Meet Elvria Reyes

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elvria Reyes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elvria below.

Elvria, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

I learned the true meaning of generosity from my parents. Growing up in a neighborhood where homelessness and addiction were prevalent, my dad made it a point to always carry a few one-dollar bills in his wallet to be able to give to someone when needed. Despite our own modest means—living in lower middle class—he believed in giving what we could, all the time. My dad’s background was humble; he grew up in poverty in Mexico, being one of 6 and selling gum on the streets and doing all he could to survive. He often reminded me, “We never know what others are going through.” His willingness to share whatever he had left a lasting impression on me and my neighbor. My incredible dad passed away six years ago, and just five days ago, my mom continued the same tradition of giving. A homeless man who passed by our house told us he knew us well because my dad used to give him a few dollars every time he walked by. He shared that he would always try to look out for us because of my dad’s kindness and love.

My mom’s generosity was equally profound. Her love language has always been gift-giving. Whenever we visited Mexico, we packed five suitcases with clothes, shoes, toys, and more, just so she could distribute them to those in need. To this day, she goes out of her way to help others, often giving away anything and everything she can. I remember her cooking enormous meals and inviting homeless people who passed by our house to join us on our patio. Over time, our patio became a vibrant gathering spot, filled with chairs, tables, and plants, where people came together to share a meal.

From my parents, I learned to see people as individuals with stories, needs, and hearts deserving of love. My mom would often tell those she helped that it wasn’t her generosity but God’s love working through her. This perspective has stayed with me profoundly. I take joy in being a source of encouragement for others, helping them remember that their lives are valuable and that they are loved. If I can be of service to others I feel truly alive.

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?

Recently, I’ve developed a deep passion for creating art with my hands, especially since my knee surgery has kept me at home and provided me with ample time to explore my creative side. This period of rest has reignited my inspiration, and I’ve embraced a wide range of artistic mediums. From painting and sculpting to fashion design, graphic design, tufting, and video content creation, I’m truly a jack of all trades. My toxic trait is that I think I can do anything and everything.

I’m particularly excited about my latest project, which blends my two first loves: fashion and graphic design. I’m currently working on a collaborative effort that I’m eager to share with everyone. Stay tuned for more details—I’m aiming to unveil this project by October!

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

Looking back, three qualities have truly shaped my journey:
1. Flexibility: Being adaptable has been a game-changer. Things can change in a heartbeat, so instead of stressing over what was, I focus on finding solutions and moving forward. Flexibility has helped me tackle challenges and make the most of every opportunity.
2. Eagerness to Say Yes: I’ve always been the person who says “Yes!” to every opportunity. Whether it’s taking on extra work, staying late, or diving into new projects, my answer has often been, “Yes, I can do that!” This attitude has led to amazing learning experiences and incredible connections. I love doing things not just for the pay, but for the stories and the experiences. Saying yes has opened doors to so many wonderful opportunities. And even if I don’t know something I’m fast to learn it!
3. Positive Attitude: Bringing good vibes wherever I go is my specialty. I love making people laugh and creating a fun, supportive environment. In high-stress situations, my go-to is laughter and positivity. It helps me stand out and attracts even more opportunities.

For anyone starting out, I’d say: Stay flexible, say yes to new experiences, and keep a positive attitude. These qualities will not only enrich your journey but also help you build great connections and open up exciting opportunities.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

Right now, my biggest challenge is actually myself. Since my knee surgery, I’ve been mentally and emotionally all over the place. I’ve realized that my main obstacle is my own self-discipline and mindset. I’ve discovered that a subconscious fear of success is holding me back. I’ve seen many people achieve success and then feel controlled or owned by it, and I dread that feeling of being constrained.

But I’m working on reconnecting with my roots and pushing past those fears. My knee surgery has stirred up a lot of introspection, and I miss the fearless attitude I once had, where I pursued everything without hesitation. I’m determined to overcome these internal barriers and embrace a more liberated, confident approach moving forward!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @livinglava
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thisislivinglava
• Other: Tiktok: @livinglava
  tiktok: @LookElvira