We’re looking forward to introducing you to Liliana Salazar. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Liliana, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of building myself — in ways no one else can see. It feels like excavating the ground, layer by layer, to lay a strong and steady foundation within. This foundation is built through uncovering my shadows and gently bringing them into the light, while offering myself grace and compassion.
I am doing the healing work: rewriting old programming that no longer serves me, peeling back layers of trauma, conditioning, and hidden beliefs — all to return to my true essence, my core: LOVE.
As I transform myself from within, I witness this transformation reflected outwardly through my relationships and the opportunities that flow into my life. My gratitude for it all runs deep, and it reminds me that every step inward expands the beauty I experience outward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Rooted in intention, grown in love and branching out with a message to unite ALL, Liliana Salazar is not just a visionary creative, but also a brand that embodies a powerful connection deepening the meaning of what we call fashion. Fashion is an expression of the soul and Liliana Salazar’s heARTwork connects us to our true nature through the beauty of adorning your essence with what is real. Real fruit jewelry encapsulates mother nature, Pachamama, who hugs your spirit while reminding us to “Be YOU-nique like each slice of fruit.” For our jewelry isn’t just beautiful nature, but a testament to “Be YOU to Full Nature”🍓🥝🍋🍉❣️
Each design is laser-inscribed with “power words” to adorn the soul with affirmations that remind us the power is withIN the heART(work). Inspired by Dr. Masaru Emoto’s studies on water, where positive words and intentions can affect the molecular structure of water, our heARTwork radiates these engravings to the 70% of your body composed of water, supporting positive transformation and having a ripple effect on the world.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging, which is 100% biodegradable and includes a seed paper insert to plant an herb garden. This aligns with the Incan concept of “Ayni,” meaning “today for you, tomorrow for me,” suggesting that giving comes before receiving. By planting the seed paper insert, customers give back to Pachamama, Mother Earth, with a savory surprise of either tomatoes, basil, carrots, or parsley.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was with my grandmother, who was a seamstress for 34 years. Whenever she would sew the designs I sketched for my Barbies, I felt a spark ignite within me. There was nothing like watching my imagination take form — to see a vision become reality.
I realized then that clothing has the power to transform, to make someone’s inner glow radiate through colors, prints, shapes, and textures. My Barbies felt “special” because they were unlike anyone else — and in that uniqueness, I discovered the magic of creation and the power of self-expression.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
All the time. There have been many moments when the weight of challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty made me question if I could keep going. But whenever I’ve been close to giving up, I know I’d be lying to myself and to the world if I did anything else. I was born to be a bridge — connecting people to nature and their own natural beauty, their YOU-NIQUENESS.
Even without having it all figured out, just taking one step — no matter how small — in the direction of my purpose fills my soul. I’ve come to honor challenges as part of the refining process. They’ve taught me resilience, deepened my faith, and anchored me more deeply into my being. In truth, my moments of doubt have become turning points, shaping me into who I am today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Environmentalism. I protect it at all costs because nature is not only our greatest teacher, but also our greatest gift. We only have ONE Mother Earth, and she is the force that connects us ALL. Let’s care for her.
For me, environmentalism isn’t just a value — it’s a way of being, woven into how I create, design, and show up in the world. Hence, our packaging is designed and sourced to align with our core beliefs — from our “sweet” packaging made from 100% biodegradable Colombian sugarcane, to our seed paper inserts that can be planted to grow an herb garden.
By honoring and protecting nature, we honor and protect ourselves, because we are deeply interconnected.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
How my heARTwork made them FEEL. If you feel beautiful, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Confidence in who you are is TRUE BEAUTY. Hence, my heARTwork honors you being YOU-nique — like each slice of real fruit!
It is your YOU-niqueness that makes you one of a kind and irreplaceable, and when you own that, it becomes power — power that radiates and shines so brightly. We are all meant to shine, and we do that most when we are NATURALLY ourselves. Nature supports that path, guiding us back to our natural essence: LOVE.
Having self-love is a beauty that is unmatched, and if my heARTwork can bring that out, then that is the legacy I would love to leave.
Image Credits
Miguel Ramirez
Liliana Salazar
One Shot Derrick
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
