Meet Hazel Rios | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hazel Rios and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hazel, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2022 I attended a festival called LATINAFest. I had never been to such a large event where the majority of the vendors were Latina women. This inspired me to start my own business! I felt a calling to share my culture and the beauty of my parent’s country.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my business after attending LATINAFest. It is the only festival in the country that celebrates all things Latina. I was so impressed by all the Latina women entrepreneurs at the festival that I was inspired to start my business. I started by making a few flower and goddess crowns. I began selling them to my friends, then quickly decided I wanted to share more of my culture with others. I researched, networked, and reached out to my friends to help me find artisans in Mexico. I contacted a few and was able to begin working directly with artisans to bring their jewelry, home decor, and artisanal clothing to my events. I am most proud of being able to share my culture and support artisans in Mexico at the same time.
It has not always been easy. It is a huge investment and there are many lessons to learn along the way. One lesson I have learned is to have fun while doing it. You can get caught up in the “business” side of it all, but participating in events and being part of a community that shares a passion for art and creativity is a lot of fun.
I want the world to see the beauty that Mexico has to offer. Every state, region, and indigenous group, is different. They each have different patterns, colors, and fabrics or materials that they use to create their art. They all tell a story of survival, generations of knowledge, and family traditions.
I still make my crowns, and create jewelry and art when I have time, but give priority to the artisans in Mexico.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area I would show them the mountains, the beach, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Los Callejones, Hollywood, La Placita Olvera, a game at Dodger Stadium, a movie at El Capitan, and a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Naturally we would eat at each of these places, they all offer a variety of food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to start by crediting my mom, Graciela Rios, for teaching me how to be strong, independent, resilient, a fighter, and most of all proud of who I am. She has always supported my journey and encouraged me to work hard. I also want to give my daughter a shout out. She is usually with me during my events and helps me in so many ways! I want her to experience the power of being surrounded by successful Latina women.
Through my small business, I have met so many inspiring Latina women who are part of a community that uplifts each other. I have many friends and mentors that helped me launch my small business and shared tips, resources, and stories.
Naibe Reynoso, Bel Hernandez, Diana Diaz, Elizabeth Espinoza, Arlene Galindo, Isabel Magaña, and Maria Jimenez-Torres are just a few of the women who have helped me get this far.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiosmirabelle/