We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arlene Salcedo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arlene, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Throughout my life, I have often found myself as the only person in the room who looks like me. This realization began at a young age when I stood out due to my emotional nature. Attending predominantly black and Latino schools during my elementary years, I noticed that despite my physical appearance, I did not share the same cultural background as my friends and classmates. As a second-generation Latina, I felt a growing sense of difference and Americanization in comparison to my peers. To bridge this gap, I actively immersed myself in Latino culture, listening to music, exploring traditional foods, and absorbing as much as I could. I sought to fill the voids that existed in my upbringing.
My parents, who had experienced discrimination for their Latino heritage and language proficiency, decided to raise my siblings and me in a more Americanized manner. While I understood their reasoning, it left me feeling like an outsider within my own community. As I progressed to high school, which was predominantly white and comprised of students from more affluent backgrounds, I faced yet another challenge. However, having learned to adapt and be flexible from a young age, I managed to find my tribe while remaining true to myself. It was an intimidating and culturally shocking experience, but I embraced the process and found personal growth within it.
This pattern persisted into my college years, where I encountered peers who possessed greater knowledge, education, and financial resources than I did, and who did not share my Latina background. By this time, I was also a young mother, and the determination to create a better future for myself and my son became my driving force. These were the years of hard work and relentless pursuit. Juggling work, studies, and parenting often left me exhausted and mentally drained, and there were moments of doubt when I questioned whether I could handle it all. However, I consistently showed up and gave my best effort. In my family, the value of showing up had always been emphasized and modeled to us.
Regardless of the challenges I faced or the doubters I encountered, I refused to be held back. I had dreams and aspirations to fulfill, and the first step towards achieving them was simply showing up. Through perseverance and unwavering determination, I surpassed my insecurities and fears. I showed up not only for the sake of my personal growth and education but also to provide a better life for my son. The years of juggling responsibilities were a grind, but I remained steadfast because I had a vision to realize.
In summary, being the only person in the room who looks like me has been a recurring experience throughout my life. However, rather than allowing it to hinder me, I used it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. By immersing myself in diverse cultures, finding my tribe while staying true to my identity, and exhibiting unwavering determination, I have been able to navigate these situations successfully. I firmly believe that by consistently showing up and embracing the challenges, one can overcome any obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Arlene, the Owner of Luna Soul Wellness and the founder of the non-profit Poderosa Movement. My work encompasses various facets, including being a Holistic Realtor, Interior Designer, and spiritual guide. What excites me the most about what I do is infusing consciousness into sacred spaces and emphasizing the significance of creating a nurturing home environment.
Luna Soul Wellness revolves around three pillars: spirituality, design, and home. I firmly believe that these pillars are crucial in bridging the gap between designing a sacred home and understanding one’s uniqueness. By delving into personal astrology and human design charts, I can provide a detailed and personalized approach to support individuals in finding and designing their sacred home. Moreover, I incorporate indigenous Latin American practices, such as utilizing plant medicine and herbs for space cleansing and blessings.
With 15 years of experience as a real estate agent, an interior design degree, and certifications in Ayurveda, yoga, and plant medicine, I am confident in my ability to infuse spirituality, home, and design into the collective consciousness. My aim is to empower individuals to nurture, love, and intentionally create their sacred homes.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am deeply committed to supporting my community through the Poderosa Movement, a local non-profit based in San Diego. Our mission is to foster diversity and inclusion within the spiritual and holistic wellness community. We provide scholarships and grants to BIPOC women, enabling them to access holistic services and obtain certifications, empowering them to become leaders and business owners within their communities.
I have two upcoming events to share. The first is a Spiritual Retreat taking place from September 23rd to 28th at a tropical beach eco-wellness resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. During this retreat, we will focus on opening the portal to our divine feminine through daily yoga, Ayurveda, and astrology workshops and immersive experiences in the beautiful tropical forest and beaches. This retreat offers a space for like-minded women to connect and grow together.
