They are feministas and fashionistas, multicultural mamis and political pundits, cake-decorators and coupon-clippers. Latina bloggers are climbing their way to the top of the digital food chain and they are coming full force to change the digital landscape offering an inside view of power and diversity of the Latina community.
"We are educating mainstream society, but also educating each other," says Perez-Litwin, who blogs for the Huffington Post and created New Latina, a bicultural lifestyle website. And other Latina bloggers agree wholeheartedly. "We have such vastly different experiences. That's not something everyone understands," says Angelica Perez-Litwin, a clinical psychologist who notes that her goal in launching New Latina is "to change and revamp image of Latina women, to change the landscape of who we are."
As Latin Times continues our weekly feature covering popular Latino figures and their success in the U.S. this week joining those ranks is Beatriz Contreras a Mexican-American fashion blogger and web site designer for local businesses in Denver, Colo. Contreras' family are all Mexican natives and she is the only member of her immediate family to be born here in the United States.
"Yes both of my parents were born in Mexico. They come from different states there. The country itself is divided up by states. I am the only person in my immediate family to be born in the U.S." Said Contreras, "My mom is from central Mexico, quite literally, the middle of Mexico and my dad is close to the top Northern part of Mexico." Coming from such a traditional Mexican household one would assume that culture would play a pivotal role in the work you do and Contreras admits that it does, but probably not in the way you think.
"It does a bit, because I can prove to people I'm not like the stereotype. It helps become more dynamic and viewing the world a little different. I can relate to others cultures quite easily," said Contreras.
Contreras' fashion blog has a very Sartorialist-esque feel to it. She describes the site as "of the moment fashion" and "pop up photography" saying that she doesn't want people to have the chance to make themselves camera ready, it has to be in the moment, raw and real.
"Well Denver is a small yet growing city with much potential. It does not get as much attention compared to well-known cities. With that in mind I got the inspiration for my blog to show the unique feel through strangers."
"People are actually quite grateful. Usually shocked and feel complimented. I ask for their permission, of course." Said Contreras when asked about people's reaction to getting their pictures taken on the street. Although the site is mostly to let the creative juices flow there is a purpose. "I would like for people to visit my site for inspiration but as well for a bit of education. Fun education of course, like to find out a new hang out, how views on beauty have changed, good music reviews. You know that kind of education."
"The blog is a very creative outlet" said Contreras. As opposed to her other work which is being a site designer and manager for Epic Apparel Co. "I created the design for the site and now I work upkeep for the ecommerce site. I was the original creator for their Tumblr page as well." Said Contreras. "It was cool to work with photographers and other people from different job backgrounds to create one functional site."
Like many small businesses in Colorado Epic Apparel Co. started as a simple idea.
Epic Apparel Co. was a vision set in motion by owner David Morris. With strong connections and ties to his hometown of Denver, Colorado With a capturing logo in place and a few fresh designs Epic Apparel Co. was born. And with the help of Contreras' the company was able to build a full functional web page to sell their merchandise and expand their brand.
As for future endeavors Contreras was quite specific, "I would ultimately enjoy working for Stephan Sagmeister at his design Firm." Said Contreras, "But as a backup I would also love to work for a design firm in Chicago. And manage the blog on the side."
You can view some of Beatriz Contreras' work from the links below.
http://epicskateteam.tumblr.com/
http://styleinformant.blogspot.com/
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