The Nopalera Podcast

In this short solo episode, Sandra invites the community to become owners and investors in Nopalera via a private WeFunder campaign.After meeting someone from WeFunder at her Morgan Stanley accelerator graduation who suggested the idea, she realized it made sense to open up the opportunity to the community who has helped get the brand to where it is today. Tune in to learn more about why she chose to do this and how it works.Click here for more information:https://vimeo.com/920552735?_kx=5CM58u9ifIonHsPeHBOjQA.SBGgqTClick here to reserve:https://wefunder.com/nopalera/Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Welcome the New Year with Sandra as she kicks off 2024 with an interactive episode, inviting your questions on the beauty industry, entrepreneurship, and embracing your self-worth. Get insights into running your own business and receive updates on the latest from Nopalera. It's your chance to engage, learn, and set the tone for a year of empowerment and success! Please submit your questions and requests here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyhtIIt7FEKu3VrJgvzSrvk9IZEffv6hFIdpk9rY7X4P5OpA/viewformConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

In our special year-end episode, join Sandra for a short meditation experience to take a moment to pause and connect with your inner self. It delves into the essence of self-worth, prompting you to recognize and appreciate the value you bring to every aspect of your life. May this meditation be a source of empowerment, encouraging you to stand confidently in your worth and craft a narrative that reflects the true essence of who you are. Embrace the power within as you embark on a new chapter in the coming New Year. Thank you and Happy New Year!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Explore a treasure trove of wisdom in our second year-end episode, featuring personal anecdotes from the remarkable guests who shared their insights on The Nopalera Podcast throughout 2023. Delve into the diverse answers to Sandra's 'fire round' question about the best advice ever received, spanning the spectrum from practical to philosophical. Whether brief, profound or raw with emotion, each response is a source of inspiration. A heartfelt thank you to all our Season 2 guests for making The Nopalera Podcast rich with real world knowledge!This episodes order of appearance: Anabel Quintanilla, Sam Ogborn, Angel Aviles, Beatriz Acevedo, Nikita Charuza, Christina Funke Tegbe, Taylor Bryant, Lyanne Alfaro, Alex Corral, Andrea Campos, Yessy Downs, Margarita Arriagada, Beth Carr and Sharlene Guiriba.Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Ep. 43 Solo Episode- Gratitude For The Journey And Why It Gets HarderAs the year comes to a close, Sandra speaks on her practice of gratitude and opens up about her entrepreneurial venture, sharing the genesis of her business and emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the journey, a mindset that has become a cornerstone of her success. Sandra provides a raw and honest account of the difficulties that tested her resilience and how she's maintained a positive outlook, drawing strength from the very challenges that could have easily derailed her. This transparency is her promise to you the listener and her hope is to leave you with actionable tips for incorporating gratitude into your own entrepreneurial journey. The path of entrepreneurship is not always easy, but a grateful mindset can be a powerful compass guiding individuals through the toughest terrains on a path to success.Recorded November 22nd, 2023Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Venture capital can be elusive and seemingly untouchable so Sandra sits down with Shalene Guiriba this week to give you a down to earth perspective on what it is, how it works and where to begin. Sharlene is a Chicago native and Filipina immigrant passionate about creating pipelines and mitigating equity gaps for under-resourced communities through investments in innovation. She focuses on early-stage VC especially across edtech, fintech, web3, climate, and AI/ML-driven deals. Before becoming a VC she started out as a CPA at Deloitte and worked as an operator at fintech startup NextCapital (acquired by Goldman Sachs).More about Sharlene:Sharlene Guiriba is an Associate at Lerer Hippeau, an early-stage venture capital firm founded and operated in New York City. Sharlene began her career as a Deloitte tax consultant advising major corporations and ex-pats on international assignments. She then built out a software operations department at NextCapital(acq'd by Goldman Sachs), a late-stage fintech startup democratizing quality retirement advice. Sharlene completed the joint MBA and MPP program at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Harris School of Public Policy. She also has her CPA and graduated with Double Majors in Accountancy and Chinese from the University of Notre Dame.Recorded April 3rd, 2023Connect with SharleneTwitterLinkedinConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Sandra kicks off October addressing the deeper messaging and storytelling you must convey in building a successful business or brand. Today's guest is her gifted amiga Beth Carr. For the last 18 years, Beth has been building brand systems at well-known companies such as Nestlè, LA Fitness and various biotechs and Bay Area start-ups. Applying her design, messaging strategies, and marketing expertise, she has helped her clients engage their customers and grow millions in revenue, investments, and VC backing. Fortified Branding, her brand, messaging, and marketing strategy agency, empower founders, executives, and scaling companies to break out of the mold, stand in their power, and amplify their brands through visual and verbal stories that connect with their audiences magnetically. Beth is a natural storyteller, Latina, is obsessed with the beauty of packaging, and is a Certified StoryBrand Guide.Recorded April 17th, 2023Connect with BethWebsiteLinkedIn InstagramConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Airing in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, today's episode features a woman that makes up the heart of the beauty industry, Margarita Arriagada. A veteran of the fashion, home interiors, beauty industries and champion of women entrepreneurs. She and Sandra journey into not only the education and business background but the importance of one's upbringing, role models and mentors along the way to finding your OWN path of success and fulfillment. This emotional and inspirational discussion will surely fuel you in ways you may not have seen coming. Enjoy!Recorded September 8th, 2023Connect with MargaritaWebsiteInstagramLinkedinConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

