New ‘Selena y Los Dinos’ Trailer Shows First Never-Before-Seen Footage

Selena Quintanilla’s trajectory is getting a new documentary. On October 21, Netflix released the official trailer for Selena y Los Dinos, out on November 17.

“Selena y Los Dinos celebrates the life and legacy of the Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla, who along with her family performed, triumphed, and redefined genres, captured through never-before-seen footage from the family’s personal archive,” the film’s log line reads.

Though the film is not out yet, film critics are praising the documentary, giving us hope that it will bring fans closer to the late Tex-Mex icon that we all know and love.

Interested in watching? Here’s what we know.

What to expect from the new documentary

 

The new documentary was first released on Sundance Film Festival’s website earlier this year. But due to viewers posting footage on social media, the film was taken down. However, it seems to be worth the wait since the new documentary promises never-before-seen footage of Quintanilla “including home videos that reveal Selena in a new light as a sister, daughter, and wife,” per Netflix.

“As a filmmaker, I wanted to honor her extraordinary rise and enduring legacy, while also giving a window into her life behind the stage,” the documentary’s director, Isabel Castro, told Netflix. “Through personal archive and intimate interviews with her family, the film reveals new dimensions of her journey that have never been seen before. I am deeply grateful to her family for their trust and support throughout this journey, and I can’t wait for a global audience to experience the magic, heart and community that Selena gave to all of us.”

Where to watch the new documentary

 

Selena y Los Dinos will be available via Netflix, starting on November 17.

Check out the new trailer below.

Selena y Los Dinos. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Was Finally Body-Inclusive: Our Favorite Moments

Victoria’s Secret is trying to make a comeback — and honestly, it could work. After years of only showing a certain body size on their platform, the major lingerie, clothing, and beauty retailer just aired their most inclusive body fashion show yet. And while some media outlets think it’s too late, there’s hope that this inclusivity continues to be seen for years to come.

For context: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has seen its ups and major downs in the last decade. In 2018, its former chief marketing officer, Ed Razek, made it known that he wasn’t into including transgender or plus-size models, sparking well-deserved backlash. The show ended up being canceled in 2019. Fast-forward a few years, and the show’s direction changed in 2024 to include all types of bodies.

Now, it’s 2025, and things seem to keep progressing. Not only did the show feature Colombian pop queen Karol G as one of the angels, but she also sang songs like “Ivonny Bonita” and “LATINA FOREVA” as the models served looks on the runway. How’s that for Latina power?

But there were more major inclusive takeaways from the show. From Brazilian-American actress 

Barbie Ferreira to American model Precious Lee, here are five of our favorite inclusive moments that we are still processing today.

Barbie Ferreira

Ferreira was one of our favorite angels this year. A fan commented, “From Euphoria to the Victoria’s Secret runway — Barbie Ferreira looked unreal. Those denim wings were the cutest touch.”

Jasmine Tookes

Perhaps one of the most talked-about moments was when American model Jasmine Tookes took the runway. She became the first pregnant model to appear on The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

“This moment felt out of sight in every way. At nine months pregnant, I didn’t expect to even get the call, but when I did, and Adam shared the story, the symbolism of Venus, the strength, the rebirth, the divine feminine energy woven through it, I knew it was exactly where I was meant to be,” she wrote online.

Alex Consani

Alex Consani is an American transgender model with Italian, English, and German roots. She has walked the runway in 2024 and 2025 — and with reason! We hope to see her next year, too!

Devyn Garcia

The Cuban-American model left us wanting more!

Precious Lee

Lee left us speechless.

What was your favorite moment from the fashion show? 

Here’s How NOWFUL Is Making Self-Care Accessible

If you think building a self-care routine is intimidating, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know where or how to start. If this sounds like you, we’ve got you covered with products that can level up your daily routine without breaking your bank.

Today we’re taking a look into Latina-led mindfulness and wellness ritual kit company NOWFUL’s process and who’s behind it. Created by Mexican-American businesswoman, impact investor, and advocate for gender equality, Angélica Fuentes, NOWFUL’s holistic approach to self-care is something that’s both intriguing and innovative.

To get a better insight into their featured Wellness in Action Kit ($89 USD), Modern Muze spoke to the Miami-based creative about the process and intention behind her company’s affirmation cards, daily mushroom supplements, magnesium balm, and essential oils that aim to help create habits and rituals to empower your inner strength. 

How do your Mexican and American roots influence NOWFUL?

I was born into a very traditional Mexican family. From a young age, I was expected to follow a path that was already written for me. Like many Latina women, I often felt the quiet guilt that comes with wanting to break the mold, to lead, to speak up, to be free, to not only be the daughter, wife, or mom of someone, and to choose myself without feeling I was letting others down. In Spanish, we have a saying: “Calladita te ves más bonita”, which means “you look prettier if you’re quiet.” I couldn’t disagree more.

Those expectations were challenging to break, but they taught me something essential: that we already hold the power within to accomplish everything we want. That belief is at the heart of NOWFUL. Wellness begins with remembering that our strength, clarity, and balance don’t come from the outside, but from within. When we’re grounded, clear, and aligned with who we truly are, everything around us begins to shift. 

What’s your wellness/skincare routine like, and how do you incorporate your product into it?

My day begins with intention. I start by brushing my teeth and drinking a cup of hot water with lemon.  I take our MindThrive Mushroom Complex, rooted in ancient Eastern medicine and decades of scientific research. This precise blend improves clarity and memory, strengthens stamina and immune response, reduces stress, and supports the creation of cells critical for brain maintenance and repair. It’s my way of telling my body we’re ready to begin. 

Then I take one of our Smart Affirmation Cards, packed with hidden magic—tech that instantly connects with your phone and helps you supercharge your confidence, strength, and self-love. I let the app guide me into the mindset I want for the day. After that, I move. Exercise is non-negotiable in my life; it clears my mind, grounds me emotionally, and gives me the energy to show up fully. 

Gratitude is also a daily practice that keeps me grounded. Every morning on the way to school with my daughters, we each name at least three things we’re grateful for. It’s a simple ritual, but it changes the tone of our entire day.

During the day, I use our Anchoring Essential Oil whenever I need to refocus or find calm. It awakens my senses and intensifies my daily journey toward growth and self-discovery. Scientifically proven to activate your brain’s limbic system—the area responsible for emotions and memories—this oil triggers a calming effect on the nervous system and reminds me to come back to myself.

At night, I massage my feet, shoulders, and neck with our Sleep Magnesium Cream. Restful sleep is essential for living with presence, clarity, and strength. This cream, crafted with magnesium, valerian, passionflower, and lavender, promotes deep relaxation, alleviates stress, and improves the quality of sleep.

These daily habits aren’t complicated, but they are powerful. They keep me present and connected with my inner strength.

What have you learned in your wellness journey?

I’ve learned that true well-being doesn’t come from external achievements or routines—it comes from within. Wellness is not something you do; it’s something you are. It’s how you talk to yourself, how you listen to your body, and how you choose to live: intentionally, honestly, and with presence.

Wellness is the quiet rituals that hold you when no one is watching. It’s creating space for stillness, breathing through discomfort, resting without guilt, and nourishing yourself not just to look good, but to feel whole. Wellness is the practice of returning to yourself again and again, knowing that your worth isn’t defined by productivity or appearance, but by how rooted you are in who you truly are.

How is NOWFUL different from other self-care and wellness products? 

NOWFUL is a complete wellness system designed to work together seamlessly to help you feel your most centered, energized, and confident self. Everything we create is rooted in science and crafted with intention so that wellness becomes simple, accessible, and real. At Nowful, we’ve got you covered from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep.

It’s not about doing more; it’s about being more present. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency. Every element of NOWFUL is designed to support small, sustainable habits, that are extremely powerful.  

