"Inside Out! That’s literally how I’d describe my life right now. For once, I’m actually sitting with every emotion, and it’s pushing me to take a risk and expand this studio shop.
Hello, Fear, Anxiety and Joy!
The relationship I had with both of my grandmothers is something words can’t really capture. Just writing this gets me all emotional because I miss them so much. I wish I could pick up the phone and tell them about every new class, product, fabric—everything—but I can’t.
"Felicita was always full of stories, jokes, and ideas about what people should experience from our culture—the food, the smells, the music. When I was a young adult, I’d have sleepovers at her condo where we’d cook, play music, and laugh non-stop. She had this amazing way of bringing humor everywhere she went while still staying classy and perfectly coordinated.
Faustina was my go-to shopping buddy for fabrics, styles, and designs. We’d hit up the Fashion District in NYC and spend hours shopping, then end up on Canal Street, eating the best fried rice and checking out the knockoffs."
So instead, I’m sitting with all these feelings and finding gratitude in them. It’s helping me understand not just myself but also my roots, my culture, and the experiences I want people to have, woven into the fabric of their core memories.
Every class we offer is meant to peel you away from distractions and get you connected and centered in the moment—not about perfection or deadlines, just about being present and enjoying.
Each product is inspired by something deeper. Like this summer, when my family and I were in France, and I sat with nature. I felt the wind, saw the clouds parting, and it was like my grandmothers were smiling down on me. That’s when I knew these experiences needed to be inside people’s homes and spaces. That’s why
I’m launching ‘Just Because’ craft dates. It’s not just about crafting; it’s an immersive experience of hosting, connecting, and enjoying each other’s company.
We always hear that life is short, but we don’t need a reason to celebrate with the people we love.
I’m taking some incredible risks with Felicita & Faustina, and sometimes it feels unreal. But as my grandmothers would say to me: ‘Believe it, mi niña, because you are the sunflower that everyone in this world needs to experience, even if they don’t know it yet.’
That’s all the strength I need to keep going."
Tu niña,
Alicia