In today's short solo episode, Sandra documents the journey of deciding to open a brick and mortar store in Los Angeles in support of Nopalera's Dulce De Cuerpo product launch. This launch signifies a new chapter of Nopalera moving into liquids and custom, clean fragrances. A trend they expect to continue as the brand evolves. The store is located in Silver Lake, Los Angeles at 3118 Sunset Blvd and will be open from September 20th until December 5th 2023. Please stop by if you're in the neighborhood!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived and what better way to rise up and celebrate than with Yessy Downs, a guru of defining, uplifting and empowering Latino entrepreneurs through today's inequitable landscape.Yessy Downs is the creative director of the Oxford Comma Collective–a Latinx-owned copywriting studio that is reshaping and decolonizing the way brands communicate and show up in the world. With a personal client roster that includes Uber, Dunkin', Burger King and Samsung, Yessy's passion is to uplift marginalized communities and inspire them to build authentic, for-the-culture brands.Created on a foundation of community and inclusivity, our goal is to uplift and support members of our BIPOC, Queer, women and disabled communities with the power of words. We believe that a person who doesn't get you, has no business writing for you, so we pair our clients with writers who share their views and experiences, in order to create copy and Brand Voices that are authentic and true to who they are. Simply put: we get you, so we gotchu. Recorded May 25, 2023Connect With YessyWebsiteInstagramConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

As we near Hispanic Heritage Month, Sandra sits down with fellow Mexican - American, New York Times best-selling illustrator and creative storyteller, Andrea Campos. Their similar backgrounds and journey's of reinvention serve as an inspiration to all searching for a new creative/business opportunity in one's life.Andrea is renowned for her vibrant and playful artwork that brings stories to life. As a New York Times best-selling illustrator, she has collaborated with prestigious publishers and authors, contributing her artistic talent to a wide range of children's books, including the popular title "Con Pollo."Andrea's exceptional ability to capture the enchantment and awe of childhood in her illustrations has led her to work with esteemed clients such as LinkedIn, Airbnb, Lululemon, and more. With a background in marketing and creative production, Andrea possesses a versatile skill set that empowers her to approach any project with creativity and finesse.Beyond her role as an illustrator, Andrea is an inspiring public speaker who utilizes her platform to motivate and mentor aspiring young artists. As the daughter of immigrants, she is deeply committed to inclusive storytelling, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in her work. Andrea Campos stands as a talented and influential force, illuminating the world of storytelling through her captivating artistry and dedication to fostering the next generation of artists.Recorded April 24th, 2023Connect With Andreahttps://www.dreasdoodles.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dreasdoodles/Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Sandra dives into the essential topic of accounting for running a successful business. She sits down with Nopalera's own Alex Corral to shed light on the importance of establishing and maintaining a solid understanding of the financial landscape from the early stages of your business. Alex, who previously worked in finance for multinational corporations, founded The Accountrepreneur, LLC to assist emerging companies in gaining control over their finances. He observed that many businesses struggled to scale because they made decisions based on intuition rather than concrete data. Consequently, they faced challenges in raising sufficient capital and executing their vision due to the inability to translate their aspirations into numbers.Alex brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with prominent accounting firms, renowned corporations, and large private equity groups throughout his career. He is passionate about leveraging financial analysis and robust accounting processes to uncover insights and drive business improvement. At The Accountrepreneur, LLC, his mission is to extend this value and expertise to small and mid-sized companies during their crucial growth phase. The firm specializes in establishing top-notch accounting processes, rectifying existing accounting issues, guiding companies through working capital challenges, organizing information for potential investor pitches, and developing five-year strategic models. No matter the requirement, you can trust Alex and his team to collaboratively address any issue and strengthen your business.Recorded April 17th, 2023Connect With Alexhttps://theaccountrepreneur.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-accountrepreneur-llcConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionMore about Alex:As my clients know, I am obsessed with uncovering insights and improving businesses through financial analysis and strong accounting processes.Over my career, I have had the privilege of working with Big 4 accounting firms, iconic corporations, and large private equity groups. I've made it my mission (and business) to continue providing this value and expertise to small & mid-size companies during their crucial growth stage.We are passionate about establishing top notch accounting processes, unwinding bad accounting, guiding companies through working capital crunches, organizing information for potential investors pitches and building five-year strategic models. Regardless of the need, you can be assured that we will work through any issue together to strengthen your business.