You’ve done so much in your career. How do you personally keep up with self-care and wellness, too? 

I think it’s very important to understand that wellness should not be another task on your to-do list; it’s the cornerstone that supports everything you do. Wellness is what allows me to lead with purpose, to create, and to keep showing up with clarity, focus, confidence, and energy.

After many years in high-pressure environments, I’ve come to see that success without wellness isn’t sustainable. You can only give your best when you feel your best. In my life, taking care of myself keeps me centered and aligned.

Wellness is not something you treat yourself with only after you accomplish something or reach a milestone. Wellness is a daily practice, a commitment you make to yourself, not a reward you earn. When you nurture your mind, body, and spirit consistently, you create the stability that allows your dreams to come true and allows you to thrive. Wellness is not the opposite of achievement—it’s the foundation of it.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs as a Latina in the beauty/wellness industry?

My advice to other Latina entrepreneurs is to trust your vision and think big. Believe in yourself!

It’s important to remember that leadership doesn’t have to come from exhaustion or sacrifice. It can come from clarity, presence, and purpose. When you are grounded and connected to yourself, you lead differently—you lead from truth, not fear. In this industry, authenticity matters more than perfection. So, lead with who you are, be proud of your roots, honor your intuition, and don’t be afraid to rewrite the rules.

Tell us about your goal with NOWFUL and what you hope the audience gets from the brand. 

My goal with NOWFUL is to open the portal to your true potential and make wellness real and accessible for everyone. I want people to understand that wellness is not a luxury—it’s your superpower.

I hope that everyone who experiences NOWFUL feels more connected to themselves, learns to build small daily rituals that bring clarity and calm, and realizes that everything they need to live their best and healthiest life is already within them.

At NOWFUL we believe your best life starts now, fueled by the moments you create today. 

 

How to Honor Día de Muertos in Your Home & Beyond

Día de Muertos — also known as Day of the Dead — is an annual tradition typically celebrated on November 1 and November 2. Each year, the multi-day tradition seems to get more popular — specifically after Disney’s Coco in 2017. Curious how to celebrate and honor your late loved ones this year? We got you covered.

Though the annual celebration is observed on November 1 and November 2: November 1 for late children and November 2 for late adults — there’s more to the festivity. On more detailed occasions, people also celebrate their late pets on October 27. The tradition is actually from October 27 to November 6, when people put up detailed altars dedicated to their loved ones who have passed away. But how do you start putting the altar together?

If you’re interested in making your own this year. Here’s how.

Decoration & Altar

First things first: it’s your altar and your memories. You make it your own way to remember your loved ones. 

With that being said, the altar’s basic elements are based on water, wind, fire, and earth. The water is represented by a glass of water, wind is represented by colorful papel picado, fire is represented by candles, and earth is represented by your loved one’s favorite food or personal belongings. Other altar elements include pan de muerto, sugar skulls, photos of your late loved ones, and, of course, marigolds (cempasúchil), which are believed to guide your late loved ones home.

@miculturacandleshop

Our family altar 🤍🧡🤎 #diadelosmuertos #altar #dayofthedead #ofrenda

♬ sonido original – Olmave

Rituals

Besides making an altar, many people also celebrate by visiting their loved one’s grave and decorating it with marigolds and candles — especially in Mexico. One of the rituals is to share stories of the deceased at the cemetery. Another tradition is to have a family gathering to include these stories and share a meal to commemorate their late family members.

Though it may sound intimidating to make your own for the first time, it’s a beautiful way to honor your late loved ones and remind their souls that they’re always remembered and welcomed.

@sacredsocietywellness

An ofrenda is more than an altar, it’s an offering of memory and love. Here’s a beginner’s guide to making your very first one! #Diadelosmuertos #ofrenda #denver #Altar #MexicanTradition

♬ original sound – Sacred Society Wellness

So if you’re looking for a sign to make your own this year — this is it.

