Meet Jefa: Mónika Aldarondo - Our Latina Lens

Can you imagine two photographers, each with a unique creative style, deciding to venture into the world of personal branding, photography and videography? That's the journey my husband, Johnny Baru, and I embarked on. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of transitioning our shared love for photography into a successful venture that has given athletes, creative entrepreneurs, and music artists a distinctive edge in the market. We share the pivotal moments, both beautiful and challenging, that have shaped our venture and our personal lives. Listen as Johnny divulges his behind-the-scenes role in our partnership and how his passion for visual storytelling has helped many individuals grow their brands.

Our conversation unravels the nuances of our journey, from relaunching our podcast, Puro Jogo, to creating mini documentaries and splitting our business to focus better on our individual creative voices. We explore our experiences shooting different events, from political campaigns to weddings, and how they've influenced our understanding of personal branding and its impact on our craft. Hear about our transition from photography to personal branding and how our love for music and video production led to the creation of our personal brands. We also share our grappling with the decision to pursue different creative paths and the challenges we faced finding our own niche and working with ideal clients.

The episode culminates with a reflection on our gratitude for where we are now and our dreams for the future. We emphasize the power of perseverance, the importance of a supportive partnership especially in a creative industry, and our determination to bring others along on our journey towards success. From our first love for soccer to our decisions to split a business into two separate entities and relaunch the Puro Jogo Podcast, every moment has been a stepping stone to our growth and progress. So, join us on this exciting ride as we navigate the captivating world of branding and photography, fueled by our passion and dreams for the future.

Support Johnny's work:
www.johnnybarumedia.com
Sign up for J's Newsletter
Instagram: @johnnybarumedia
YouTube: @johnnybarumedia
Podcast: Puro Jogo Podcast
Podcast IG: @purojogo

Book a consultation w/ Johnny Baru

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Ever battled the monster of imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur, feeling like you aren't doing enough or aren't good enough? I have. And in a hard-won victory, the power of my online presence was validated when a complete stranger(fellow Jefa) booked a photo shoot with me. I reveal this personal journey and more in this episode, where we explore showing up online and why it's vital for entrepreneurs. We discuss the struggles, the triumphs, and why it's critically important to take up space and showcase our work for potential clients. 

What if I told you that despite the self-doubts and vulnerabilities, you can continue to show up as an empowered Jefa? This episode delves into the emotional side of being a human and a successful female entrepreneur. I candidly share my gratitude for my clients and their trust in me. We also toss around exciting plans for the next season of the podcast. We address the elephant in the room - burnout - and how prioritizing self-care is a non-negotiable. So, put on your headphones, kick back, and join me, Kita Zuleta, in this episode. Let's show up + grow together!

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The #ShowUpJefa Experience Live Podcast Panel 11/12/23

The power of community, and its role in shaping our journeys, cannot be overstated. Imagine a heartfelt conversation with your host Kita Zuleta, fellow Jefas Raquel Nava, Elizabeth Sanchez, and Yvonne Armenta, where they each unfold their personal stories, highlighting the power of community and storytelling. Together, they shed light on the impact of community in their entrepreneurial journeys and how it's been a significant support during trying times.

Listen in as Raquel shares an emotional story of how her community rallied behind a fellow mujer who survived domestic violence. Meanwhile, Liz, a podcast host, and therapist speaks about her work's influence and how she harnesses her platform's power to spark meaningful conversations. They both underscore the importance of representation and breaking the stigma attached to seeking therapy within the Latinx community. 

On the journey of entrepreneurship, a crucial stop is the matter of self-care and the significance it plays in our lives. Tune in as Yvonne shares how affirming self-worth, and taking care of physical and mental health have made all the difference. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize self-care as a basic human need and provides valuable tips on incorporating it into our daily lives. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that's sure to leave you inspired, more self-aware, and ready to embrace the power of community and self-care in your entrepreneurial journey.

Learn more about your podcast panelists' work:

Raquel Nava of Caffe Todo Mujer

Elizabeth Sanchez of Calidad Holistic Wellness + Cafecito y Calidad

Yvonne Armenta of Chats with Yvonne

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What does it take to cultivate a love for coffee into a vibrant and thriving business? This episode of Cafecito con Jefas takes you through an immersive journey with our guest, Victoria Magana Ledesma, owner of Misma Lani Farms in Hawaii. We learn about her journey from being a child of Mexican immigrants to becoming a steward of her family's heritage and tradition, culminating in the development of the Misma Lani Farm, a haven for coffee lovers and a tribute to immigrants.

Our riveting conversation with Victoria takes us through the intricate world of coffee farming, navigating the complexities of growing, harvesting, and milling the world-renowned Kona coffee. We delve into the cultural significance of coffee, discussing its role as a shared language amongst diverse cultures, and a bond that fosters unity and conversation. We then switch gears to explore the community-driven atmosphere during harvest season and underscore the importance of fair wages for workers, throwing light on the bittersweet journey of producing each cup of coffee.

In the latter half of our conversation, Victoria opens up about the profound power of seeking help and the redemptive force of shared stories. Through her entrepreneurial journey, we learn about the challenges of hyper-independence, the joy of finding a supportive community, and the importance of mutual support in the world of entrepreneurship. Wrapping up our enlightening conversation, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the coffee industry and Victoria shares her personal favorites and recommendations for all coffee lovers. Tune in for a heartwarming episode that is a testament to the human spirit, a celebration of the immigrant journey, and an exploration of the world of coffee like you've never heard before.

Learn more about Victoria's work:
www.mismalani.com
www.instagram.com/mismalanifarms

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Tap into this heartwarming episode of Cafecito con Jefas, where I, Kita Zuleta, share invaluable insights from my journey as a brand strategist and photographer. Influenced by my Salvadorian and Mexican roots, my deep love for Cafecito, and my passion for audiobooks and plantitas, I've learned to embrace my neurodivergent brain and use it to fuel my entrepreneurial journey.

This Thanksgiving, my heart overflows with gratitude for you, the incredible Cafecito con Jefas community. Your continued support and engagement have been transformative. Believe me when I say, I could host an entire graduation ceremony to truly express my appreciation for each of you. Amidst the joys and challenges of the past year, our community has thrived, grown, and the impact is immeasurable. As we gather with loved ones, let's celebrate our shared love, gratitude, and the beautiful meals that bring us together. Remember, Jefa, keep going.

Support Kita's work:
www.kitazuleta.com
IG: @kitazuletaphoto
All of Kita's Links

Learn more about Cafecito Con Jefas:

Website: https://www.kitazuleta.com/cafecitoconjefas

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cafecitoconjefas/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cafecito-con-jefas/

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Join me, Kita Zuleta, as I candidly share my own journey through the emotional aftermath of the remarkable #ShowUpJefa event in Long Beach and express our appreciation to the amazing women who made it a success.

Tune in for an exciting announcement about new offerings that are set to skyrocket your business growth journey. Embrace the opportunity to elevate your brand with specials on photography services, or join our accountability + strategy group designed to develop your skills and hold you to your goals. As we weave through real-life unfiltered moments of being a Jefa, we'll foster a supportive and competition-free community. It's time to share stories, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. So, are you ready to #ShowUpJefa?

Support Kita's work:
www.kitazuleta.com
IG: @kitazuletaphoto
All of Kita's Links

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Get ready to be captivated as we chat with the dynamic Araceli Narvaez, the powerhouse behind Narvaez Financial Solutions. We'll unpack her journey as an entrepreneur, her commitment to empowering BIPOC and Latina-owned businesses, and her passion for providing top-tier bookkeeping services tailored for small businesses. Her mission to bring financial clarity to the Latino community is nothing short of inspiring.

In this lively conversation, we traverse the world of business expense organization, emphasizing the necessity for meticulous bookkeeping for tax preparedness and overall financial health. Araceli shares her insights on customizing the chart of accounts for different types of businesses and the importance of recording all transactions. She also highlights the essential role of financial experts in liaising with accountants, making sure business owners are in the loop and informed.

Lastly, we touch on the crucial subject of keeping personal and business finances separate for small business owners. Araceli shares her wisdom on avoiding the potential pitfalls of mixing finances, and offers practical tips to keep them distinct. We also delve into understanding personal and business finances within the BIPOC community, with Araceli sharing her mission to guide BIPOC business owners through understanding their income statements and financial health. It's a dialogue packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss!

Meet Jefa: Araceli Narvaez - Narvaez Financial Solutions

Araceli Narvaez is the founder of Narvaez Financial Solutions based in Long Beach, CA,  Narvaez Financial Solutions offers virtual bookkeeping services aimed at bringing organization and clarity to financial matters. The company's mission is to empower BIPOC and Latina-owned businesses by ensuring their finances are well-organized and providing a transparent overview of their financial well-being. Recognizing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs managing various responsibilities on the path to success, Narvaez Financial Solutions specializes in virtual bookkeeping services, including clean-up, catch-up, and monthly bookkeeping, offering a valuable solution for businesses seeking to streamline their financial processes.

Learn more about Araceli's work:
www.narvaezfinancialsolutions.com
www.instagram.com/narvaez_financial_solutions
Book a discovery call with Araceli
The book, Wealth Warrior: 8 Steps for Communities of Color to Conquer the Stock Market by @luzwarrior is in stores now.

