Spring Time Writing Revial

I often sit and think about what I want to write about. I daydream about insightful posts that inspire and motivate those who read it. The only problem is making time to do so. So today is that day!

Paz (peace)

 I began my blogging career with SF Etsy a couple years ago. I was (am) The Savvy Entrepreneur. I would blog about my adventures as an entrepreneur, speaking more on the social-emotional aspect and my learning's on the way. I'm happy to say the blog is still going strong, without me. Sadly, sometimes things get pushed to the side, even though I enjoyed what I was doing. 

Blogging re-inspired my love of writing. It allowed me to express what I was going through to folks who understood or needed guidance. Being an entrepreneur is no easy task. It takes ganas, or the desire to achieve your highest potential. I wrote about this in one of my first posts for SF Etsy. I always spoke my truths and offered eye candy to entice the readers further.

Eye candy. Artwork in progress

Take a moment, and read this blog, which was written about two years ago to the date, and reflect on your stamp in the world. Whether you're doing art, customer service, community work, etc, you are making an impression on the world. If we can collectively do good in a time of greed, dishonesty and financial turmoil, we can help create a better world for the youth to come.

The Savvy Entrepreneur <--Click to read.

Till next time, hug a loved one.
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New Beginings

I look back at the last 5 years of my life and I can't help but be proud of my accomplishments. Although at times life was/is hard, and giving up sometimes crossed my mind, I am always reminded that it's the little things that keep me going. The embrace from my man, the wet kisses from our bulldog, the unique and delicious coffee from Barefoot (that I drink as I type), the smiles and support from our families and realizing that life is beautiful. Having our own business has allowed us to do what we love and make a living off of it.

Chubbz, our English Bulldog.

Teaching art is still apart of my daily hustle, even though I tried to quit. After a school year of full-time teaching, with not being properly supported by my superior, and giving up part of my own life, I decided it was not worth the stress or the sacrifices. We decided that we'd focus full-time on our bussinesses. Our studio space came to us the very last day of work. The keys in hand, we started a new journey. Full of art and, of course, sacrifice, we pushed for the dream. As the school year started up again, I was asked to come back for one day a week (four hours). As a working artist, every little bit helps. So I was happy to be able to go back into the classroom. It gave me a sense of purpose, and allowed me to still feel the joy of teaching. As it turned out, I was needed more often. Taking over the position of art teacher, once again, but part time (four days a week), was my destiny.

My students do some of the most amazing artwork. I like to think I inspire some of that!

Learning to go with the flow and accept your destiny (speaking in the most positive terms), is an important part of being happy. If I was unable to accept that teaching is apart of who I am, just as owning our own business, and being successful is apart of our destiny, I would not be able to find that space that allows me to feel free.

Photography makes me feel free, especially when I'm using a film camera featuring one of my favorite characters!

What do you do that allows you to be free? Do it today. Don't waste time. Life is short. Love yourself, so that you can love others. Till next time.

Visual Teasers 3

It's been a long time since I've been able to do a blog. It's been a little crazy with opening up The Tracks and working on the businesses full time. It's never an easy task to make the move from working full-time for others to working full-time for yourself. It's pertinent to success to stay level headed, don't be discouraged and always maintain a level of maturity. I've had to grow up a little to stay on top of my game. I admit that I am a little bit of a brat. I often have to check myself back into the game and leave that little girl where she belongs...in the past. :) We all have things we must work on.

The Tracks, in progress.

That being said, I have not had time to write my blog. It's a luxury that we couldn't afford. Time is money and when it's not, I'm sleeping. Okay, not that serious, but when I'm exhausted it's hard to write (let alone communicate). So today, I have a couple exciting things for you!

First, is I was able to do another photo shoot for my photo essay on Multicultural women in the Bay Area. I was honored to be able to photograph another entreprenuer. We met through a mutual acquaintance and ever since we've stayed in contact. If you're into Pachuca culture, you'll not only appreciate the photos, but also her business, Pachuca Cosmetics. Besides my Hello Kitty Mac makeup, this is my go-to beauty supplies. 

This Kali Goddess, in her true nature, was down for anything, even getting up at the butt-crack of dawn! Hoping for a sunrise, but instead got some beautiful morning light. Enjoy these visual teasers!

Our location, early morning.

Kali is almost always shown with skulls. The cornstalks are representative of this Goddess' ancestors.

Kali always adorns skulls.