Why We Need To Pay Attention to Latina Equal Pay Day

Today is Latina Equal Pay Day. Every year, we use this day to bring awareness back to a subject that matters: how much are we getting paid compared to others, and who do we support to help advocate for our rights?

According to the Justice for Migrant Women’s 10th Anniversary Report, there’s a lot to cover this year. For example, did you know that it’s estimated that Latinas earn 54 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic males? This translates to this hard truth: if you’re a Latina working full-time and year-round, you make 58 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, per Justice for Migrant Women and Equal Rights Advocates.

And this is just the overall pay gap. More information was found in the recent data. The research also found that Latinas with a high school diploma earn 54 cents for every dollar as compared to white, non-Hispanic men. If you’re a Latina with some college or five or more years of college, it’s estimated that you’d earn 58 cents for every dollar a white male makes. For the Latinas with a professional degree, you’ll make an average of 39 cents for every dollar made by white men. Yes, even with a college degree or a leadership position, the gap remains wide.


This is why we need to put our feet down. This is why we need to bring awareness to our wages. It’s time to reflect, share, and advocate for our rights. 


Who is advocating for equal pay?

Check out and follow these leaders: 

  • Mónica Ramírez, who is the President and Founder of Justice for Migrant Women. The group specializes in connecting pay equity to systemic injustices.
  • Lisa Vidal, Co-Founder of Latinas Acting Up. The group focuses on awareness and collective fightback.
  • Noreen Farrell of Equal Rights Advocates. The group focuses on the decade of progress made through organizing.
  • Joi Chaney of J.O.I. Strategies. The organization specializes on centering the voices and lived experiences of Latina women.

What we need moving forward

The research calls for expansion of data collection on pay gaps across identities; strengthening labor and civil rights enforcement; a modernization of the 1963 Equal Pay Act (and no discussion of wages), and more commitment from employers to pay equally.

By doing this and paying Latinas a fair wage, the aforementioned data reveals that poverty rates will decrease, families will gain stability, and businesses will grow.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about opportunity, wealth, and visibility. When Latinas thrive – families, businesses, and communities thrive.

Folklore, Fear & Fierce Women: Your October Book List

It’s cozy season! After wrapping up summer’s activities, it’s time to unwind and ease into the fall. And what better way to get into the spirit than reading a good book?

Modern Muze loves to champion authors and books we love. For example, we’ve recently interviewed self-published Latina author Xiomara Gallego-Bernard on how she uses her communicative skills to connect with children. We’ve also discussed five Latina poets who keep us grounded. 

What’s next on our agenda? An on-theme folklore, fear, and fierce book list for October. From V Castro’s The Haunting of Alejandra to A Darker Shade of Noir: New Stories of Body Horror by Women, edited by Joyce Carol Oates, here are five books that should be on your TBR list this October. 

The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro

For those readers into gothic and horror, this novel is perfect for you. The Haunting of Alejandra intersects themes like the Mexican folk demon La Llorona, motherhood, legacy, and identity. “Alejandra no longer knows who she is. To her husband, she is a wife, and to her children, a mother. To her own adoptive mother, she is a daughter. But they cannot see who Alejandra has become: a woman struggling with a darkness that threatens to consume her,” the book’s description reads.

The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas

The Possession of Alba Díaz explores themes such as supernatural happenings. The book’s hook reads: “When a demonic presence awakens deep in a Mexican silver mine, the young woman it seizes must turn to the one man she shouldn’t trust…from bestselling author Isabel Cañas.” Sounds spooky, doesn’t it? 

A Walk in a Darker Wood: An Anthology of Folk Horror by multiple authors

A Walk in a Darker Wood: An Anthology of Folk Horror explores folk horror from different voices. The book is described as: “Come, take a walk in a darker wood with us. Join us in a haunted place where Pan walks free, where the Dark Mother holds her shadow children close, and where the full moon rides high in the night, whispering secrets of a forgotten past into the wind.”

