Art as Liberation: Choosing Self-Expression in a System Built for Survival

Art as Liberation: Choosing Self-Expression in a System Built for Survival

Hella Latin@ brought the LA community back for another live, intimate podcast experience where we explore the stories we carry, the cultures we straddle, and solidarity amongst our communities. This conversation centers on how to create a life rooted in creative expression while operating under capitalism. We know art isn't always profitable, and add coming from Black, Brown, Latino or working class immigrant families — there's often pressure to build stability. So, how do you alchemize the pressure and apply purpose? How do we live a sustainable and fulfilling life of art, passion and abundance? How do we use art as a tool for self- and collective liberation? I invited three multi-hyphenated creatives to come back on the podcast and share their journey and wisdom. Their lives being a breathing example of what it looks like to build a life rooted in self expression no matter the odds. Guests: Choosey [https://www.instagram.com/kingchoosey/] - Afro-Chicano Rapper and Hip Hop Artist 🇲🇽 B0ryan [https://www.instagram.com/b0ryanonline/] - Salvadorean Rapper and Creative Entrepreneur 🇸🇻 Brianna Meighan [https://www.instagram.com/briannaadanna/] - Creative Entrepreneur 🇧🇿 Odalys Jasmine [https://www.instagram.com/hellalatinopodcast/] (Host) - Hella Latin@ Podcast 🇭🇳 Episode filmed live at Sueños Social Club in LA. Follow Hella Latin@ for more updates on upcoming episodes and events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Alchemizing the First-Gen Experience — B0ryan on El Salvador, Art, and Becoming

In this episode of Hella Latin@, Odalys Jasmine sits down with B0ryan — a first-gen Salvadoran creative to talk identity, resilience, and what it really means to create not from survival, but from truth. From growing up in a Central American household shaped by immigration and a strong lineage of women, to navigating assimilation, football, creative entrepreneurship, fashion and music — this conversation dives deep into first-gen pressure, healing, and building a life rooted in authenticity rather than expectation. Today, ⁠B0ryan⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/b0ryanonline/] channels his voice, creativity, and lived experience into art and design through ⁠Pirate⁠ [https://pirateworldwide.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZodu30wIIskh0WXZeb9I7mBzfHyI88go4sBK6uzX1Ln_DYmq1_NP7UKAbzI_aem_q3mzwRNxkN-WUZxzapV3_A], and storytelling through ⁠music⁠ [https://www.b0ryan.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnhPvAHxiyaXH2q3iUp2v25tdjRqI-fkfBPqMeM0BBLyHKuT1F-kbHIG9M4Iw_aem_PXUXNPtpvJuBN59c86yhBw]. Grab your cafecito and tune in for a powerful reflection on culture, art as therapy, reclaiming identity, and redefining success on your own terms. Keep up with Hella Latin@ episodes, events, and experiences here: ⁠www.hellalatina.com⁠ [www.odalysjasmine.com] Want a glimpse into the chisme? Together, they explore: * What it means to grow up first-gen in a household shaped by immigration, civil war, and survival * Being raised by grandparents and the role of oral history in preserving culture * The early realization of being “in-between” worlds — at home, at school, and in society * How football became a lifeline, a sense of identity, and a gateway to college and professional opportunities * Why studying criminal justice shifted after experiencing police violence firsthand * Playing professional football overseas and returning home to rebuild from the ground up * Using art, fashion, and music as tools for self-expression, healing, and resistance * Building a brand rooted in honesty, culture, and community — not validation * Reclaiming identity through language, names, and self-representation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Failure Is Data: Lessons from a First-Gen Journey with Daniel Ordoñez