The second event is a special occasion for the Poderosa Movement Non-Profit. On August 19th, from 12 pm to 4 pm, we will be hosting “The Astrology of You.” This event serves as an introduction to our non-profit within the San Diego community. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore their spiritual charts, gaining deeper insights into themselves through astrology. The event will feature a welcome reception, sit-down lunch, live music, inspiring speakers, and empowering conversations with local spiritual women. We are actively seeking sponsors to make this event more accessible and affordable, and we welcome support from local businesses and community members.
If you are interested in supporting us by donating or becoming a sponsor, please feel free to reach out to me. We greatly appreciate any assistance in furthering our mission of promoting diversity and inclusion within the spiritual and wellness professions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have had the most significant impact. Firstly, thinking outside the box and challenging traditional norms has been crucial. I realized that in order to infuse spirituality into the real estate and interior design industries, I needed to approach them in a unique and unconventional way. Rather than separating my professions and forming three separate businesses, I chose to combine them, creating a distinctive approach that sets me apart from the crowd. Embracing this unconventional path has allowed me to bring something fresh and innovative to an industry that often lacks spiritual and holistic perspectives.
Secondly, drawing inspiration from history and understanding what has worked in the past has been invaluable. Examining the Renaissance era, where art, religion, and architecture seamlessly intertwined, I have taken that as a modern-day interpretation for my business. By recognizing the importance of spiritual connection and infusing design and art into my work, I strive to create spaces that go beyond aesthetics and evoke a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Thirdly, embracing failure as a necessary part of growth has been pivotal in my journey. Like anyone, I have experienced moments of failure and fear, but I have learned to lean into those experiences rather than shying away from them. I understand that the fear of failure should not hold me back from taking risks and pursuing growth. Showing up for myself, even in the face of fear and intimidation, has been essential to my progress. I recognize that failure provides valuable lessons and opportunities for growth that outweigh the risks associated with it.
For individuals starting their own journey, my advice is to stay true to themselves, their brand, style, values, and mission. Having a clear understanding of these foundational elements allows you to navigate challenges and uncertainties with confidence. When faced with doubts or difficulties, you can always fall back on these pillars that you have established for yourself and your business.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and be authentic, even if it seems like no one else is doing it. Embracing your unique perspective and exploring new possibilities can lead to exciting opportunities and set you apart from the competition. Be open to trying new things, be willing to experiment, and don’t let the fear of what others may think hold you back.
In summary, the ability to think outside the box, draw inspiration from history, and embrace failure as a catalyst for growth have been instrumental in my journey. My advice for those starting out is to stay authentic, grounded in your foundational values, and unafraid to explore new paths. By combining these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, you can forge a path that is true to yourself and your aspirations.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values the importance of creating a profound connection with themselves and their environment, particularly their home. While taking care of our physical health through practices such as healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness is essential, it is equally vital to have a sacred and nurturing space to come home to. My ideal client recognizes the significance of caring for their home, loving it, and treating it as an embodiment of their own well-being.
I believe that our bodies serve as temples for our souls, and our homes serve as temples for our bodies. This understanding is central to my ideal client’s perspective. They understand the inherent connection between spirituality and the home environment. By delving into their astrology and human design charts and exploring rituals involving herbs and sacred practices, they seek to deepen their self-discovery and personal growth.
Whether my ideal client is looking to move to a new home, engage in a selling or buying process, or embark on redesigning and embodying their current space, they can trust that I will guide them through an intentional, sacred, and supportive journey. Even if someone is new to these concepts and wishes to explore the realm of home buying, selling, or redesigning, I can provide them with the necessary tools and support to feel confident and empowered throughout their new path.
In summary, my ideal client is someone who recognizes the importance of creating a meaningful connection between themselves and their home. They understand the intertwining of spirituality and the home environment, and they are open to exploring their own astrology, human design, and sacred practices. Together, we can make their home-buying, selling, or redesigning journey intentional, sacred, and transformative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lunasoulwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunasoulwellness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-salcedo-035bb8245
- Other: Fall Retreat Information: https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/fallequinoxyogaretreat2023mexico Poderosa Movement ” Astrology of You” Non-Profit Sponsorship Inquiries: https://bit.ly/PoderosaMovementEventSponsorshipInquiry