Skin of the Soul: New Horror Stories by Women edited by Lisa Tuttle

Skin of the Soul: New Horror Stories by Women is a book full of varied horror by women writers. The book includes tales by Joan Aiken, Karen Joy Fowler, Anne Goring, Joyce Carol Oates, and Sherry Coldsmith.

A Darker Shade of Noir: New Stories of Body Horror by Women edited by Joyce Carol Oates

If you’re into more intense, visceral — exploring bodies, identity, and fear type — literature. This one is for you. The description reads: “In A Darker Shade of Noir: New Stories of Body Horror by Women Writers, Oates has assembled a spectacular cast to explore this subgenre, focusing on distortions to the human body in the most fascinating of ways.”

Bad Bunny Will Headline 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show – Here’s Why It’s Important

It’s official: Bad Bunny will be the first Latino artist to headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. The halftime show will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, on February 8, 2026.

But this isn’t just a moment for Bad Bunny’s iconic career — it’s a cultural moment for Latinos around the globe. “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown…” Bad Bunny said in a press statement. “This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

Curiously, Bad Bunny manifested this in a song that was released back in 2020. In his song “<3,” he sang: “Abuela, bendición, hoy cumplí otro goal, je / Me fue cabrón, no sé si me viste en el Super Bowl [Grandma, bless me, today I accomplished another goal, heh / It went great, I don’t know if you saw me in the Super Bowl],” manifesting his huge accomplishment. “<3” is part of his album, YHLQMDLG. Who would’ve thought that six years later, Bad Bunny would be accomplishing his goal?

Although there have been disagreements since Bad Bunny recently said he wasn’t going to perform in the U.S. due to ICE, this performance is strategic in the sense that it gives him power to perform in Spanish in front of one of the biggest American events. Moreover, it’s another demonstration of the economic power that Latinos hold. In February, it was reported that Hispanic consumers hold $3.6 trillion in purchasing power, making them a huge force in the sport. Now, imagine with Bad Bunny’s viewership? 

Overall, there’s no doubt that Bad Bunny is continuing to break records and open pathways for Latino artists and businesses that will come after him. This is just the start. 

Photo Credit: Apple Music

Latina-Owned Beauty Products To Support This Hispanic Heritage Month

For those who are interested in beauty and makeup products, we’ve got news for you. Modern Muze has compiled a list of five of our favorite Latina-owned selections to support this Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Listen: sometimes it’s not possible to shop everything Latina, we get it. But when it’s available, why not support your community by giving back to Latina entrepreneurs? Long gone are the days when we had to buy only a product that catered to the general masses. It’s time to look into products that are catered to our community, by our community. Luckily for us, it turns out that there are plenty of Latina-owned beauty and makeup products in the market. 

From stunning eyeshadows to long eyelashes, here are five Latina-owned shops to support this Hispanic Heritage Month – and beyond.

Eyeshadows by Luna Magic

Co-founded by Dominican sisters Mabel and Shaira Frías, Luna Magic delivers gorgeous eyeshadow palettes. Check out the “Nude/Desnuda Shadow Palette,” for example. “The Nude/Desnuda Shadow Palette” includes 9 ultra-blendable nude, smoky, and shimmer shades designed to flatter every skin tone. Its buttery-soft formula delivers smooth application and long-lasting pigment for everyday glam or night-out looks,” the website describes.

Nail Polish by Bettina Cosmetics

Co-founded by Puerto Rican couple Julia and Victor Mercado, Bettina Cosmetics is known for its nail polish. Can’t decide which to buy? Check out their “Out of the Blue” bundle. 

Highlighter by Reina Rebelde

Founded by Mexican businesswoman Regina Merson, Reina Rebelde sells makeup for the eyes, lips, and face. One of our favorite products is the “Sueño” highlighter. It’s described as: “multi-purpose radiance stick” that has a “weightless highlighter formula.”

