We were lucky to catch up with Yazmin Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yazmin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and we moved to the States when I was just two years old. My parents, chasing the American dream, worked hard as a construction worker and at a fast-food restaurant. My mother repeated to me the belief that I would attend college and secure a good-paying job. As the eldest daughter in a first-generation household, I felt the weight of expectations, even though I had a passion for drawing and creating.

In 2011, I faced a significant challenge when I was deported, returning to Mexico to fix my residency before turning 18. Heartbroken about missing my high school graduation with honors and leaving my life in the States behind, I struggled to adjust. However, I fell in love with the rich culture and arts around me. It was a transformative year, reminiscent of “eat, pray, and love.” Upon my return, I got back on track, graduated high school with honors, attended college, and found a decent-paying job.

Life unfolded as planned—I got married and had kids. Yet, despite my success, I felt unfulfilled in my corporate role. In 2023, I took a leap of faith and became a stay-at-home mother of three. Although I found joy in being with my children, I struggled with feeling like I was letting my parents down.

During this time, I rediscovered my creative roots, embracing my passion as an artist. Though filled with doubt from years of believing that art couldn’t be a real career, I realized that it was never too late to pursue what truly ignited my spirit. I wish I had started sooner and not allowed doubt to overshadow my love for creating.

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.

My name is Yazmin Colin Garcia, and I am the proud owner of Sagrario Arte Studio, a creative space where my passion for art flourishes. As a Mexican-born artist, I draw deeply from my rich cultural heritage to craft artwork that honors Hispanic traditions, uplifts the voices of women, and promotes crucial mental health awareness. Each piece I create serves as a bridge, connecting me to others and fostering a sense of community, understanding, and cultural pride.

Being a stay-at-home mother of three is a wonderfully chaotic journey filled with love, laughter, and the occasional storm of responsibilities. Balancing the demands of family life with managing a small business is no small feat, yet it fills my heart with joy and purpose. I thrive on the challenges, knowing that this unique experience shapes both me and my art.

Creating art prints, painting vibrant canvases, and working on commissioned pieces allows me to unleash my imagination. Each brushstroke reflects my innermost thoughts and feelings, and I cherish the opportunity to share that perspective with others. I vividly recall the inspiration I felt when I saw people on social media pursuing their dreams; it sparked a realization within me: “If they can follow their dreams, so can I.” It’s a comforting thought that many artists and creators share this path, striving to find our unique voices amid the beautiful chaos of life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The main lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the weight of doubt and fear.

It’s so easy to question your own value and to be afraid of failing. I struggled with self-doubt for such a long time, and it really held me back from pursuing my passion. Looking back, I realize that if I had quieted that inner critic, I might have embarked on my art journey much sooner.

The fear of failing, not measuring up, and feeling like a joke can feel overwhelming. I still carry those feelings with me sometimes, but I’ve come to understand that it’s important to push through that fear. After all, sometimes fear is important because it keeps us safe.

Throughout my life, I’ve heard people say I have so much potential. The key has always been building the confidence to pursue my dreams. Many of us share this journey, and knowing we’re not alone in feeling this way can be powerful.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Initially, my journey was about sharing my artwork and battling my self-doubt, but I’ve started to discover a deeper purpose along the way.

My art is a heartfelt celebration of Hispanic culture, a tribute to women’s empowerment, and a message of hope for mental health awareness.

Why focus on Hispanic culture?
As a first-generation Mexican immigrant, I came to the States at a young age and often felt like I didn’t quite belong—“ni de aquí, ni de allá,” meaning I’m neither fully from here nor there. It’s important to me to connect with others who share similar feelings and to help us find our community and voice together.

Why women’s empowerment and mental health awareness?
As a mother, I have faced the challenges of post-partum depression, and my healing journey has taught me that I’m not alone. It’s completely okay to not always feel okay. We can all be works in progress, and that’s what makes us beautiful masterpieces in our own right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sagrarioartestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagrarioartestudio
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/SagrarioArteStudio
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yaz15.sagrarioartestudio

Image Credits

Yazmin Colin Garcia