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

Hi Ariadna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My Spanish poetry collection, Visitas inesperadas, was born from a deep need to process and express my experience as an immigrant. When I left Oaxaca and began a new life in the United States 23 years ago, I carried with me memories, emotions, and challenges that shaped my identity. Poetry became my refuge a way to navigate the complexities of belonging, nostalgia, and resilience.

My thought process was rooted in the desire to give voice to these emotions, not just for myself, but for others who share similar experiences. I wanted to capture both the beauty and hardship of migration, the weight of leaving home, and the strength it takes to rebuild in a new place. Visitas inesperadas is a testament to my journey ( a conversation between my past and present) and an invitation for readers to reflect on their own paths.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Leaving Oaxaca, navigating a new country, and pursuing higher education have profoundly shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for writing. Through my poetry and academic work, I strive to uplift voices that are often unheard and create spaces where these stories are valued and celebrated.

One of my proudest achievements is becoming the first in my family to graduate from college and now pursuing a Master’s degree. I am also incredibly honored that my poetry collection, Visitas inesperadas, received the Gold Medal in the Juan Felipe Herrera Best Poetry Book Award – One Author (Spanish) category at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards.

Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. As an English learner and first-generation college student, I faced language barriers, financial hardships, and moments of self-doubt. There were times when I questioned whether I belonged in academic spaces or even in this country but I overcame these challenges through perseverance, the unwavering support of my family, and the mentorship of professors who believed in me. I learned that resilience, hard work, and staying true to my roots are essential to overcoming obstacles.

The greatest lesson I have learned is that representation matters. Stories deserve to be told, voices deserve to be heard, and communities deserve to be recognized. Whether through poetry, education, or community engagement, my work is rooted in the belief that words have the power to heal, inspire, and transform.

What I want the world to know about me is that I am here to amplify the beauty, strength, and complexity of the immigrant experience. My story is one of many, and I hope that through my work, others feel seen, empowered, and encouraged to share their own journeys.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever friends or relatives visit Los Angeles, I make sure they experience the city’s rich diversity and, of course, get a taste of the best Oaxacan flavors.

The first stop is the Los Angeles Public Library, not only does it house a vast collection of books and stunning branches across the city, but it also symbolizes fraternity and togetherness. Another must-visit is LA’s independent bookstores, each offering unique finds: The Libros in Lincoln Heights, The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA, Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore in the San Fernando Valley, Lost Books in Montrose, LA Librería in West Adams, and The Iliad Bookshop in North Hollywood.

After a good read, nothing beats a sweet treat at Mateo’s Ice Cream and Fruit Bar, where the flavors transport you straight to Oaxaca. For traditional Oaxacan food, Sabores de Oaxaca on Venice Blvd serves the best chiles rellenos in town. Alberto’s Tamales on West Temple Street is a must for hand-made tamales. For a classic American dining experience, The Magnolia Grille in Burbank offers delicious meals from breakfast to dinner in a pet-friendly environment and for Thai food, Krua Thai Restaurant in Valley Glen is a must-visit. To truly appreciate LA’s diversity, visiting its museums is essential for instance, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, The Fowler Museum at UCLA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Japanese American National Museum, the Korean Friendship Bell, Skirball Cultural Center, and exploring the LA Fashion or Flower Districts.

Nonetheless, the best places in L.A. aren’t always the famous landmarks but the unexpected gems: the taco trucks, the food stands with the longest lines, the pop-up festivals that disappear as quickly as they arrive, etc. In a city that’s always in motion, the real magic is in the moments you don’t plan for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first recognize and give a big shoutout to my parents, siblings, my husband, and my two sons for their love and unconditional support. Their encouragement has been my foundation, and I am forever grateful for their presence in my journey.

I also want to express my deep appreciation to my Oaxacan community in Los Angeles and across the United States for creating spaces that feel like home places where culture, language, and traditions continue to thrive despite the distance.

A heartfelt thank you to my professors and counselors for their invaluable guidance throughout my academic journey. Achieving higher education once felt like an impossible dream, but thanks to their support, I became the first in my family to graduate from college.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge all the incredible individuals I have crossed paths with through work, after-school activities, soccer games, book fairs, and my readers from around the world. Each interaction, no matter how small, has shaped me into the Ariadna I am today. For that, I am deeply grateful.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadna-sanchez-oax/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_ariadnasan

Other: https://linktr.ee/valledehuajes

Image Credits
Photos by Jose A. Jarquin (@sonajero_pachanguero)

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