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Have you ever been smitten by the pure, unconditional love of a furry friend? Our guest for today, Dalena Vasquez, embraced this affection and turned it into an entrepreneurial journey with her Latina lifestyle pet brand, WowWow. A true testament to her passion for pets and nuestra cultura, Dalena's story is a heartfelt narrative of love, resilience, and determination.

The birth of WowWow is not just about a successful pet brand; it's about Dalena's transformative journey towards authenticity. The fear of judgement, the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, and the pressures of societal expectations - Dalena faced them all. But she didn't let these challenges deter her. Instead, she turned them into stepping stones, and in the process, discovered a supportive community that helped her reaffirm her worth. As Dalena takes us through her journey, she highlights the importance of enjoying the learning process, reminding us that it's okay to have fun even when things seem daunting.

Towards the end, we delve into the role of personal branding in Dalena's entrepreneurial journey. Dalena's story is proof that it's okay to be afraid. More importantly, it's okay to acknowledge those fears and use them as catalysts for growth and success. Through WowWow, Dalena has not only created a brand that treats pets as family, but she has also built a community that celebrates pets and nuestra cultura. Tune in to celebrate this entrepreneurial journey brimming with courage, perseverance, and an immeasurable love for our furry friends.

Meet Jefa: Dalena Vasquez - Mi WowWow

Dalena Vasquez is Founder and CEO of WowWow. 

WowWow is a Latina lifestyle pet brand inspired by nuestra cultura. Our pups are an extension of who we are and just like familia should celebrate with us. WowWow provides high-quality products for dogs and their pawrents that are fun, stylish, and have a little sazón.

Learn more about Dalena's work:
www.etsy.com/shop/MiWowWow
www.instagram.com/mi_wowwow/

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Have you ever dreamed of being part of a community where focus is support over competition, where connections are real and empowering? That dream is about to come alive. I am thrilled to welcome you to the #ShowUpJefaExperience event THIS Sunday in Long Beach, California. This gathering will be nothing short of extraordinary. We're partnering with some inspiring community leaders for a live podcast recording and tons of opportunities for selfies, hugs, and real-life connections. 

Our VIP Jefas will get to enjoy lattes by Helping Hands Coffee. Nestor's brews will be fueling our day, so get ready for some soul-nourishing caffeine! We will also be enjoying food provided by our fellow Jefa, Lucy of Sierra On South Gate, as she will be providing sandwiches, wrap + aguas frescas. I'm so grateful to our local IKEA of Carson, CA who have donated the furnishings for the live podcast segment on Sunday.

But the excitement doesn't end there! We're also throwing a Cafecito Con Jefas Courtyard party - a celebration of our shared experiences, growth, and journeys. We've got a podcast panel lined up, a networking session, and a courtyard party with DJ Vinnie Mack that promises to be unforgettable. Sierra's food, Sweets by Jessica's desserts, Lemons Lavender LA and Atabey Coffee Roasters' beverages will be a gourmet treat. Plus, we're launching our first sweatshirt design in collaboration with our very own Jefa Janeth of JTEE's. This is set to be a day of empowerment, connection, and celebration. So, will you join us?

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Ever caught in the hustle and lost sight of your true intentions? Wondered how to align your values with your work without compromising your well-being? Join me in this incredibly insightful episode with our special guest, Manuela Contreras, the brilliant mind behind Con Fuerza Experiences. As a Colombian immigrant and a lifelong learner, Manuela's story will inspire you and leave an indelible impression.

Manuela's journey from the corporate world to founding Con Fuerza Experiences is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She's fueled by a profound desire to support individuals and organizations to create a significant impact in sync with their values. Injecting her wisdom and compassion, she guides us through her personal journey of healing and self-discovery, the significance of participant experience, and the essence of entrepreneurship. We delve into how she's breaking the chains of oppressive constraints, her transition from side hustle to main gig, and the importance of aligning work with personal values.

As we progress, Manuela courageously unveils her experiences, compelling us to reflect on our perceptions of personal challenges and trauma. But it doesn't stop there; we explore identity, healing, and assimilation for immigrants and the struggles they encounter. So grab your favorite cafecito and tune in to an episode filled with brave insights, courage, and authenticity. Be ready for an enlightening conversation about living in alignment with our intentions and effecting social change without compromising our wellbeing. Trust me, it's not an episode to be missed!

Learn more about Manuela's work:
www.instagram.com/manuelacontreras
www.instagram.com/confuerza.art
https://stan.store/confuerza
www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-contreras
Book a FREE clarity call with Manuela to learn how she can support you 
Con Fuerza Signature Workshops and Trainings
Growth and Healing Community Resource Library

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