The key to creating genuine connections
The key to creating genuine connections
And building a powerful community.
Hello everyone!
I am back in office after a week in NYC and two weeks in my beautiful city of Morelia, Mexico. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel this year and meet some of you in Miami, Chicago, Seattle, NYC and Mexico - and I know there are so many places I have yet to go!
For now, I’m preparing for a cozy holiday season en casita with my husband and pup + of course, setting up my business growth plan for 2023.
However I’m currently going through what we’ve been calling Jefa Withdrawals - from my most recent adventure.
I had the honor of leading seven Latina changemakers on a one week retreat in Morelia, Mexico - a city that means so much to me and that has made me who I am today. When I first planned the retreat, I called it a “business and cultural experience” but what happened was so much more than that.
In just a few short days, we developed a true sense of community.
We arrived in Morelia as strangers, and by day 3 we were planning reunions, monthly mastermind sessions and ongoing collaborations. We had intense conversations - not just about business, but about money, relationships, our family, trauma - the list goes on. It was like we had known each other for years.
As I talk about this with my peers now, I acknowledge that what happened was a rare and powerful experience. How is it that 8 people from different parts of the world, with different backgrounds and experiences could all connect so strongly in such a short amount of time?
Here’s my theory:
The group was collaborative. There was no gatekeeping of information or fear of competition.
We were all open to feedback. Giving and receiving it.
Each person showed up authentically and brought their own creative magic to the experience.
Kindness and empathy were shown every single day.
Collaboration, receptiveness to feedback, authenticity, creativity, kindness, empathy…these are all key elements to building a powerful community - and a successful business.
I am so grateful to have been able to spend time with these emprendedoras and I am so proud of their innovative work. I advise you all to follow them on their journeys.
Thank you to my #JefasinMorelia! Here’s their info:
Delsy Sandoval, the creative podcast host spotlighting Latinx artists and visionaries through Ocu-pasion.
Gabriela Milian, the lifestyle guide and founder leading The Life Pivot movement, helping recovering hustle queens heal.
Guisell Gomez, the Senior Editor of BeLatina News who is pushing boundaries in the media industry to make sure all of our stories are told.
Lisa Marie Gomez, the Co-Founder and COO of PanchaxBeatz, a music production agency specializing in creating custom storytelling beats that amplify the voices of our community.
Melissa Gallardo, the CEO of Bonita Fierce Candles, creating representation of our cultura and community in the home fragrance space.
Michelle Colon, the mental health advocate and creative mind behind WellCentered - the new movement helping women navigate life’s changes through embracing their creativity.
Yoly Valencia, the Latina of many firsts and CEO of Latinas Who Trade, on a mission to help her multigenerational community embark on the road to becoming millionaires.
And of course, to the one and only, my Special Events Manager Laura, aka mami! Without her this experience would not have been possible.
As she always likes to say “SI SE PUEDE!”
What to expect from me before the new year:
I have many projects up my sleeve for 2023, but until then I want to make sure you are prepared to start the new year feeling inspired and ready to tackle your those new year intentions.
Stay tuned for upcoming issues of La Hoja and announcements on social media.
Gracias and until next time!
Ashley 🧚