Meet Kristen Fonseca | Creator of Yass, Mija!, and Producer

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

Hi Kristen, how does your business help the community?
At Yass, Mija!, we’re on a mission to create content that subtly brings positive change in both our community and the world. Through our shows, we amplify voices that often go unnoticed, shedding light on stories that truly matter.

Our content mirrors the richness of diverse cultures and perspectives. By sharing tales of unique experiences, we aim to cultivate a sense of connection and understanding among our viewers.

Our journey, influenced by our nonverbal autistic son, has honed our skills in keen observation and understanding nonverbal cues. These skills, instrumental in our roles as documentarians and producers, have further equipped us to communicate effectively.

In a world where perfect explanations are rare, we’ve learned to navigate through advocacy. Our experiences with our son have compelled us to share personal information in public spaces, fostering understanding in the face of ignorance. We’ve realized that knowledge breeds empathy and inclusion, even in moments when words fall short.

Our core message revolves around inclusion. You don’t require understanding to receive love, but understanding illuminates love for oneself and others. Our advocacy champions underrepresented individuals, from respecting pronouns to letting our show guests define themselves sans labels, all working toward normalizing inclusivity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The journey of Yass, Mija! started during a road trip, my husband Kevin and I had an aha moment! – after 12 years of steering through freelance and corporate realms, prioritizing our personal dream to work together was overdue.

Yass, Mija! isn’t just a name; it’s a connection to my mother who lovingly referred to me and my sisters as “mija,” despite not speaking Spanish. Yass is my way of cheering you on, because I believe in the power of “You and Me” over “You or Me.” We want our audience to feel supported, like a super encouraging Tia.

We ventured out on our own and started our brand. Along the way we learned a lot, and embraced self-education and the opportunity to mold our lives to our families demands and not the other way around. Our passion for sharing stories propels Yass, Mija! – content we stand by, fostering positive growth for our collaborators. We distance ourselves from the transactional and predatory norms often seen in “reality TV”. Our approach leans more towards a documentary series, capturing defining moments in our talents’ lives, and smiling like proud parents from behind the camera.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Friday

Morning: Start your day at Zuma Beach, taking the scenic Malibu canyon route for stunning views. Enjoy the sun and waves, a perfect morning retreat.

Afternoon: Drive back via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Zankou Chicken for an unforgettable lunch.

Evening: Hike up Ascot Hills Park for a breathtaking sunset. Then, savor street tacos from a local truck.

Day 2: Saturday

Morning
Rise and shine early for a vibrant start at the Los Angeles Flower Market downtown. Immerse yourself in a sea of colorful blooms, and even if you’re tempted, try not to leave with a dozen houseplants.

Afternoon: Head to Barnsdale Park for a laid-back movie and wine session. Unwind with a cozy blanket, a glass of wine and the sunset.

Day 3: Sunday

Morning: Begin your day with a scrumptious cup of coffee from Holy Grounds before heading to Descanso Gardens.

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at Union Station, lunch on Olvera St market and conclude your weekend at Los Angeles State Historic Park for a touch of greenery and serenity.

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’d like to take a moment to give a big shoutout to ALL the amazing ladies who’ve graced our shows. From Quince World Podcast and our cherished Quince Queens like Shany, Airam, Eileen, Vivian, Ana, Rosa, and Lourdes, to our recent Quince Rent Boys princesses Valeria, Vianey, Sophia, Madeline, and welcoming our new show Quince Diaries featuring Mia and her sister Roxy.

These women truly are the heart of our content creation, and my gratitude towards each of them knows no bounds. It’s a joy to see their energy in action, and I often find myself inspired by each of them. Their fearless presence on public platforms, embracing authenticity, is incredibly motivating. It makes me reflect on my younger self and contemplate if I would’ve had the same self-assuredness and resilience. That’s why we hold them in the highest regard.

A profound responsibility drives me to protect them from negativity, encourage them to exude confidence, and wholeheartedly support their journey towards becoming influential, powerful women.

Website: https://www.kfonsecaproductions.com

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

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