Meet Teresa Arias

We recently connected with Teresa Arias and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I learned a lot from my parents and the idea of, where there is will, there will always be a way. Financially, it wasn’t always easy but without a doubt my parents were always going to find a way. They worked hard from an early age in Michoacán, Mexico, and coming over to the U.S. wasn’t any different. They have always been hardworking, and not afraid to start something in order to improve their lives and the lives of my siblings and I. Like many other Latina mothers, my mom ventured in different businesses and through it, she found her gift to be in a more creative realm, event planning and decorating. My father worked years in upholstery and woodwork. Now both retired, my parents get to work together and create floral arrangements and wooden frames for them, when they are not spending time with my nieces and nephew. Work and family have been centered in our upbringing and I am glad my siblings and I have been able to learn from their work ethic and their ability to adapt and find solutions.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

For over 10 years now, I have worked in the education field, being a substitute teacher, tutor and workshop instructor for the greater part. At different points in my life, I considered becoming a full-time teacher, before I was presented by different opportunities that perhaps as a full-time teacher, I would not have the time for. In March 2022, my brother, Hector “Tetris” Arias, opened the doors to SELA Art Center and invited me for the ride. Since then, I have been able to plan and lead workshops, events and provide resources to communities where we grew up. Through SELA Art Center, we have been able to bring a variety of services including, weekly life drawings, painting workshops, cartoon workshops and even, college prep workshops, which I lead. Being the first organization bringing college-level workshops and Life Drawing to Southeast Los Angeles, is something that we take pride in. We have experienced, first-hand, the need for resources in our communities and feel fortunate to be a part of the movement aiming to make a difference.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe that asking questions, trying new things and believing in yourself are some of the most important qualities to hold. English was my second language and for a long time, I did not feel comfortable speaking up or asking questions. I often felt as though I would not be understood or maybe be made fun of. It took a long time, but once I realized that those whose opinions truly matter are on the same path as me, a path of self-improvement and making a difference, the rest should not hold any power over my confidence. I started asking questions, speaking up, and sharing my ideas. I realized that my voice does hold power and there are people interested in listening. This also comes along with trying new things and believing in yourself. I believe that fear is only as powerful as we allow it to be and now I understand that I would much rather say I tried and failed, than be left wondering “what if?” Being open to new opportunities and trying new things can potentially get us to the life we envision for ourself, and if we believe we deserve it and capable of it, we’re already a step closer.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

At SELA Art Center, we are always looking to collaborate with people and organizations that are looking to do the same. We want to continue bringing resources to underserved communities and assist the youth in reaching their dreams with no limitations- especially due to lack of resources. We center everything we do around art and want communities to understand the importance of art in our everyday lives.
We are also currently looking for a new location in SELA to be able to continue providing our services.

@selaartcenter
[email protected]

Contact Info:

Image Credits

-SELA Art Center Team
-LAVS
-Anthony Paniagua

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