This month Sandra dives into some of the often overlooked aspects of starting your own business beginning with YOUR intellectual property. The legal side is often confusing, overwhelming and left to be ‘dealt with later' but today's guest Deneen Warmington will help demystify the steps and provide the guidance you need to make your knowledge your currency.Deneen Warmington is an intellectual property attorney and licensing strategist. She gives experts and executives the legal confidence and know-how to effectively protect and leverage their IP (aka make that money with their brilliance). Deneen is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Deneen Warmington Law, a virtual law firm that assists with licensing and certification programs, trademarks, contracts, and ongoing IP strategy. Before starting her firm, Deneen was a Wall Street corporate attorney and served as in-house counsel for various organizations. Recorded April 10, 2023Connect with Deneenwww.deneenwarmington.comConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

This week Sandra speaks with Lyanne Alfaro. Lyanne tells stories about what's next in the world of technology, business and entrepreneurship. An NYC journalist turned multi-hyphenate, she's especially passionate about exploring the Latino influence in the world of business. She has launched a newsletter and podcast all about it called Moneda Moves. Today's discussion brings her expertise to the subject of Latino representation in positions of power, the culture and emotions behind finances and simply put, self-worth. Lyanne is first generation, Mexicana and hails from Chicago. She's transited spaces from Google, to Nasdaq and CNBC where her team's work has been recognized by the likes of The New York Emmys, The Webby Awards, Digiday and PRNews.Recorded March 13th, 2023Connect with LyanneWebsiteMoneda MovesInstagramTwitterLinkedinConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Kicking off this month's episodes, Sandra chats with Taylor Bryant, writer and editor for Beauty Independent which is a trade publication that covers primarily indie beauty brands and general happenings within the industry. Notably, Beauty Independent is the sole publication that covered the launch of Nopalera in November of 2020. Taylor mostly covers BIPOC founders, the struggles they face, their accomplishments and wins and the white spaces they're filling as well as topics around sustainability. Prior to Beauty Independent Taylor worked full time for Nylon, Refinery29 and freelanced at a handful of places including Teen Vogue, Fashionista, LA Times, Glamour and the Wall Street Journal.Her journey through school and various fashion and beauty publications give her a wise perspective on the current and future state of the industry. This coupled with her passion for searching out compelling and inspired founders to promote and elevate them in the public eye makes this a must listen for aspiring entrepreneurs. Enjoy!Recorded March 6th, 2023Connect with TaylorWebsiteInstagramLinkedinConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

In today's episode Sandra gets behind the scenes with Christina Funke Tegbe, the founder and creative visionary behind 54 Thrones, a clean African beauty brand inspired by the richness, diversity and cultures of Africa and its people. Christina is passionate about creating a brand that is truly authentic, using natural ingredients that are grown on African soil and inspired by ancient African traditions. Having run her business for seven years now, her perseverance, integrity and self-worth is palpable in their discussion and leaves no room for doubt that all of 54 Thrones' success and accolades are just at the beginning of Christina's legacy in the world.Connect with Christina and 54 Throneshttps://www.christinategbe.com/Christina Funke Tegbehttps://54thrones.com/Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionRead more about Christina and 54 ThronesIn 2016 I launched 54 Thrones; an award-winning African skincare brand featured in Vogue, Essence, Elle, Pop Sugar, and Byrdie Beauty. Inspired by the richness, diversity, and culture of the continent our ingredients are handcrafted in Africa by Africans. I partner with women-run cooperatives and entrepreneurs in Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Uganda who handcraft the botanical ingredients that make up 54 Thrones. Through social entrepreneurship, we promote trade not aid through conducting business on the continent to change the narrative. I spoke at length about this while on the panel of the 2019 Global Shea Alliance annual meeting on the power of advancing gender equality in producing communities by supporting, and providing sustainable income opportunities for our partners. In 2020 54 Thrones won an Oprah Magazine O-ward for Best Face Oil 2020 and was chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things 2020. In 2021 we were chosen as part of Sephora's Accelerate cohort and will launch in Sephora stores later this year. We are currently sold in Nordstrom stores and other select retailers.

NEW EPISODE! Ep. 31 Building A Culture Centric Brand with Nikita Charuza This week Sandra welcomes Nikita Charuza in an uplifting discussion about her unique take on becoming a founder while being a long time editor in the fashion & beauty space and how this has led her to values at the core of her own culture centric story and brand, Squigs Happy Headcare. In addition to personal and professional challenges, her editorial perspective attracted her to brand authenticity, inspired curiosity, risk taking and confidence while prioritizing her own and others' mental health. Nikita's bright and shining personality perfectly embodies her brand's cute and efficacious nature and sets the mood for this lively discussion. Enjoy!Connect with Nikitasquigsbeauty.com UrbanOutfitters.comConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionRead more about Nikita Nikita Charuza has been a fashion and beauty editor for over a decade. She was inspired by traditional Ayurvedic Indian hair oiling and the DIY products that were a big part of her childhood. Squigs is the first and only South Asian brand chosen to be part of Ulta Beauty's inaugural Muse Accelerator Program.Squigs is rooted in Ayurveda whose mission was created to put you in a good mood. Happy Headcare is our comprehensive approach for taking care of the skin on your face and your scalp in the same manner because both are equally as important.

Sandra concludes the four part series of providing mentorship to entrepreneurs of various categories in our community. Part 4 features Sonja Haile of Satya & Sage, a candle and home fragrance brand and Bela and Amara of Pacaiba, a curly hair care brand. You will hear excerpts of questions asked from different stages of each entrepreneur's process and Sandra's transparent explanations and advice in response. This episode we discuss becoming retail ready, pricing, hiring, and budgeting. Muchas gracias to all the mentees for bringing their stories, curiosity and courage. Our hope is that the topics covered will help and inspire you to forge ahead with your own entrepreneurial path with more knowledge and confidence. Courage is Contagious!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionConnect with SonjaWebsite InstagramConnect with Bela and AmaraWebsiteRead more about our guests:Sonja Haile is the founder Satya + Sage. It is a collection of handmade, eco-friendly candles and home fragrance products inspired by self-care to remind you to slow down and cultivate your daily sacred space. We carefully select notes to fill your home with tranquility, positivity, and grounding energy, from high-vibe citrus blends to feminine florals. We believe taking time for yourself is an essential act of self-care, and our mission is to encourage this through each product we produce.Pacaiba is a premium curly hair care brand for non-straight hair. Gone are the days where “good hair” means “sleek, straight hair” and that's because more than half the world does not actually have straight hair. Sisters Bela and Amara founded Pacaiba to bring the freedom of the island escape to curly hair rituals where women are inspired to re-evaluate the relationship they have with both themselves and their hair.

