Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursula Rodriguez.
Hi Ursula, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My story is one of finding my Latina identity through my corporate work, starting my self-healing journey as a recovering perfectionist, and establishing my mission to create a support system of mujeres (women) who want to be seen, heard, and creative on their inner GLOW-up journey.
As a 1st generation Mexican American, I constantly felt lost between my two cultures. Growing up, I didn’t feel a sense of belonging, so I started to assimilate and camouflage to hide aspects of myself from others. It wasn’t until my long tenure with Michaels Arts and Crafts that I was presented with opportunities to re-discover my Latina identity.
In 2019, I was a founding leader of Michaels’ DEI ERG named HACER (Hispanic/Latine Association of Creative Engaged Resource Group), where I assisted in promoting Hispanic/Latine inclusion and diversity awareness. Alongside other leaders, I helped curate events and researched and celebrated Hispanic/Latine heritage holidays, festivals, and independence days in order to bring authentic representation to our team members and customers.
In September 2022, I was featured on the Viva Tu Heritage fixture as an Artist/Maker in about 1,200 stores nationwide. Having been featured in the past for my artwork contributions to the Día de los Muertos 2020 and 2021 assortments, Viva Tu Heritage was Michaels’s first-ever Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month in-store product assortment. This was a momentous event for the Latine community and for myself as I had struggled feeling worthy of my Latine roots. Being the lead product designer and helping curate the Viva Tu Heritage fixture was my greatest corporate achievement, yet it came at a cost.
The effects of living in survival mode during Covid, a poor work-life balance, and being a full-time stay-at-home mom left me broken. Perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout caused me to believe I had no further value to share. I gave myself permission to rest, dove deep into introspection, and began therapy. I could no longer suppress my emotions but had to actively work on processing my past traumas.
From living in a constant state of survival mode to actively working on developing a sense of self, the cocoon state of healing was just what I needed to rebalance my nervous system. As I began my healing journey to cultivate a strong sense of self, 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.
In my transformation, nurturing my inner mija™️ (child) with the healing power of creativity was key to cultivating my values, embracing my mission, and founding my business, Soleil Vida Studio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a 1st generation Latina entrepreneur and stay-at-home mom, navigating balance can be truly difficult. Mom’s guilt is real. I juggle building my business, being present for my two young children, and being a supportive wife. As an entrepreneur, my work-life balance looks different than when I was in my corporate job. There are times when I feel guilty for working nights and/or weekends, yet I am privileged to pick up my daughter every day after school while also enjoying volunteering for school field trips. Healing and personal growth have impacted my experience as a mother by teaching me that I do not have to be self-sacrificing to be a good mom. I consciously give myself grace and keep balance by pouring into myself to ensure I can pour into others with abundance. Being present with my family yet also doing what lights me up is necessary to living a balanced life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ursula Rodriguez is an accomplished Latina artist, motivational speaker, and workshop guide. As founder and CEO of Soleil Vida Studio, she hosts DIY craft workshops that guide women to empower their inner mija™️ (child) through the healing power of creativity. During Soleil Vida’s workshops, Ursula engages the senses to create a powerful healing experience for all and inspires creativity through arts and crafts to alleviate everyday stress as attendees leave feeling empowered.
Soleil Vida Studio provides both Signature and Specialty workshops. Choose from a curated Signature package or create your own experience. Invite Ursula to come to share about her self-discovery journey as she facilitates a DIY craft workshop for your corporate employees, mental wellness retreat, or bridal shower. Whatever the occasion, Ursula inspires connection, creativity, and inner child healing.
SIGNATURE WORKSHOPS:
CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER MIJA™️ TO WALK INTO YOUR PODEROSA ERA
– Acknowledge her
– Validate her
– Nurture her with creativity
– Empower her
YOUR INNER GLOW-UP FRAMEWORK FOR EMPOWERMENT
– G: Growth Mindset
– L: Love
– O: Openness/Acceptance
– W: Worth
HARNESS THE TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING POWER OF CREATIVITY
– Connect with your inner mija™️
– Healing in community
– Mind-body connection
– Healing Transformation
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Connection, Creativity, Curiosity, and Growth are my core values.
I strive to create an experience where Mujeres (women) come together in a safe, judgment-free space to share their stories and learn new crafts while offering a break from daily worries. I choose to hold space for the experience of others and am fueled by the connections I have made with mujeres (women) on their self-discovery journey. I believe that healing in a community builds a sense of belonging, combats feelings of isolation, and provides validation through shared experiences. From my own experience, I know an individual can go from surviving to thriving when in connection to a strong support system.
My greatest ambition for myself and my message to mujeres (women) 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. 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.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soleilvidastudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleilvidastudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soleilvidastudio/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursulardz/
Image Credits
Catie Ronquillo Photography
Beyond The Light
