Meet Iris Canela

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Iris Canela a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Iris, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience comes from the root of who we are. For me, that resilience started with my ancestors, my culture, and my parents.

Growing up Mexican American, I was surrounded by the beauty of what my cultura represents. Mexican culture is bright, vibrant, bold, and unapologetic. But beyond the colors, flavors, and traditions, the people embody something even deeper. Mi gente rises each day knowing that the key to life is to keep going—to work hard, to serve from a heart-centered and passionate place.

When my parents came to the United States, they carried that same energy with them. They reminded us to always make our presence known, to own who we are. That representation mattered in every room my siblings and I walked into—because our ancestors had worked so hard for us to even step into those spaces. I could feel that strength, that presence, and I realized early on that resilience was showing up in my life.

Fast forward, I also acknowledge the privileges I was given. My parents raised me in good neighborhoods, I had access to education, and I never went hungry. I had the opportunity to dream about who I wanted to become.

But at 16, my world flipped in an instant. My parents divorced, our financial situation changed, and suddenly, I had to step up in ways I never imagined. What I didn’t realize at the time was that all of this was preparing me for resilience in its rawest form.

As the eldest daughter and a first-generation Mexican American, I worked relentlessly to create opportunities for myself. Whether it was working three jobs at once, pushing through college, or showing up to spaces where representation mattered, I learned that resilience isn’t just about “never giving up.” It’s deeper. It’s the life skill that shows how far your spirit is willing to go.

There were many moments where I wanted to quit where I asked, “Why me? Why all these challenges? Why couldn’t life stay simple like before?” But I quickly learned that mindset didn’t serve me. In those moments, I was always reminded by my mother, my community, and the stories of our ancestors that resilience runs through my veins. That remembrance gave me strength. It reignited the fire in my belly and pushed me to keep going, to continue expanding into the woman I was meant to become.

Over time, resilience became the bridge that connected me back to my roots, to remembrance, and to expansion. And that’s what led me to become the coach I am today.

But let me be clear—resilience doesn’t mean life gets easier. The tests kept coming. What resilience taught me, though, is that every season of life calls for a different kind of rise. Resilience is about redefining what rising looks like for you—staying optimistic, strong, and intentional even when life throws its hardest curveballs. It’s about embracing the inner power that has always been within you and allowing it to shape each new chapter you step into.

Resilience is preparation for the person you are called to be.

That’s the story and the reminder I want to leave you with: You have the ability to rise in your own way. To allow your resilience to shape you into who you’re becoming. And that’s why I’m so passionate about helping other women of color embrace their inner power. Because your rise, your journey of resilience, will always be uniquely yours.

So keep rising, my friends. And remember just keep going.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hola! I’m Iris Canela, a joyful Surrender Coach who guides high-achieving women of color and Latinas to break free from old patterns, RISE differently, and reclaim a more authentic life.

Through my 1:1 coaching, we’ll:
✨ Remember who you were before the weight of expectations
✨ Ignite your truth and redefine success on your terms
✨ Surrender the roles and hustle that no longer serve you
✨ Expand into a life that’s unapologetically yours

I’m also the host of the Cafecito and Rise Podcast, where we dive into healing, breaking cycles, and transformation while sharing powerful stories from heart-led women who are choosing to rise differently. My intention is to empower you on your rising journey, because for too long we’ve been conditioned to live a certain way—now it’s time to redefine and create from a place of true authenticity.

Every week, I send out my Sol Rising Newsletter to all my Sol Risers—recovering high achievers seeking more personal connection, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate their own journeys.

If any of this calls to you, I’d love to connect. I’m also open to speaking opportunities and can’t wait to meet you soon.

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

Three skills that really supported me were staying open to learning, not being afraid to connect with others, and embracing community. Learning how to connect with people has been the truest bridge—not only for visibility but, more importantly, for hearing and honoring others’ stories. That inspired me, fueled me, and reminded me that each of us carries a unique story worth sharing. Plus, connection opens doors to friendships, colleagues, and collaborations. It’s what builds community, and community is what I’m all about.

Two qualities that I don’t think get praised enough are optimism and gratitude. These kept me grounded when I felt like giving up. Optimism allowed me to see the cup as half full instead of half empty, while gratitude gave me strength and perspective.

Something I’ve learned with time is the importance of knowing your capacity. It’s okay to admit when you’ve overworked yourself and need rest. It’s okay to say “no” to things that don’t align, so you can leave more room for the “yes” that truly fuels you. Knowing your capacity protects you from burnout and helps you live with more intention. It ensures your energy flows into the spaces that matter most.

My advice for anyone practicing these skills: perfection and mastery are never the goal. What matters is progress—taking one step forward, even on the hard days. Just keep showing up, because that is more than enough.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of my all-time favorite books. It follows a boy on a journey to find a treasure, only to discover that the real treasure is the journey itself. The story reminds us what’s truly important, teaches us to trust ourselves, and shows that overcoming obstacles is one of the greatest gifts to our personal growth and stories.

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Image Credits

Photos by Dayana instagram handle Daysphotossss- https://www.instagram.com/daysphotossss/

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