Sandra continues a new four part series of providing mentorship to entrepreneurs of various categories in our community. Part 3 features Isabel Cueva of mayaluna a kids clothing line that helps littles celebrate their latin@ culture through modern and aesthetic designs. Vanessa Arroyo of Seres footwear and Jose Rodriguez of Calaca coffee. You will hear excerpts of questions asked from different stages of each entrepreneur's process and Sandra's transparent explanations and advice in response. This episode we're covering topics of marketing channels, fears, and finances. Muchas gracias to all the mentees for bringing their stories, curiosity and courage. Our hope is that the topics covered will help and inspire you to forge ahead with your own entrepreneurial path with more knowledge and confidence. Courage is Contagious!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionConnect with IsabelInstagramConnect with VanessaWebsite InstagramConnect with JoseWebsiteInstagramTikTokRead more about our guests:A Los Angeles native and proud Mexican-American, Isabel Cueva started her career as a math teacher and transitioned to corporate event planning in the non-profit and tech sector for 10 years. She decided to take a step back from her career to raise her daughter, Maya. During this time, she looked for children's clothing that would celebrate her Latina culture but could not find anything but stereotypical, cheesy designs. Isabel is currently working to solve this problem through the creation of mayaluna.Vanessa Arroyo is the creator of SERES footwear and is a shoe design & development specialist that has worked in the industry for over ten years. She was born in Chicago to a family of Mexican immigrants, and in 2016 she relocated from New York City to Guanajuato where she continued her work in footwear. This was an unexpected journey of self discovery where she experienced a number of epiphanies - all of which challenged her thoughts on what it means to be a Mexicana born in the USA. She thought about what it means to be "ni de aqui ni de alla" as the saying goes and she realized, to be is ... ser es... all of the versions of her at once.Jose Rodriguez, an art school dropout, started Calaca Coffee with his friend Christian. The two started the business as a way to foster community and have a safe place for anyone to enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Initially, the pair had a coffee garden but unfortunately had to shut it down. Now they are trying to scale up their direct-to-consumer program.

Sandra continues a new four part series of providing mentorship to entrepreneurs of various categories in our community. Part 2 features Melissa Gallardo, founder of Bonita Fierce Candles, a candle brand that honors her latin roots and Cindy Convery, the founder of PureWild Co. clean marine collagen products. You will hear excerpts of questions asked from different stages of each entrepreneur's process and Sandra's transparent explanations and advice in response. This episode we're talking about vetting retail partners, talking to investors, and channel strategy. Muchas gracias to all the mentees for bringing their stories, curiosity and courage. Our hope is that the topics covered will help and inspire you to forge ahead with your own entrepreneurial path with more knowledge and confidence. Courage is Contagious!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionConnect with Melissahttps://www.instagram.com/bonitafiercecandles/Connect with Cindyhttps://purewildco.com/LinkedinInstagramRead more about our guests:Being Latin@ and American is not a linear experience and for Melissa, it meant a life-long struggle to navigate language, culture, and heritage as a brown, non-Spanish speaking Latina. It created a deep insecurity in her identity and distorted her feelings of what home meant. Then, she realized that feeling–of belonging, of finding your place, of being home– she wanted to create that feeling for other Latinas who were on journeys similar to hers. And so, she poured her first candle. She realized the scents she grew up with weren't represented in the home fragrance industry and set out to create fragrances that celebrate, honor and represent the cultural crossroads of being Latin@ and American.Before launching PureWild Co. Cindy worked as a television director at ABC TV in San Francisco and later as a consultant with Warner Bros and Disney creating movie advertising campaigns. Launching PureWild Co. in June 2020 with a line of marine collagen infused drinks that are the only certified nonGMO collagen drinks on the market. PureWild Co. created the first ever collagen infused wines bottled in California's Sonoma Valley and the first ever collagen supplements that have been formulated for women with breast cancer, autoimmune disorders and osteoporosis. PureWild Co. is a partner of the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness and is working with the Choctaw Nation to donate supplements to Native women in need. Cindy is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. PureWild Co. is a certified Native American Woman owned company based in Ojai, California.

Sandra kicks off a new four part series of providing mentorship to entrepreneurs of various categories in our community. Part 1 features Jemila Alharazim, the founder of Ocean Olive, a natural eczema skincare brand for babies and families that is mindful of the skin's microbiome. Irene Legaspi, the founder of Plantas Medicinas, an Ayurvedic beauty & wellness brand that is elevating the shampoo bar experience. And Krystal Flores, the founder of Soy Latina Candles a non-toxic home + body brand that elevates spaces through aromatic fragrances. You will hear excerpts of questions asked from different stages of each entrepreneur's process and Sandra's transparent explanations and advice in response. This episode covers building community and brand awareness, pre and post launch advice and discomfort reaching out to retailers. Muchas gracias to all the mentees for bringing their stories, curiosity and courage. Our hope is that the topics covered will help and inspire you to forge ahead with your own entrepreneurial path with more knowledge and confidence. Courage is Contagious!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionConnect with JamilaWebsite Connect with IreneInstagramConnect with KrystalWebsiteInstagram Read more about our guests:Jamila believes as a parent, especially a new one, it can be challenging and overwhelming to find a product line that truly works to relieve the discomfort that comes along with eczema. We've created Ocean Olive to create choice in the management of eczema. Irene founded Plantas Medicinas with a vision to create a meaningful story by helping inspire people to feel more connected to themselves and the natural world around us. She believes beauty is more than aesthetic and I'm on a mission to help people access their innate wisdom so that they can make conscious based choices that play a positive role in their health and also the well-being of our planet.Krystal started Soy Latina to create non-toxic alternatives to products that she loved. Our fragrances are created to evoke emotion and feeling such as tranquility, radiance, and beauty. We create captivating environments and scent memories. We are eco-conscious, vegan, and handmade. We uplift our community by donating to Ronald McDonald House Charity and Eye on Vision Foundation

NEW EPISODE! Ep. 26 Imposter Syndrome: Don't Let The Voices In Your Head Prevent You From Getting To The Finish LineRounding out Women's History Month, Sandra shares her take on a state of mind that far too many entrepreneurs (specifically women entrepreneurs) find themselves battling with, imposter syndrome. Low self-esteem, lack of confidence and unworthiness can permeate through all aspects of our lives but your mission doesn't have to fail because of them. Sandra's POV and stories can help and inspire YOU to get to your finish line! Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokYouTubeJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

NEW EPISODE! Ep. 25 Making Financial Literacy Fun with Beatriz AcevedoBeatriz Acevedo is one of the leading inspirational voices and Latina entrepreneurs in the United States. She has dedicated her career to empowering and opening doors for the next generation of Latino leaders. Beatriz and Sandra discuss financial histories involving family and educational upbringings and how her latest startup SUMA Wealth is making an impact in the Latino community. It is the leading financial technology company devoted to increasing prosperity, opportunity, and financial inclusion for young U.S.-born Latinos. SUMA's innovative approach deploys technology to build financial tools that are engaging, culturally relevant, and useful to the community. SUMA also creates user-centric content and brand-based experiences that inspire, inform and empower the community to build wealth and control their financial future.Connect with BeatrizLinkedinInstagramtwitterConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramYoutubeTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business questionREAD MORE ABOUT BEATRIZ:Beatriz started her career in media at a young age, first on radio and later on television. Her work earned her three Emmys, one MTV Music Award, and a Media Correspondent Award, among others. She later became a tech media entrepreneur as the Co-Founder and President of mitú, the leading digital media brand for young Latinos in the U.S. Under her leadership, she went on to raise $50M in funding, led by some of the most successful venture capital groups in California. The mentorship initiatives that she created through her Accelerator Program, have also provided invaluable access to the next generation of multicultural storytellers, with an emphasis on female leadership. Beatriz's expertise has been to create content at the intersection of media, technology, and social impact.Beatriz is a passionate and sought-after speaker who enjoys discussions around diversity as good business, female leadership, and the economic impact of Latinos in America. Additionally, she sits on numerous boards and advisory committees.Beatriz recently co-founded and co-chairs LA Collab, a Hollywood initiative aimed at doubling Latino representation in Hollywood, both in front and behind the camera by 2030.BOARD MEMBER● Adara Acquisition Corp (NYSE: ADRA)● 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Committee● Homeboy Industries● 9th Wonder, Marketing Agency Group● Latino Community Foundation● PocketWatch, Digital Media Studi

NEW EPISODE! Ep. 24 Living Your Best Life with Angel AvilesMuch has happened in the three decades since Angel Aviles brought the role of Sad Girl in the film Mi Vida Loca to life. A decade-long career in marketing communications followed her time in the film industry, as did marriage and children. Despite having what looked like an ideal life, in 2008, Angel had her first panic attack, which led to debilitating anxiety and depression. Determined to get well in body, mind and spirit, she went on a quest. In 2010, she began sharing her findings on her blog. In 2011, her coaching practice was born. In 2020, her book "Too Happy to Be Sad Girl" became a bestseller. Today, Angel and Sandra discuss her influence in the Latinx community, coaching and speaking on culture, creativity, and confidence with the casual backdrop of their new friendship. BONUS! This is the premiere episode on our NEW YouTube Channel! Check out the full video version of this interview HERE! https://youtu.be/-DB-TJlOSekThis episode was recorded at The Bridge Studio in Brooklyn, NY on January 30, 2023.Engineered by Brianna Cofield and Amon DrumConnect with AngelInstagramConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Sam Ogborn is a fractional CMO and marketing mentor. She spent 12+ years in the corporate world working for major brands like Walgreens and Red Bull before venturing out on her own to help startups and founders embrace marketing. Sam is a big believer and advocate for marketing education and loves to help founders stay ahead. She is a regular consultant for Nopalera and today's discussion with Sandra is packed with truth bombs about what every entrepreneur can do with their own will, resourcefulness and discipline to build a successful brand. Buckle up! Connect with SamWebsiteInstagramSam's Recommendationshttps://www.youtube.com/@socialsavannahhttps://www.youtube.com/c/DaraDenneyConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

NEW EPISODE! Ep. 22 The Power Of Your Thoughts with Anabel QuintanillaAnabel Quintanilla is a Transformational Coach who teaches mujeres to evolve De Chillona a Chingona®. (From crybaby to badass). Chingona Living was born out of a deep desire to help women LIVE passionately, empoderadas, and free. How much of your day do you feel consumed by your thoughts? and how often do you take your thoughts as facts? In today's discussion with Sandra, Anabel can help you be in the driver's seat of your life by helping you understand your thoughts. Connect with AnabelWebsiteInstagramConnect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

NEW EPISODE! Ep. 21 The Week After Shark TankWow! It's been almost two weeks since we aired on Shark Tank and it's been an amazing ride! In today's short solo episode, Sandra recaps her thoughts and reflects on the experience of Shark Tank as it relates to the brand mission of Nopalera. Additionally, she outlines what the emphasis of the upcoming episodes will be and how it extends from our brand values. This will be the season for uplifting entrepreneurs, brand builders and future leaders. We invite you to join us!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Many people are surprised to learn how small the Nopalera team actually is. In today's episode meet Sam Gomez and Edith Castro, the two women behind our in-house marketing team. Hear what they have learned from working at a Latina beauty start up, how the company culture has inspired self awareness and personal growth, and rising to the occasion of preparing for our Shark Tank airing on January 20, at 8pm EST and 8pm PST! In celebration of this exciting news, listen until the end for a special code. PLEASE NOTE: This code is only available from our website store at nopalera.co (not on our IG or Facebook stores, sorry!) Muchas gracias!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

NEW SEASON 2! Ep. 01 LIVING YOUR BEST SELFSandra kicks off 2023 sharing a personal exercise that encourages us all to become self-aware and self-inspired to live each day as fulfilled as possible. Stemming from the experience of scaling Nopalera to its next level, this mindset can be incorporated into all aspects of life and is exactly what we need to enhance and embrace our new year's resolutions. We look forward to sharing our new season with you bi-weekly over the course of 2023. Thank you for your support!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Capping off 2022, Sandra shares the valuable lessons from the transformative experience of fundraising during this year's final months. From the mindset and conquering past money wounds to the due diligence and networking needed, this short episode will give you the adrenaline boost to launch into 2023 with a checklist to inspire confidence in your own personal mission!Connect with NopaleraWebsiteInstagramTik TokJoin Sandra's Entrepreneurial NewsletterAsk a business question