I am still looking for other cultures to be represented in this photo essay. If you feel connected to your culture and want to share it with others in a spiritually artistic way, please contact me!

Till next time, which I hope is not too long from now. Enjoy yourself. Do something that give you happiness and share it with someone who deserved it!

Fåshion for Empowerment

I've realized, through blogging, that I enjoy writing. In high school I served on the high school newspaper. My writing was not always published due to content. Now, since having your own blog is free, I write to my heart's content, and EVERYTHING gets published. 

I recently made it to the second round of Lucky's Lifestyle Contributor contest. Please check out  my submission and vote for me! I appreciate all the support I receive from my readers and If I can reach 25+ votes, I will post a photo from my recent photo shoot. Not an eye-teaser either...a full image photo. Think cornstalks and pachuca.

Till next time, go out side and enjoy nature!

One of the photos from the photo shoot for the Lucky article. My boo took them!

Chubbz, our English Bulldog, got in on the action, too!

Starting your own business

I've had many jobs. I've worked since I was 14 and each job I got was a step towards making more money and having more skills. I've worked at Sanrio (Hello Kitty), Jiffy Lube, as a telephone operator, data entry, sandwich maker, secretary, sales assistant...the list goes on. After many long years of working for others, and then meeting my partner in life and business, I realized that I didn't have to work for others. I could work for myself, doing what I enjoy! 

A photo I took for Eternia's last mixtape ablum. This is me doing one of the things I love...taking photos!

I believe that small business will help save our country. Every business started out as an idea, and then grew into something bigger. Apple, McDonalds, Obey, all started out as an idea, and, with the help of others, initiative and funding, created a worldwide known business (not to mention mucho dinero). 

When we first started Divine Orchid, we had a different name, and we started out doing custom dresses. Here is a photo from our first fashion show!

Everyone has the ability to have their own business, but it takes hard work, dedication and creativity. Don't worry about the "bad" economy. It's only bad for those who do not know how to create something out of nothing. Think outside the box and be positive about your situation. (Don't let those voices in your head, talk you out of it!)


First things, first. Do you have a business idea? Big or small, an idea takes time to flourish. Ladies, a great place to start is Woman's Initiative. 

Woman's Initiative Refresh & Renew Event.
Graduate Leadership Council 09-10

"Women's Initiative for Self Employment is a Bay Area non-profit which provides high-potential, lower-income women the training, resources and on-going support to start and grow their business. The business management training, technical assistance, and financial services we provide — in English and Spanish — improve the quality of life for the women we serve, their families and our communities." 


I am an alumni of the program. I was apart of the first English speaking class in San Jose. Now they have their own building and a long list of woman entrepreneurs! The program consists of two classes a week (3 hours a day) for 11 weeks. It also includes homework and it's only $100! This class is a great introduction to help you think and begin to start your own business. It will give you basic knowledge of the laws, marketing and putting together a business plan (which is needed to graduate from the program). But it doesn't stop there. They also offer continued training and connect events, which introduce you to other woman entrepreneurs in the area that have successful businesses, or help run them. 


Now is the time. Every great life move takes sacrifice. Excuses will always be there. Take a chance, believe in yourself and good things will come. Here is a small list of woman who took the chance and Woman's Initiative helped them along the way:


Nica Celly: one of my favorite local designers. 
Wholesome Hounds: tasty treats for the dogs we love!
Positive Diana: empowering women through workshops and self growth (find her on Facebook!)
The Auxiliary Group: Personal Assistant and Concierge 
California Solar Screens: Solar Screen Company
Happy Girl Kitchen: Organic foods and workshops


Till next time, do one things that scares you a day!

Going for Tea

Golden Gate Bridge. View from Golden Gate Park. By: H. Ehrlich

One of the many things I love about doing art is that it's like meditation. When I am focused in on the art I am doing, I am calm, enjoying myself and free. I am only restricted by my own fears and insecurities. When I rise to the occasions, and not allow those things to get in my way, my artwork thrives, shoot, I thrive. In business it's the same way. When I do not allow my fear of achieving my goals get the best of me, I kick ass. I also am learning to become a better sales person, which means I have to let go of my insecurities of not being the stereotypical salesman. I have to learn to either be okay with my random awkward moments, or stop them from happening (which tend to happen when I'm nervous). I have to believe in my ability to sell my product or service, because it's okay to be assertive about what your passionate about. It's a daily struggle.

