We recently connected with Yoli and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yoli thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am truly fulfilled as a content creator and entrepreneur because I possess the freedom to curate and share my vision with the world. Although I occasionally consider the notion of having a “regular job,” it’s because, in fact, I still do! As the child of immigrant parents, the importance of job stability has been deeply ingrained in me. My ultimate aspiration is to transition away from that and dedicate myself entirely to my business, networking, and creative endeavors. For many of us, the journey can be challenging without a financial safety net, as life’s expenses don’t pause to allow us to fully immerse ourselves in our passions. I believe it’s crucial to convey to aspiring creators and entrepreneurs that there are myriad paths to realizing your dreams. We often see people celebrating the exhilarating moment of quitting their “9-to-5,” but what’s often unseen is the years of relentless effort they invested in both their 9-to-5 and their business to attain the freedom of never returning to that life. There is profound beauty in the process. For some, the journey takes longer, and that’s perfectly alright. For others, achieving stability in their traditional jobs is the goal, and that’s admirable too. Each person’s journey is unique; however, it is vital that we share our commonalities to uplift, support, and inspire our entrepreneurial community. I am incredibly excited to be featured in CanvasRebel, to share a piece of my story, and hopefully inspire at least one person!

Yoli, 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 full name is Yolanda Noriega, though I’m often called by a variety of nicknames—Yoli, Yolo, and Yoyo—but Yoli is the one that resonates most with me. I’m a Californian at heart, born in the dynamic city of San Francisco, raised in the tranquil town of Ukiah, and later relocating to the tech hub of San Jose, also known as Silicon Valley. The transition from a small town to a big city at a young age opened my eyes to the immense possibilities the world has to offer. Living in Silicon Valley, I was deeply influenced by the world of tech entrepreneurship, even attending De Anza College, where the renowned technology entrepreneur and Apple co-founder, Stephen Wozniak, once studied. My pursuit of a degree in Business Administration was driven by a desire to establish a business that would afford me the freedom to live life on my terms, rather than being tethered to the traditional 9-to-5 grind.

Before embarking on my journey into content creation and entrepreneurship, I gained experience in various fields, including retail, education, and the restaurant industry. I began working at the age of 18 to support my education and quickly realized that I wanted more from life. I dreamed of a future where I wouldn’t need to seek approval for time off—whether for a doctor’s appointment or a vacation. The notion of having to ask permission to live my life felt stifling. I didn’t have a clear direction at first, but I knew I wanted to work smarter, not harder, and to create a life of financial freedom and flexibility. The stories of successful entrepreneurs inspired me to consider how I could make a positive impact on people’s lives through content creation, transforming it into a business that not only helps others but also provides a source of passive income and, ultimately, freedom.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed a lot of buzz around an app called TikTok, so I decided to give it a try and started posting videos. Initially, I felt a bit self-conscious, but it soon became a fun outlet for creativity, allowing me to share content with friends. Today, I continue to post videos on TikTok and Instagram under the name YolisDigitalDiary, focusing on beauty, lifestyle, and travel inspiration.

My aim is to create content that inspires others to prioritize self-care, embrace travel, and enjoy the richness of life. To further support my audience, I’ve developed digital products available on my website https://yolis-digital-diary.square.site/ that help people stay organized in their daily routines. I offer free resources, including travel itineraries and organizational tools, designed to help you achieve a balanced life and reach your goals. While I understand that travel isn’t always accessible to everyone, my greatest wish is to inspire all to explore, even if it’s just a few hours away from home.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I firmly believe that social media is an extraordinary tool, capable of motivating and revealing the love and humility that humanity has to offer. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a creator is the ability to craft and share stories, offering others a window into life through my own experiences. There’s something truly magical about sharing these moments, as it allows us to connect, support, and inspire people from all corners of the globe.

A particular instance that stands out is when I embarked on a solo travel journey. Though it was part of a study abroad program, much of my experience involved exploring independently or with a classmate I had just met. This adventure in London and Paris opened my eyes to the incredible richness of immersing oneself in a different culture. I discovered a world brimming with diverse cuisines, vibrant traditions, and remarkable people.

Since then, I’ve shared countless videos capturing that journey, with the intention of bringing a piece of that experience to those who may not have the chance to travel at the moment. The messages I’ve received from viewers who have been inspired by my videos to pursue their own travels and explorations have been incredibly rewarding. It’s astonishing to think that something as simple as videos filmed on an iPhone can have such a profound impact, potentially transforming someone’s outlook on life. This realization fills me with deep inspiration, immense gratitude, and pure joy, knowing that my work can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

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

One of the most significant lessons I’ve had to unlearn on my entrepreneurial journey is the obsession with perfection and the pursuit of the highest quality. What truly counts is taking that first step. Initially, I hesitated to post because I thought success required a high-end camera and advanced gear. While those tools can certainly enhance the look of your content, the biggest hurdle is delaying your start. The important thing is to begin with whatever resources you have at hand and gradually refine your work over time. I, too, am continuously evolving, and I’ve realized that growth is an ongoing part of the journey. This philosophy applies not just to content creation but to any significant life change, such as transitioning to a new career. The key is to take action and explore new avenues, seeing where they might lead.

I’ll be applying this mindset as I start my next adventure of working on a travel blog. Though I may feel uncertain at first, and it might take time before anyone takes notice, my focus is on getting started and putting myself out there. As you can see, I’m deeply passionate about learning, creating digital tools, crafting content, and writing. I consider myself a multi-passionate individual, which drives me to pursue many different interests. I hope this article encourages other creators and entrepreneurs to persist on their journeys. I know firsthand how isolating this path can be, but if we come together to support one another, we can all achieve our dreams.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could check out my website at https://yolis-digital-diary.square.site/ and follow me on social media at YolisDigitalDiary. Please remember that I am a work in progress—feedback is welcome, but let’s be kind. Sending love and peace to everyone!

• Your Latina content creator, Yoli

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yolis-digital-diary.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yolisdigitaldiary?igsh=MWNpMjBucXl1Y21hag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yonc.life?_t=8p1S71BeFrC&_r=1

Image Credits

Took by myself