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

Hi Elvira, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I, a first-generation Mexican immigrant, hail from Los Angeles but spent my formative years in San Bernardino—a place often labeled as “San Bernard-ghetto.” Raised in a family steeped in tradition, my upbringing was a blend of the vibrant Mexican culture and the struggles associated with living in a low-income neighborhood. Despite the challenges, I never perceived my surroundings as overwhelmingly negative. Growing up in an area where encounters with adversity, like witnessing substance abuse or facing limited resources in schools, were considered normal, I developed a resilience that fueled my desire for something more.

My early fascination with movies and TV shows became my portal to a world beyond my immediate environment. This fueled my ambition to explore the world and experience different cultures. At the age of 15, I took my first steps towards independence by working at a Latin supermarket, saving every penny for the dream of escaping my current circumstances. I was an escapist at heart, seeking solace in the idea that anywhere else must be better than where I was.

Navigating a dysfunctional yet oddly functional home, I found myself entangled in unhealthy romantic relationships, lacking a clear understanding of what good mental health truly entailed. The pivotal year of 2018 marked a series of profound changes. First, I faced the heart-wrenching reality of two back-to-back suicides from my ex-boyfriend and dad, then I was thrust into a national live television show where I had to maintain composure while grieving privately. As if that wasn’t enough, my mom’s battle with breast cancer added another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous year.

Reflecting on that tumultuous period, I realized I needed to go through that to be the woman I aspire to be. From the foundation of a deeply traditional upbringing, my life unfolded in untraditional ways. Through faith and therapy, I gained the correct tools to navigate life’s challenges. I became a huge advocate for mental health awareness and even got certified to be a suicide prevention crisis counselor. My community online has been such a strong pillar for me to connect and share mental health resources with those who may need them. Now, I embrace the opportunity to be a reminder for anyone feeling like their world is crumbling apart that life does get better you just have to give yourself time. Time to breathe and take a step back. Despite the hardships, I’ve been blessed with the knowledge that, with God’s help and the support of people around, you can emerge stronger and wiser from life’s most trying moments. Life is all about your perception and it can be beautiful as along as you see it that way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I try to connect with people as much as I can online but I have also been a part of an art gallery in which I am creating some sculpture pieces. Coming soon this year (2024)!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I a BIG fan of the desert so I would definitely if there was time want to take them to camp out in Jousha Tree for at least one night. Then drive over to get some good KBBQ in K-town. I would see what bands and artists are playing and head to any of those venues. I don’t really go out as much anymore but I would just hit up tiktok and see whats the new then since there’s always cool little pop-ups that have been hitting LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center is such an awesome place to get a ton of resources for all things mental health. And it was through working here that I found my purpose. Through pain comes purpose!

Also, books that helped form me into a stronger healthier person are: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, I Am Diosa: A Journey to Healing Deep, Loving Yourself, and Coming Back Home to Soul by Christine Gutierrez, The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma, and Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson

THEY ARE ALL SO GOOD!

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvira-reyes-1a621a91/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2nuaFSbap9kwNe9bK31OA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.