Mascara, Eyeliner & Brow Definer by Bésame Cosmetics

Owned by Latina entrepreneur Gabriela Hernandez, Bésame Cosmetics sells lipsticks, powders, creams, and more. A standout product is their “1930 Cake Mascara, Eyeliner & Brow Definer” that sounds like a game-changer. “Our 3-in-1 water-activated cake will redefine your expectation of Mascara, Eye Liner and Brow Fill! Darken and define lashes with a formula featuring only 7 clean ingredients. Made locally and designed for sensitive eyes,” the website describes.

Lashes by Araceli Beauty

Owned by Mexican entrepreneur and makeup artist Araceli Ledesma, Araceli Beauty sells eyeliners, mascaras, and lashes. One of her lashes includes the “Reynosa Lashes.” “Reynosa Lashes bring full-volume drama with a wispy, eye-catching finish. Made with a soft cotton band for all-day comfort and designed to be reusable for multiple wears. Perfect for when you want your lashes to make the statement,” the website describes.

5 Tracks By Puerto Rican Artist RaiNao You Should Listen To

You’re living under a rock if you haven’t heard about Bad Bunny’s historic residency that just wrapped up last Saturday (September 20). During the residency, the Puerto Rican icon shared his spotlight with legends and emerging artists, including compatriot RaiNao.

Born Naomi Ramírez, RaiNao is a 31-year-old queer singer and songwriter from Santurce, Puerto Rico. But a collaboration with Bad Bunny didn’t happen overnight. She’s actually been studying music all her life, specifically the saxophone and music theory, which she still frequently adds to her music. Makes sense, since music has always been in her blood – did you know that her father was a salsa singer?

In 2020, she released her first single “He Tratado,” followed by a four-song musical project called En Vivo y Coleando. Two years later, she released her official debut EP, ahora A.K.A NAO, featuring a collaboration with Villano Antillano. In 2025, she released her first album CAPICÚ, including collaborations with Tainy, Wiso Rivera, Loui Santana, MJ Nebrada, and more. Now, she’s continuing to put her R&B, alt-perreo, and pop songs on the map with a new collaboration, “FAVORiTE” with Pj Sin Suela.

But what songs should you listen to get a better insight into who she is musically? From her collaboration “PERFuMITO NUEVO” with Bad Bunny to “Mi Piscis,” here are five songs by the talented Boricua singer that should be on your playlist.

“PERFuMITO NUEVO”

“PERFuMITO NUEVO” is a song on Bad Bunny’s album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The collaboration has skyrocketed RaiNao’s fame with opportunities like special performances, such as singing on Saturday Night Live.

“FAVORiTE”

“FAVORiTE” is RaiNao’s newest collaboration with Pj Sin Suela. The collaboration is a mix of reggaeton and electronic music.

“sofocón”

“sofocón” is one of RaiNao’s new singles of the year. In this song, she features her saxophone, giving an ode to her musical upbringing.

“dale Play”

Another song we love by RaiNao is “dale Play.” “dale Play,” is an alternative pop collaboration with Puerto Rican singer-songwriter paopao.

“Mi Piscis”

Lastly, “Mi Piscis” is an alternative R&B heartfelt ballad from RaiNao’s debut EP Ahora A.K.A NAO, that we think you should listen to.

With all this musical diversity in mind, which is your favorite RaiNao track? 

Here’s How Self-Published Latina Author Xiomara Gallego-Bernard Connects with Children

Latina author Xiomara Gallego-Bernard gets children. She understands how to communicate strong emotions in a way that they can feel seen. And she proves it with her two self-published books, Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House, which are available in stores today. Both books are also available in Spanish.

Though many of us become great communicators as adults, it’s a whole other ball game when it comes to communicating with children. That’s why authors like Gallego-Bernard are important to be recognized and read. With Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House, the author, with Colombian and Puerto Rican roots, becomes a channel to understand children in a different, more meaningful perspective.

Inspired by her highly sensitive son, Gallego-Bernard created these two stories – with a new one on the way – to help parents understand children’s big emotions. To get more insight into her writing process, Modern Muze talked to the talented author about the creation behind the two stories, her mission as a Latina author, and what’s coming next.

