Founder feature: Catch up with the fearless duo behind trailblazing anthology “¡Viva Latina!”

When it comes to the driving spirit behind new release ¡Viva Latina!, author Sandra Velasquez was grounded in serving and reaching a specific community. “It’s meant to serve as inspiration for those who are embarking on their next stage of life, who are growing, and for them to understand that they’re part of something bigger,” Velasquez, who is also the founder of beauty brand Nopalera. 

The new release – available now at Target – celebrates Latina sisterhood through reflective stories and thoughtful advice from Latina entrepreneurs and key current figures.  

“Who you are as a Latina – your identity is worthy of being in a book,” says the book’s illustrator, Sandra Lucia Diaz, who also owns an art and stationary brand. “It’s worthy of being elevated.”  

For Velasquez and Diaz – whose respective entrepreneurial journeys have translated to immense growth, both professionally and personally – the book highlights a sentiment that both women hope Latina founders, change makers and next-level thinkers take to heart. 

“Dream big,” urges Velasquez. “Make your ceiling your new floor.” 

Watch the video to hear the duo chat about the inspiration of their book and share their reflections on the power of mentorship (spoiler alert: Target Accelerators played a major role in bringing the two together!), connection and community.  

Looking for more tips and tools? Sign up here for our monthly newsletter for more access and insights to resources and stories to help accelerate your business.