Lily Pads. Taken by my man's 6 year old sister!

I have my days, even moments,  where I don't feel like trying. It's so much easier to deal with things with aggression (aka anger). Any day I am subject to my anger. It sometimes permeates within me, and I react without "thinking". I am constantly trying to get it under control. To tell you honesty, it is my greatest weakness. I'm still trying to figure out how to tame it. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium. by: H. Ehrlich

When thinking about what to write for the blog, I thought about a conversation I had with a fellow woman in business. She said she was having a tough week, but realized it was all for her growth in the end. We both have similar focus' in different fields. We believe in the empowerment of women. She decided to create a workshop to discuss what one of her struggles is. She said it best when she said, it feels good to be vulnerable with people whom you trust and share a mutual experience. In that idea, I thought I'd write, briefly, about what one of my struggles is. I often feel ashamed and frustrated with myself for my anger. I realize that it's going to take some ganas and swallowing of pride, to help me tame the monster.

It's an evolution of self  By: H. Ehrlich

Till next week, tame your own monster, then take it out for tea.

Growing and Expanding

It's been awhile since I wrote a blog. Sometimes I think too much to sit down and type out thoughts interesting enough to have people read them. hahah. So today I'm ready!

We are in the process of opening up a store, The Tracks, an urban boutique and muralist supply, to be exact. It's culminating all the work Carlos and I have been doing to date. This is no easy task. Opening and owning a business, as well as maintaining a relationship takes great patience, maturity and communication. It's been a ride of constant tests, frustrations and beautiful creations. It has taken many life lessons, and hard work, from both of us, previous to meeting each other to get to this place. And now, we learn and grow together; as partners, lovers and revolutionary minded artists, because we believe in ourselves and each other.

By Carlos.

By Helene (me!) Shout out to my model Gaby,  you ROCK, girl!

I believe that we are all artists. We just have to find that creative process for ourselves. We begin life as artists, as young children we create all day. Then at some point it gets cut off, someone tells us to stop wasting our time, or out of pure necessity the creative process stops. Some of us are able to adapt and still have art and the creative process apart of our daily lives.

Being an entrepreneur should be second nature to artists. If one wants to make a living out of their art, whether paintings, clothing, decorating, ectera, one must adapt to the times. Artists will never be out of a job. Why? Because we have the creative skills to adapt to the changing markets. And if you match that with a positive attitude, integrity and hard work, you can never lose!  Don't get me wrong, being an artist, although a wonderful and beautiful thing, takes hard work and some serious ganas.

A re-fashioned dress from Divine Orchid (Carlos and I's woman's clothing line).

Owning a business is also a creative process. Often we have to make something out of nothing. We brainstorm creative ways to reach our target markets, and do it in a way where we can really connect with them on a personal level. Great customer service, and sales, really comes down to that, your personal connection to people. In order for it to be sincere, one must be okay with themselves. Everything that we do is not only a creative process, but a process of growth. We cannot separate the two, for when success comes, other issues will arise. Carlos and I are doing all this hard work, not only so we can do what we enjoy forever, but for our family, friends, future children, and, most importantly, for our happiness. 

Photoshoot with Shaun Ross of Lyrical Discipline for Dead Kings Collective in our print shop, New Edge.

 We have to also remember those around us that are apart of this journey. Making new friends is apart of this process. We've connected with folks from different backgrounds and we all help each other learn and grow.

Eli of Since 88 is someone who is one of those people. He has become more of a brother than a friend. Another creative and hard working dude, who is also apart of The Tracks becoming a reality. We've been doing collaborations for the last couple of years, everything from t-shirts to murals. Together, we created the Dead Kings Collective.

By Eli. Can be contacted at: elilippert@hotmail.com

Often times those folks are right in front of us. Randy has been in San Jose puttin' in the work for awhile, and is also a partner with The Tracks. Alisha, Randy's lady, is apart of this creative process and together, we're learning and growing as artists and entrepreneurs. 

By Randy

Alisha doing her thing!

 Like owning a business and being a creative individual, happiness comes with hard work. It's about having those hard (and truthful) conversations with ourselves and others. It's confronting an uncomfortable situation and saying our truths, it's being assertive, loving and compassionate. We can't do these things without self care, emotionally and physically.

We can achieve anything we put our minds to. Let's put our minds to love and see where that takes us!
Follow @Cr84empowerment