Hi loves! I mentioned yesterday that I was starting a new series where I interview various creatives, bloggers, entrepreneurs, non-profits, small business owners, and beyond. I am SOOOO excited about this series! My goal is to empower others by sharing their journey, what they are about, and some fun information too (because fun is necessary)!
Raquel
Marisol
For my first interview I decided to work with the ladies behind She Arises, (you may remember that I did a guest post on body positivity for them a while back). Raquel, who started She Arises is an old friend and roommate (we used to stay up watching The Wedding Singer most nights, and she is the genius that introduced me to dry shampoo), and Marisol is the main blogger behind She Arises (who is SO sweet). These ladies have a super amazing mission to empower and uplift others, fight the good fight, and spread awareness for great causes. I am ALL about that! Not to mention that they have a super cute online boutique where they sell great graphic tees + more. FYI, this interview is a bit longer than most, as it is with TWO people. Let’s jump in!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
RAQUEL: I am a daughter of the king, a loved wife, a proud latina, psychology student, entrepreneur, lover & server of people.
MARISOL: I am a 29 year old who is ready for her 30’s. My 20’s really defined me as a person. Marriage, six jobs and a full time student all at once! Soon after that, kids, and figuring out my career made my twenties feel like 30 years condensed into one decade.
Q: What inspired you to create She Arises?
R: I believe that each and every one of us is responsible in leaving our world better than how we came into it, however that may look like individually. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are all responsible to help and make a difference for our generation.
She Arises was born out of a passion to make positive waves in our community, and to offer a positive and inspiring brand that women can relate to, and be proud of wearing.
To give back.
M: I was drawn to Raquel’s cause because I could relate. We share a passion for speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves. We see value in every unique person and believe that there are many unsung heroes out there that deserve some recognition.
Q: What is your mission/goal?
R: She Arises was created because I had a desire to build a platform to shine light on women making waves in our communities. I want to offer an opportunity to purchase exclusively designed apparel that sparks conversations, inspires and celebrates women. To provide an opportunity to purchase with a cause with a portion of the proceeds going towards assisting people transitioning out of homelessness.
M: My goal is to sprinkle love into every blog I write, and to be a support system for all the people on the sidelines who want to speak up.
Q: How do you show yourself radical self-love?
R: This may sound very simple and not so glamorous at all… radical self-love is treating myself to long hours of continuous sleep, uninterrupted by alarms. Where I wake up and feel fresh, inspired and ready to take on the day. Facials, massages and pedicures don’t hurt either of course! 😉
M: I remind myself that my core and my uniqueness are what makes me beautiful.
Q: What is your favorite self-care regimen?
R: Can I use sleep again? Since my days are so long, and my nights are so short sleep is the number one way of showing myself self-care, followed by a hot bath, a warm cup of tea and a good book in a bed with fresh clean sheets. Just typing it makes my heart smile!
M: Trying to be better each day. Forgiving myself for my mistakes and looking forward with a positive attitude. I do love masks and exfoliating at the beach but haven’t done it too much the past couple of years because of our contaminated beaches (sad face).
Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?
R: In the morning.
M: When I get all dressed up and ready. That includes something stylish, maybe some cute heels, make-up, and hair done.
Q: Do you have a spiritual practice? If so, describe it.
R: One word: Jesus.
M: Prayer, lot’s of meditation, self-analyzing, working through emotions through prayer and meditation.
Q: What does a Happy, Healthy Balance look like to you?
R: I believe that we need to be intentional about balancing our life. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in a cycle of work and productivity until we burn out (we live in a society where busyness is praised and admired).
To me a happy, healthy balance is a combination of physical rest, positive social connections with people who speak love into your life by uplifting and championing you on, and a spiritual relationship with Jesus.
Be intentional about your self-care & self-love, if you don’t do it no one else will do it for you!
M: Living a healthy lifestyle and occasionally getting wild (responsibly of course) just enough to keep you balanced.
Q: Where can we find you?
R: Website: www.shearises.com • Instagram: @shearises and @raquel_placito_romero • Facebook
M: Blogging at She Arises’s • Instagram: @marilovesol
1. What is the last meal you cooked?
R: Platanos machos in coconut oil (fried plantains in coconut oil)
M: Baked enchilada casserole with Spanish rice and rotisserie chicken.
2. Favorite food?
R: Currently, I have to say juice from the Whole Foods juice bar called the V9. I like it on the rocks (ice). It has tomatoes, carrot, celery, cucumber, kale, spinach, chard, bell pepper, parsley, extra lemon.
M: Everything!
3. Favorite way to indulge?
R: Anything with carbs, I repeat anything… LOL!
M: Coffee and pan dulce.
4. What is your favorite way to move your body?
R: Crossfit, lifting, and stretching.
M: Dancing.
5. Who is your girl crush?
R: Christine Caine
M: Emma Watson
6. What is your spirit animal?
R: Lioness
M: Mermaid, but people will call me crazy, so I will go with a fish. Maybe a koi fish. Yes, definitely a koi fish!
7. What is one of your favorite quotes?
R: “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone. Person to person.” – Mother Teresa
M: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
People will talk, comment, and even complain about endless things but rarely do any of us go the extra mile or even take the first step to do something about it.
8. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
R: Purposeful Life: Do it Well
M: The Fifth Element: Love.
9. What is the best gift (material or not) that you’ve ever received?
R: The opportunity to know God, is the ultimate gift.
M: Inner-peace.
10. What is your wish for the world?
R: Selflessness, if people were less consumed with the self, we would do more for others.
M: That our hearts be mended.
These ladies are hosting a FREE giveaway just for The HHB readers! Simply follow She Arises on Instagram and/or Facebook for your chance to win this SUPER cute Every Woman is a Rebel tee! “This go-to tee fits like a well-loved favorite, featuring a slim feminine fit, crew neck, short sleeves with a slim fit and longer body length.” Available in S-XL. SO CUTE!!!!!
WOW! Aren’t Raquel and Marisol awesome?! I am so proud of these women, and even more excited that you (my beautiful readers) get to know them, too!
How did you like this first interview? I would LOVE to hear your thoughts!
xo. Jen
Ashten Giardine from Just Go Left
Raven Pinsker, Professional Make-Up Artist
Stephanie from Love Living Whole
THE HAPPY, HEALTHY BALANCE 