Meet Sandra Lucia Diaz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandra Lucia Diaz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sandra, 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?
I am the daughter of Colombian immigrants, and my optimism is a legacy from my mother, Luz Builes. She single-handedly raised my brother and me, infusing us with unwavering optimism, even during challenging times in our upbringing in the tough neighborhood of Miami known as Carol City. Despite the adversity, she exerted every effort to enroll us in magnet art programs and find a way to steer us away from the rough areas of the city. She would lovingly prepare arepas and diligently care for my brother, Alex, and me. When the language barrier occasionally hindered her assistance with our homework, she would head to the library to seek someone who could help us.

My grandmother, Lucia Builes, also played a pivotal role in my artistic journey. In the face of skepticism from our family, who believed pursuing art would lead to financial hardship, she purchased one of my watercolor paintings and encouraged me to disregard those who hadn’t ventured down this path before. She urged me to seek out mentors. I named my company, LUCIA DIAZ, in her honor as a tribute to her and my mother, who both lacked the opportunities to chase their own dreams. Both my mother and grandmother instilled in me the belief that “Tu Eres Capaz” – you are capable.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Lucia Diaz, a first-generation Colombian-American and the proud Founder of LUCIA DIAZ, a Latina-owned business dedicated to empowering and honoring Latinas through the creation of high-quality illustrations. My artworks are a reflection of my commitment to providing cultural representation and instilling pride in mujeres poderosas, so they can see themselves beautifully represented in the world.

Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands, including Tiffany & Co, Korbel, Diane von Furstenberg, CHANEL, Carolina Herrera, Marciano, Guess, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Handmade, and Estee Lauder, among others. My work has also been featured in esteemed publications and platforms such as Essence, INC, Adobe, Fierce by Mitu, Bold Latina, and We Allow Grow Latina.

This Hispanic Heritage Month marks a significant milestone in my career as I have secured my most substantial speaking and moderating engagement to date—the United Nations General Assembly 78th Science Summit in New York City. I have also curated a show The UN Latine Art Exhibit is a tribute to 100 talented artists and individuals with Latin American roots.Their remarkable contributions are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. #TheArtofRepresentation

At LUCIA DIAZ, our mission is clear: to authentically celebrate Latinx culture through high-quality illustrations that resonate with and empower Latinas. We are dedicated to helping Latinas feel truly represented through our stationery and illustrations. Our vision is a world where Latinas can be proud, feel empowered, and celebrate their culture with authenticity. We promise to create high-quality art and stationery products that accurately represent LATINA poderosas while providing the best customer service. Our product philosophy centers on designing products that inspire and reflect the essence of Latinas. Together, we strive to make a positive impact and bring Latinx culture to the forefront through our art and illustrations

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first piece of advice I would like to offer is to never give up. Even when faced with rejection or hearing the word “no,” keep pushing forward. Continue knocking on doors and reapplying for opportunities. I personally experienced four rejections before finally landing my dream accelerator program. I also faced rejection three times when applying for a major grant, but I persisted and eventually secured it. Remember, “no” simply means the next opportunity, and it should serve as motivation rather than discouragement.

Another crucial step is to find a mentor. In my journey, Marisol, my mentor, played an invaluable role in launching my business and securing my initial grants. She provided guidance and support in every aspect of being a business owner. Her guidance made me realize that I don’t have to navigate this journey alone. It’s essential to seek advice from individuals who are 5, 10, or even 15 years ahead of you. Avoid taking advice from those who aren’t willing to take risks in their own lives, including family and friends. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are facing similar challenges and be open to their feedback.

Lastly, emphasize collaboration over competition. Understand that there is enough room for everyone to succeed. Rather than comparing yourself to others’ seemingly perfect lives on social media, focus on improving your own skills. It’s easy to feel inadequate when making such comparisons, but you don’t know how long it took someone else to reach their current status, and you don’t see what their life is truly like behind closed doors. Instead, challenge yourself to compete with your past self and constantly strive for personal growth and improvement.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
These books cover a wide range of topics, from personal development and finance to storytelling and creativity. Each of them has the potential to inspire and empower readers in different ways.I want to make sure I hare a list of books that have changed my life. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
“Wealth Warrior” by Linda Garcia
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
“Cien Años de Soledad” (One Hundred Years of Solitude) by Gabriel García Márquez
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi
“Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
“Business Made Simple” by Donald Miller
“Becoming Bulletproof” by Evy Poumpouras
“We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers
“Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
“Find Your Artistic Voice” by Lisa Congdon
“Everything Is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo

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