What inspired Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House?

Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House were inspired by my son, who is highly sensitive. For those who may not know, being highly sensitive is a personality trait, not a diagnosis or disorder. Through extensive research, I discovered that my son was born with the gift of sensitivity. Around age two and a half, he could become easily overwhelmed and overstimulated, which could lead to meltdowns, but also revealed an enormous amount of creativity and empathy. 

Our journey together and learning to embrace the beautiful sensitivity we both share, sparked the true heart of this series. I wanted to capture moments that can feel big to a child, especially to those who experience the world intensely. Whether it’s the first day of school or visiting a friend’s house, these experiences can be overwhelming, and the way we support children during these moments is crucial to their emotional well-being. I hope that children who share this trait can see themselves reflected in the pages of the books and, just like Tomás, celebrate their incredible strength that brings empathy and kindness into the world. 

I’ve included an interactive guide at the end of each book with tips, resources and fun activities to help families who are just beginning to explore what it means to be highly sensitive. 

What helps you convey messages of resilience, courage, and sensitivity to children? 

What helps me convey messages of resilience, courage, and sensitivity to children is creating characters they can truly connect with. I try to show that even when we feel scared or overwhelmed, we can still find ways to move forward. Through my storytelling and illustrations, I aim to validate children’s emotions while reminding them that courage isn’t about never being afraid, but about taking small, brave steps. My goal is to help children and their parents or caregivers see sensitivity as a gift, and to show that with the right support, children can grow into resilient, compassionate individuals.

As a children’s author, what do you think is the most important thing when writing a children’s book? 

I think the most important thing when writing a children’s book is connection. Creating characters that are relatable so children can see themselves and feel understood and valued.  My goal as a children’s book author is to continue creating stories that help children explore their own emotions while also leaving them with meaningful lessons they can carry into their everyday lives. 

Why is it important to showcase each book in both English and Spanish?

As a Latina, it is important to showcase each book in both English and Spanish because I am and will always be proud of my Colombian and Puerto Rican heritage. Growing up in a Latino household, emotional health was rarely discussed, so with these stories, I aim to open lines of communication and create safe spaces for sensitive children to express their feelings with their loved ones. I am also a strong supporter of bilingual literacy and want to make sure these stories are accessible to as many children and families as possible. Books like these allow children to see themselves and their culture reflected in literature, helping them connect to the stories in a deeper, more meaningful way.  

Are there any challenges you’ve experienced as a Latina author in the publishing industry?

I haven’t faced challenges specifically because I’m a Latina author. However, being self-published comes with its own hurdles. It can be difficult to get stories into larger bookstores or libraries, and marketing relies heavily on your own efforts. Still, the message about sensitivity being a gift and a superpower is why the reviews have been so positive, and why Tomás Returns to School / Tomás regresa a la escuela has become an award-winning book. It motivates me to work hard and keep sharing our sensitive journey through Tomás. 

Are you currently working on a third installment?

Yes, I am currently working on the third installment of the series. These books are truly written from the heart, and the stories I share through Tomás reflect pieces of our own journey. My hope is that the themes of empathy, kindness, and resilience resonate with many children, especially within our community, and remind them that their feelings and experiences matter.

What is your advice to Latinas who want to become authors? 

My advice to Latinas who want to become authors is to first and foremost believe in your story. Trust the process, even when it feels challenging, because the journey will not always be easy. Remember that your voice matters, and it has the power to make an enormous impact on someone who needs to hear it. 

Anything else you’d like to add for our audience at Modern Muze?

As a Latina author and mom of three, I hope my stories will encourage conversations with children about feelings, empathy, and resilience. Emotional health is so important, especially for our children. And if my books can help open those doors, I am incredibly grateful. 

To all my Mamás who think they can’t fulfill a dream because they have kids, I am here to say: YOU CAN! What better gift can you give your children than to show them that anything is possible when you honor that fire burning within you? Take a few minutes each day to work on that dream, and I promise it will happen.