Just Call Me Viv

Boricua Women Who Built a Community FromScratch

They turned cafecito and conversation into a sold-out community — and they're doing it for us. In this episode of Just Call Me Viv, I sit down with Elizabeth Colon and Marisel Melendez, the co-founders of Boricua Talks, a speaker series celebrating Puerto Rican women and their stories. We talk about building community in the diaspora, what it really takes to start something from nothing, and what it means to finally have a space where you belong — no apologies, no explanations. If you've ever felt like you're not Puerto Rican enough, not Latina enough, or just not enough, this one is for you. Topics we cover: - How Boricua Talks started over coffee and grew into a sold-out movement - Building real friendship as an adult woman - What the diaspora is missing and how these two women are filling the gap - Entrepreneurship, grit, and getting out of your own way - Raising daughters who are proud of their culture Why community is the cheat code nobody talks about

Collaboration over Competition

Vivian shares her encounter with a supportive and collaborative woman, Andy Lyons, who embodies the spirit of making space for others. She reflects on the importance of recognizing those who support and uplift, and encourages listeners to embrace collaboration over competition. Takeaways * Collaboration over competition * Recognizing those who support and make space for you

The Quiet Power of Feeling like an Outsider

The conversation explores the experience of feeling like an outsider in social settings and the value of depth in connections. It delves into the concept of being an 'otrovert' and the process of outgrowing spaces and relationships as part of personal growth and reinvention. Takeaways * The value of depth in connections over social breadth * The process of outgrowing spaces and relationships as part of personal growth and reinvention Chapters * 00:00 The Prom Dance Floor * 06:14 The Otrovert Concept

How to Reinvent Yoursel as a Mom + Entrepreneur

The conversation with Lizbeth Perdomo covers her journey from Berklee to building a community, navigating challenges, and building resilience. It explores the lessons learned from running a studio, balancing business and parenting, recognizing the need for change, and the birth of Que Mami through manifestation and belief in self. The discussion also highlights the process of starting Que Mami and the pivotal moments that led to its creation. The conversation covers the themes of supporting local businesses, building trust and authenticity, purpose-driven business, inner work and alignment, and spiritual growth and courage. It emphasizes the power of community and the importance of being authentic in business endeavors. Takeaways * Grit and tenacity * Building community Supporting local businesses * The power of community and authenticity Chapters * 00:00 Starting Que Mami and Pivoting * 32:12 Building Trust and Authenticity * 38:01 Purpose-Driven Business * 43:15 Spiritual Growth and Courage

If You're Still Scared

Vivian addresses the fear of taking the next step and emphasizes the importance of embracing fear as part of the change process. She encourages consistency, honesty, and compassion as key elements in navigating change and starting something new. Takeaways * Embrace fear as part of the change process * Consistency, honesty, and compassion are essential for navigating change