guidebook for launching and growing your business. Ashley is a Latina who seeks to create opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs and creatives. “I want to make sure that the future generation knows that there is room for us at the table – even if that means that we are the ones creating our own tables” – Ashley K Stoyanov Ojeda. She is now my mentor who teaches me thought leadership alongside other mujeres in her Jefa in Training Circle. Reading her book which included stories of successful Latina owned businesses, gave me permission to see myself as one of them. Latina representation was key to believing I too could follow my passion to make my entrepreneurial dreams come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.soleilvidastudio.com/ (Coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleilvidastudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursulardz/
- Other: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdz_ursula/
Image Credits
Beyond the Light and Ashley Rodriguez