Connect with Vive https://vivecosmetics.com/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/vivecosmetics/?hl=en (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/leslievaldivia/?hl=en (Leslie) https://www.instagram.com/joannarosariorocha/ (Joanna) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Linda https://www.inluzwetrust.com/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/inluzwetrust/?hl=en (Instagram ) https://www.instagram.com/luzwarrior/?hl=en (Linda García ) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Patty http://www.lillibros.com/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/pattyrodriguez/ (Instagram) https://twitter.com/pattyrodriguez (Twitter) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patty_Rodriguez (Wikipedia) https://public.com/@pattyrodriguez (Public) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with We All Grow Latina https://www.weallgrowlatina.com/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/WeallgrowLatina/ (Facebook) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Amanda https://www.amandalopezphoto.com (Website) https://www.instagram.com/snapshotlopes/ (Instagram) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Priscilla Camacho https://www.equallydistributed.com/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/equallydistributed_brands/ (Instagram) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Jenn Harper http://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/ (www.cheekbonebeauty.com) https://www.instagram.com/cheekbonebeauty/?hl=en (Cheekbone Beauty Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/cheekbonebeauty/ (Cheekbone Beauty Facebook) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Karina https://www.avanacreative.com/ (https://www.avanacreative.com/) https://www.facebook.com/avanacreative/ (https://www.facebook.com/avanacreative/) https://www.linkedin.com/company/avana-creative (https://www.linkedin.com/company/avana-creative) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Brittany Chavez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplatinx/?hl=en (@shoplatinx) Website:https://shoplatinx.com/ (shoplatinx.com) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Abby Website:http://abbyhaddican.com/ ( abbyhaddican.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyhaddican/ (@abbyhaddican) Recommended Links: https://www.behance.net/ (https://www.behance.net/) Connect with Nopalera https://nopalera.co/ (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@nopalera.co (Tik Tok) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Entrepreneurial Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Ask a business question)

Connect with Shaz & Kiks http://www.shazandkiks.com/ (www.shazandkiks.com) https://www.instagram.com/shazandkiks/ (www.instagram.com/shazandkiks) Connect with Nopalera https://my.captivate.fm/www.nopalera.co (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Submit a business question)

Connect with Nopalera https://my.captivate.fm/www.nopalera.co (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Submit a business question)

My tech stack (as of today) Later.com for social media scheduling Slack for team communication Currently using Shopventory for inventory management in Shopify because it can track multiple locations as well as raw and finished goods. Quickbooks Tax Jar for sales tax collection and filing Shopify Gusto for payroll Zendesk for customer support tickets Connect with Nopalera https://my.captivate.fm/www.nopalera.co (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Newsletter) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Submit a business question)

Connect with Nopalera https://my.captivate.fm/www.nopalera.co (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Follow Sandra) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Join Sandra's Newsletter)

Other Funding Sources https://go.thesmbx.com/invest/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SMBX-branded-keywords-september-2021&utm_content=branded-keywords-ad-1&utm_term=branded-keywords&utm_term=smbx&utm_campaign=SMBX-branded-keywords-september-2021&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=6811423545&hsa_cam=14660093993&hsa_grp=130008721129&hsa_ad=546062566057&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-14081102171&hsa_kw=smbx&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAjw0a-SBhBkEiwApljU0g7EjSFQAc_hahL2B7IP05OCwQ9e2rfd-KSp9hjQC3dBYmLjWPIHyBoCA94QAvD_BwE (SMBX) https://www.embercompany.co/ (Ember Co) https://www.kickfurther.com/ (Kickfurther) https://www.settle.com/ (Settle) https://assembledbrands.com/ (Assembled Brands) https://circleup.com/ (Circle Up) https://enrichher.com/ (EnrichHer) https://www.wayflyer.com/ (WayFlyer) https://7figuresfunding.com/ (7Figures) Connect with Nopalera https://my.captivate.fm/www.nopalera.co (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Follow Sandra) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Submit a business question)

Connect with Nopalera https://my.captivate.fm/www.nopalera.co (Website) https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Follow Sandra) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Submit a business question)

Connect with Nopalera Website https://www.instagram.com/nopalera.co (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/nopalera.co/ (Facebook) https://www.sandraliliavelasquez.com/ (Follow Sandra)