We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edelis Travieso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Edelis below.
Edelis, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My parents are the source of my generosity. They have always been pillars in our community, willing to lend a helping hand. Although my father worked many hours, his kindness and patience supported my mother’s efforts to assist people in the neighborhood. She would carry grocery bags for neighbors, open doors for strangers, and help the elderly. Her selflessness often meant putting others’ needs before her own, and our home was frequently filled with relatives and friends in need.
Having grown up as a Cuban immigrant in a country with limited resources, she understood the struggles of others and believed everyone deserved support. She worked as a nanny for most of my childhood, caring for many of the neighborhood kids. To this day, those children visit her and express their gratitude for her kindness and patience, often telling her that they consider her their real mother.
Her love for her community and her passion for working with children shaped me into who I am today, a performer.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My journey began in Cuba, raised in New Jersey and eventually led to Nyack, NY, where I strive to bring joy, compassion and leadership to every role I inhabit. I am a mother, advocate, and entrepreneur.
One of my most beloved creations is Lali the Clown. A playful artistic character Initially started as an idea, soon after turned into a small business. A character that reflects my true self, a kind-hearted, fun-loving spirit full of energy and joy. Lali the Clown embodies kindness, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for bringing people together through connection and laughter. With a big smile and an uplifting presence, I make it my mission to motivate and inspire everyone I meet, spreading joy, warmth, and a strong sense of community that makes every moment unforgettable. Dedicated to giving back, I proudly donate my time to nonprofits, local agencies, and small businesses, collaborating with my community to support heartfelt causes that make a difference.
The most exciting part of what I do is?
I am focused on creating a healthy balance between my craft and the business side of my work. I strive to continuously improve my artistic skills through practice, education, and exploration. My goal is to establish a network of fellow artists and curators, fostering meaningful collaborations and forming partnerships to expand opportunities for all involved.
What I like folks to know about my brand is that, It’s authentic, vibrant, community focused, and memorable.
Authentic- genuine, kindhearted, and approachable.
Vibrant – energetic, positive, and engaging
Community-Focused – Dedicated to service, inclusion, and togetherness.
Memorable – Every event is a unique, joy-filled experience.
Lali the Clown hosts a free community event one a month at X house Nyack, called Family Funday Day. An event designed to bring families together for an afternoon of fun, learning, and support, all presented in both English and Spanish. This family-friendly gathering celebrates unity, laughter, and community connections while creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy and grow together. The mission is to create a joyful and inclusive space where children can be entertained, and parents can connect with valuable resources in a relaxed setting.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that I possess are patience, understanding, supportive, and giving others the freedom to express their creativity. Throughout my journey, several qualities have played a key role in shaping who I am and how I interact with others. Patience has allowed me to stay calm and focused, even when progress was slow or challenges seemed overwhelming. It taught me that growth takes time and that every step forward matters. Understanding has helped me connect with people on a deeper level, listen with empathy, and appreciate different perspectives. Being supportive has been equally important, encouraging others to reach their potential and reminding them that they’re not alone in their efforts. Finally, I’ve learned the value of giving others the freedom to express their creativity, which builds trust and inspires innovation and collaboration.
I have developed strong performance skills through acting, dancing, and participating in community cultural shows. Gained understanding of people’s talents and areas of expertise, and how to effectively collaborate within a team. Experienced in organizing and bringing together different elements to create a final product while maintaining a clear vision of the bigger picture. Open to constructive criticism and skilled at engaging in two-way dialogue to improve performance and outcomes. These combined qualities, skills, and experiences have defined my leadership, strengthened my communication, and fueled my ongoing personal and professional growth.
The advice I would give other folks is build relationships, collaborate with others, donate your time, and uphold a strong professional reputation
How would I suggest improving the above.
Focusing on growth while remaining grounded, appreciating the journey, finding joy in the work, ultimately, staying present and committing to your goals.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did and currently do for me is support me in every decision, even when my ideas sounded a little crazy. They always offer honest feedback and are present to help me through every step of the process. Most importantly, they never discourage my creativity or dismiss my dreams, no matter how outrageous they seem. Their unwavering belief in me gives me the courage to follow my heart and turn my ideas into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lalitheclown.com
- Instagram: @lalitheclown
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/Edelis.Travieso
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/edelis-travieso-6184067
Image Credits
Dj Freddy Rey – Picture of Cuban flag, Last three pictures (clown and personal headshots) George Pejoves