In this episode of Hella Latin@, Odalys Jasmine sits down with Daniel Ordóñez — a Haitian-Salvadorean entrepreneur and creative director — for a deeply reflective conversation on legacy, identity, masculinity, and purpose. As a first-generation LA native, Daniel's passion for creativity and making an impact led him to Saints [https://saintsinlosangeles.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooalxqEagSMJod2QfROnkzhDKfFx8Ik0LgH1nWCCarPX1c2N1e7] – a unique concept store redefining the barbershop and boutique experience, cultivating a space where he can empower his community through style, self-care, grooming, and unique experiences. In this episode, he shares his family’s immigration story from El Salvador and Haiti, to growing up in Pico Union, to being bused into affluent West LA schools, and to building his legacy. Together, they explore what it means to live in the in-between as a first-generation Afro-Latino, how love at home builds unshakable confidence, and why failure is simply data on the path forward. From being kicked out of school to finding discipline and building a business rooted in purpose rather than assimilation — this episode is all about becoming who our ancestors prayed for. Keep up with Hella Latin@ episodes, events and experiences at www.odalysjasmine.com [https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/e901b5d2-9c33-11ed-a7fd-e76784ab4e40/podcasts/3fb88402-dd5f-11ed-a745-7bec3cc22f37/episodes/www.odalysjasmine.com]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Latino Adjacent: Navigating Identity as a Belizean-American with Brianna Adanna Meighan

In this powerful episode of Hella Latin@, Odalys Jasmine sits down with Brianna, a first-generation Belizean-American creative from Los Angeles whose work lives at the intersection of art, innovation, culture, and connection. Grounded in her Belizean roots and shaped by her lived experience as the daughter of immigrants, Brianna brings a powerful lens to conversations about identity, belonging, and what it means to grow up “Latino adjacent.” Through honesty and vulnerability, Brianna shares how assimilation, family expectations, language, colorism, and diaspora shape her identity — and how she learned to create her own sense of belonging when none felt clearly defined. The two dive into: * The shared first-gen pressure to succeed, assimilate, and honor our parents’ sacrifices * What it means to be the youngest child in an immigrant family * The responsibility this generation feels: What will you do with what your parents built? * The impact of colonialism and tourism on Belizean communities — and the grief and urgency it creates * Emotional liberation, authenticity, and unlearning perfectionism This conversation honors the beauty of Belizean culture while spotlighting the universal first-gen journey — identity confusion, quiet resilience, responsibility, community, and the work of embracing every part of yourself. A love letter to anyone growing up between worlds. A reminder that we belong wherever we stand. And a call to carry our culture with pride, protect our homelands, and lead with community at the center. Connect with Brianna on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/briannaadanna/] and keep up with Hella Latin@ episodes, events and experiences here: www.odalysjasmine.com [www.odalysjasmine.com]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Beyond Borders: Why These Latinas Created a Space for The Travel Mamis

Odalys Jasmine (Host) sits down with Sandy Correa and Ana Gaona, the founders of Two Peacocks Travel, to explore the themes of empowerment, cultural identity, and the transformative power of travel. They share their experiences as first-generation Latinas, the journey that led to founding their travel company, and the importance of building community among women. In this episode, we dive into: * How Sandy and Ana turned their careers in hospital administration into a global travel business. * The creation of a safe, supportive space for solo women travelers. * How travel fosters self-trust, resilience, and confidence. * The importance of reclaiming culture, embracing identity, and redefining traditional roles. * Stories from trips to Cuba, Morocco, Peru, and beyond, highlighting experiences that inspire growth and connection. * Building sisterhood, community, and sustainability into every travel experience. * Whether you’re a first-gen woman dreaming of solo travel, or someone looking to reconnect with culture and adventure, this episode is full of inspiration, practical tips, and heart. ✨ Key Takeaways: * Travel is a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment. * Women supporting women creates lasting community and sisterhood * Solo travel can be safe, transformative, and liberating with the right guidance. * Embracing your culture and identity enhances every journey. Connect with Two Peacocks Travel! [https://www.twopeacockstravel.com/] And keep up with Hella Latin@ [https://odalysjasmine.com/] on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hellalatinopodcast/?hl=en], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@hellalatina], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hellalatina], or any other channel you follow us. Subscribe and share! If you’re ready to explore, reclaim, and live fully, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]