We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Gonzalez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from my mom and my aunts. My mom, especially, has been a huge influence on me. She’s such a happy and positive person. She was a single mom for a while, but no matter what challenges she faced, she always managed to see the bright side of things. I’ve never seen her sad or depressed—she’s always helping others and spreading kindness. I really admire her strength and outlook on life, and she’s the reason I try to approach things with the same positivity.
That being said, I’m not always “happy, happy.” I allow myself to feel sadness when it comes because I know it’s an important part of life. But somehow, the sadness doesn’t stay for long—it passes, and when it does, I feel stronger and more grounded than before. It’s like every experience, even the hard ones, helps me grow and build resilience.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I moved to San Diego four years ago from Guadalajara, Mexico, and it was one of the hardest transitions of my life. Relocating to a new city is always challenging, but doing it in the middle of a pandemic added an extra layer of difficulty. Museums, galleries, universities, and much of the entertainment industry were shut down, making it tough to find a job. On top of that, San Diego’s cost of living was overwhelming, and I didn’t have much money or a car when I arrived.
To get by, I took a retail job and later started working at a coffee shop. I’ve never worked so hard in my life. My days started at 6 a.m. at the café, where I worked until 1 p.m. Afterward, I would rest in my car for an hour or two before heading to my second job, working until 9 or 10 p.m. most nights. I was constantly on my feet, moving all day, and I was probably the fittest I’ve ever been. There were days when I felt so overwhelmed that I wanted to cry and quit.
In those moments, I leaned on gratitude to keep me going. I started focusing on the small things: “Thank you for teaching me work ethic,” “Thank you for showing me what a reef is,” “Thank you for my coffee,” “Thank you for my bed.” These affirmations helped me reframe my struggles as part of my learning process—a necessary step to adapt to a new city and system.
After a year of this, I saw an open call for a freelance curator position at the Oceanside Museum of Art. The role involved coordinating three exhibitions a year, and to my surprise and delight, I got it. At the time, I barely knew where Oceanside was!
With a BA in Cultural Management and a deep passion for creativity, I knew this was the right path for me. I’ve always been drawn to working with artists, colors, ideas, and imagination. In Mexico, I was an art teacher for many years, and in England, I worked in cultural affairs. While I’d spent most of my life behind the scenes, this opportunity felt like the perfect moment to step into a more active role in the art world—and also to explore my own identity as an artist.
Not long after starting at the museum, I found a position as Outreach Coordinator at Sparks Gallery, one of the most prestigious galleries in San Diego. That role has since evolved into my current position as Gallery Manager and Associate Curator. My role involves enhancing the gallery’s programming by connecting with the community, curating thought-provoking exhibitions, and managing events that make art more accessible and engaging for everyone. It’s an incredibly rewarding position because it allows me to merge my love for art with meaningful interaction with people. One of my favorite moments at the gallery is when I get to see the artwork for the first time. There’s something magical about experiencing it up close—each piece tells a story, and it’s always exciting to imagine how it will connect with our audience.
Another part I absolutely love is letting the artist know that we’ve sold their work. Their excitement and joy are so genuine, and it’s incredibly rewarding to share in that moment with them. Knowing that their art has found a home and that I’ve been part of that journey is such a fulfilling experience. It reminds me of why I do what I do and keeps me passionate about supporting artists and their creations.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is creating experiences that resonate with a diverse audience. I strive to spotlight unique voices and stories through exhibitions and events, fostering a deeper connection between art and the community. I believe art should not only inspire but also provide a space for dialogue and reflection, and it’s fulfilling to facilitate that.
In my personal projects as an artist, I love to explore what it means to be binational. I draw inspiration from my traditions and cultural background, weaving those influences into my work while also embracing my new reality here in San Diego. Through my art, I aim to celebrate the rich blend of identities and experiences that come from living between two cultures.
San Diego has been so good to me—it’s a place that has challenged me, shaped me, and given me incredible opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. My projects often reflect this gratitude and the beautiful complexities of navigating life as someone who is deeply connected to two worlds. Exploring my artistic practice alongside my curatorial work allows me to wear multiple hats in the art world, and I love that balance.
It’s been an incredible journey, full of challenges, growth, and transformation. Every step, from my early jobs in San Diego to my work in the art world today, has taught me resilience and fueled my passion for making art more accessible and meaningful to the community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Number 1.- Adaptability
Moving during the pandemic, finding ways to make ends meet, and transitioning between industries required me to stay flexible. I had to learn new skills, adapt to different environments, and embrace uncertainty. and Darwin use to say ” It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself”
Number 2.- Resilience
Resilience was critical in navigating the challenges I faced, especially when I first moved to San Diego. Working long hours in physically demanding jobs while adapting to a new city taught me to persevere, even when things felt overwhelming.
Number 3.- Passion for Creativity and Community
My deep love for art and my belief in its power to connect people have always guided me. This passion kept me motivated and focused, even when the path wasn’t clear.
Advice: Stay open to learning, even if the opportunities don’t align with your ultimate goals at first. Every experience teaches you something valuable, even if it’s not obvious right away.
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 for me was allowing me to explore my creative side, instilling a strong work ethic, and always reminding me that I could do anything and be anything I wanted. They encouraged me not to let anyone tell me otherwise, which gave me the confidence to chase my dreams without fear. I grew up modestly but very happy, and their support gave me the freedom to dream big while staying grounded in the value of hard work. Their unwavering belief in me and their insistence on staying true to myself have been a guiding force throughout my journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Natalie_Glez_Acedo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-gonzalez-7aa77149/en
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