We were lucky to catch up with Jocelyn Montiel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jocelyn, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
When I tried asking basic questions or planning ahead it made my bosses uncomfortable. I was not even doing anything wrong I just wanted structure communication and respect. But instead I was treated like a problem. I started getting left out of things isolated. And made me feel like I was doing too much just for wanting better. I would cry before and after shifts. I was not myself anymore. I was drained every single day.
I went to HR multiple times and explained how my supervisors were constantly bringing personal issues to work which I hated. I believe in having a separation between work and personal life. I was constantly anxious never knowing what mood my supervisors were going to be in. And they were never on site always working from home while we were expected to be there handling everything without support. It was not fair and it was not right. Since they were all close friends it made it even harder to speak up.
Eventually I realized that HR was not going to do anything. And after one final conversation with my boss I went home cried and quit the next day.
Even though it was the best decision I have ever made. The first few days were filled with anxiety and second guessing. It took me two to three weeks to finally feel at peace. But once that peace came I knew I made the right choice. No more crying no more negativity no more emotional weight I did not deserve. I started to feel like myself again.
One thing I have learned is that everything is a learning experience but do not tolerate something that is breaking you. If a job is making you anxious and unsupported it is okay to quit. Just make sure you have a plan whether it is a backup job or some money saved.
Right now it has been a little over a month since I left. I am working a part-time job and I am not rushing back into the corporate world until I am truly ready.
Another lesson I have learned is to prioritize myself. It took me a long time to realize but now I know I am the priority. Choose you. These companies do not care about you the way you think they do. They will replace you in a second. So find a place that truly supports you that sees you shine and that respects your need for balance.
And seriously take the time off. Use your PTO. Take mental health days. Go to therapy. Treat yourself. Be around the people who pour into you and not those who are secretly jealous or draining. Protect your peace. You deserve a life that does not constantly burn you out.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started my series “Latina in the Midwest” to give voice to what it is like to grow up and exist in spaces that do not always reflect you. As a first generation Mexican American, I am passionate about showing love for my culture, honoring my immigrant parents, and celebrating the roots and traditions that made me who I am.
With everything going on socially and politically especially with issues like ICE deportations and the targeting of immigrant communities, it feels more important than ever to create content that proudly reflects where I come from and what being Mexican truly means to me. I want to use my platform to remind people of the beauty, strength, and pride in our culture and ancestors.
I am a Midwest based Latina content creator who shares a little bit of everything from OOTDs, lifestyle, beauty, food, and unfiltered moments with my cat Frenkie to deeper reflections on identity, healing, and what it means to be first gen. I am always coming up with new creative ideas to keep my content fun, relatable, and true to who I am.
At the heart of everything I post, I aim to make my content feel like you are hanging out with your older sister or best friend, someone who just gets you. I want my community to feel seen especially other women of color and young Latinas who may not always feel represented online or in the spaces they navigate.
Recently I joined the Thayers Slayers Ambassador program and submitted my application for the 2025 Ulta Beauty Collective. I am excited to continue creating meaningful content, growing my platform, and connecting with others through authenticity, storytelling, and lots of Latina energy.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Recently, during therapy sessions, I realized just how important curiosity, patience, and persistence have been in my journey.
Curiosity is so key because it encourages me to try new things, explore different ideas and creative paths, and also to do research and investigation. For me, curiosity means digging deeper, learning more, and understanding things fully. Without curiosity, growth feels stagnant, so I always remind myself to stay open to new experiences and knowledge.
Persistence comes from wanting to do better, proving myself, and knowing that I am capable of doing more. It pushes me to put my work into action and focus on growth. Even when things get tough or I feel uncertain about the future, persistence helps me keep going.
Patience is one of my core values but also something I’m still actively working on. I’ve learned that patience is connected to being present and learning how to be grateful for what is meant to be. This mindset has helped me a lot and I’ve seen a real shift in my ability to be patient without constantly watching the clock or wanting time to go faster. I’ve gotten better at being kinder to myself and trusting that progress doesn’t always happen immediately.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say embrace these qualities. Let curiosity guide you, keep persistence alive in your heart, and practice patience, especially with yourself. Those three combined can help you grow in ways you never expected.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m absolutely open to partnering with brands and creators who align with my values, creativity, and the kind of community I want to continue building. Some dream collaborations of mine include brands like Prada, Dior, YSL, NYX Cosmetics, MILK Makeup, First Aid Beauty, Morphe, Real Techniques, and Steve Madden. I also love supporting Latino founded brands, Midwest and Minneapolis based businesses, and Latina content creators who are proudly representing our culture and stories.
I’m especially excited to collaborate with other creators of color and Mexican American creatives, people who are showing up authentically and making space for others to do the same. We’re all in this together and I truly believe there is room for everyone to shine and thrive. I’m passionate about making sure there is a sense of community in the content world, not just competition.
I’d also love to be part of brand ambassador programs and enjoy modeling and being involved in photography projects.
I’m open to creative and unexpected projects that speak to authenticity, softness, aesthetic storytelling, and cultural connection. If you feel like we would vibe or create something powerful together, I’d love to hear from you.
You can reach me at [email protected] or connect with me on TikTok @goldengirljocelyn and Instagram @Jocelyn.Montiel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/GoldenGirlJocelyn
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelyn.montiel?igsh=ZzJweTlxNHNkNGdr&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsOSflqPQ/v5LLAFq3FWj08hAE5ay-eA/view?utm_content=DAGsOSflqPQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9ddae79c30
Image Credits
Credits to eleven11photos
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