Meet Addelina Lucero

We were lucky to catch up with Addelina Lucero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Addelina, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I remember where I come from and what my family and ancestors have gone through and all that was sacrificed for me to be here. I remember all who support me and who have supported me on this entrepreneurial journey. I think of my children and my grandchild whom I want to impress upon that they belong in this world and in all spaces. So I have to be brave, strong and tolerant of ignorance and indifference that I sometimes encounter in these spaces.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Dancing Butterfly Naturals (DBN) is a plant-based skin and hair care brand that I proudly founded and currently serve as CEO and Product Formulator. The most exciting aspect of this brand is that all our products are made from 100% indigenous plant-based ingredients, utilizing regional plants from or near my home in Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. I grow, harvest, and process the majority of these plants, and that is truly my happy place.

I started this business as a hobby in 2016 and formalized it as an LLC in 2018. In 2022, I left my career in non-profit work to focus full-time on growing the DBN brand. Now, in 2025, we are in a phase of scaling up and rebranding! This includes a new logo and a revamped Squarespace website that allows customers to subscribe and save, as well as purchase refillable options for some of our best-selling products.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Determination is one of the essential qualities that all entrepreneurs must possess. Starting a business from scratch is not for everyone; it requires a significant amount of time, dedication, and commitment to succeed.

Creativity is another crucial skill needed for building a successful business. This creativity doesn’t always relate to artistic endeavors. It can involve innovative approaches to marketing, managing finances (like bootstrapping), or even effectively managing your time.

Understanding yourself is also a significant advantage when starting or running a business. This self-awareness can help you identify which areas of marketing may work best for you. For example, I excel at face-to-face communication rather than giving formal presentations. Therefore, I would pursue direct sales or wholesale opportunities instead of entering a business pitch contest. Knowing who you are can guide you in making the best decisions at each stage of your entrepreneurial journey.

For those who are early in their journey, I advise you to believe in yourself and your vision, even when others may tell you that your ideas are crazy, silly, or unrealistic. After all, it’s your dream and passion that have brought you to this point. I also encourage you to seek support from those close to you when needed. You may be surprised by who truly stands by you and who does not.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I feel incredibly blessed to have a strong support system and so many people who believe in my vision for Dancing Butterfly Naturals. My family has been amazing! From day one, they have offered unwavering support as product testers, financial backers, loan providers, customers, dog sitters, packagers, employees, and volunteers. I truly appreciate everything they do.

Additionally, I have received overwhelming support from friends, the community, and Native-led organizations like Native Women Lead and New Mexico Community Capital. This support has come in various forms, including financial assistance (grants and loans), referrals, social media sharing, opportunities to participate in vending events, marketing and entrepreneurial classes, purchases, prayers for my success, letters of recommendation, advice, hugs, and so much more. I am eternally grateful for all of it and for everyone who has helped me along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dancingbutterflynaturals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancingbutterflynaturals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dancing-Butterfly-Naturals-100084009943848/
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dancingbutterflynaturals

Image Credits

All photos taken by and owned by Dancing Butterfly Naturals