We had the good fortune of connecting with Ursula Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ursula, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My inspiration for Soleil Vida Studio came from seeking my own support system of mujeres. When I began networking with other Latinas in the DFW, I quickly discovered that they too were on their self-healing journey, in need of comunidad, and ready to support one another with a mentality “juntas somos mas poderosas” (together we are more powerful).

Soleil Vida Studio hosts DIY craft workshops focused on positive self-talk, empowering our inner mija (child), and developing a mind-body connection. I strive to create an experience where mujeres come together in a safe, judgement free space to share their stories and learn new crafts while offering a break from daily worries. I also offer a Support System of Mujeres Cafecito Chat where mujeres can connect with me virtually or in-person. I chose to hold space for the experience of others and I am fueled by the connections I have with mujeres on their self-discovery journey.

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.

The lasting impact Soleil Vida Studio hopes to make in la comunidad is to break down the status quo and cultural stigma surrounding healing. I aspire to empower a generation of mujeres to radiate and model self-love, process/regulate their emotions, and creatively live su vida (their life) abundantly.

“When you accept your unique self + begin your self-healing journey = Glowing opportunities” – Ursula.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My greatest corporate achievement as a Product Designer for Michaels Arts and Crafts was in September 2022 when I helped curate their first-ever Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month in-store product assortment. I was featured on the Viva Tu Heritage fixture as an Artist/Maker in about 1,200 stores nationwide. A month later in October, I broke. I was burnout and lost with the perception that I had no further value to share. I gave myself permission to rest, dove deep into introspection, and begin therapy.

In my pursuit of self-healing, I discovered my inner mija (child). She is an artist with constant curiosity, creativity and is a descendant of strong women who used their handmade crafts as a form of self-expression. To nurture my inner mija, earlier this year, I decided to start an art challenge on Instagram. I shared the ABC’s of my self-discovery journey. Each letter in the alphabet I designed served as a journal entry in pursuit of healing from trauma and cultivating a strong sense of self. The healing power of creativity was a therapeutic method that was key to my healing transformation. The time I spent in introspection led me to defining my personal values and followed up with my “AHA” moment when I realized my mission.

I’m on 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. Soleil Vida Studio’s DIY Craft Workshops, are centered on tapping into our inner mija through creative expression in pursuit of experiencing the healing benefits and personal growth needed for mental well-being.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places in DFW to shop for Latin artesania are YuYu Cultural Shop in Oak Cliff, Coleccion Mexicana in Fort Worth, and Folklore & Tradition in Dallas. Immersing myself in handmade crafts always fosters my creativity. Treating myself to Xamán Café for brunch and heading to CocoAndré Chocolatier for hand-crafted truffles is a must when seeking to embrace Latin flavors in Oak Cliff.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As someone whose mission is to create a support system, this section is delightfully lengthy.

The support system I built has been pivotal in cultivating a sense of self after living in a constant state of survival mode. My transformation is due to the support of my family, therapist and my comunidad who embraced me as I vulnerably shared my story in pursuit of self-discovery.

My mother, Juanita, was my first supporter as she never wavered in aiding me in my pursuit of becoming an artist. My dad, Michael, instilled faith and my passion to help others. Ashley, my husband, is my partner in crime and supports making all my wildest dreams come true such as traveling the country in an RV. My children Luna (5yo girl) and Phoenix (2yo boy) show me a love that gives me strength. They are the catalyst in my self-healing journey as I embark in breaking the cycle of generational trauma.

Latina representation at networking/community events hosted by Hey Chica Movement, DFW Latina Society and The Social Chica were key to believing I too could follow my passion and make my entrepreneurial dreams come true. Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda is the author of Jefa in Training a Spanglish guidebook for launching and growing your business. She is now my mentor who teaches me thought leadership alongside other mujeres in her Jefa in Training Circle. Reading her book which shared stories of successful Latina owned businesses, gave me permission to see myself as one of them.

Website: My business website will be up before Christmas.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleilvidastudio/ and https://www.instagram.com/rdz_ursula/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursulardz/

Other: Personal Portfolio website: https://ursularodriguez.weebly.com/

Image Credits
Ashley Rodriguez

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