Frida's cafe

¡Bienvenidos a Frida’s Cafe! I started this blog in 2010. I wanted to express my thoughts and opinions as a single woman in her late twenties. At the time, I was focused on my career, volunteer work, enjoyed solo traveling, and running. I enjoyed writing about all of it including sexuality, feminism, my personal journey from El Salvador. One piece in particular became one of the most read when I first published. It was an extremely personal letter to the father who was never part of my life.

About me!

I was born in San Miguel, El Salvador, during the country’s civil war. In my early years, I was under the care of my abuela Tota. We navigated the challenges of a war-torn country together. In 1992, I reunited with my mother, Dora, and siblings in Houston, Texas. I couldn’t have imagined the life she would build in the United States. After reuniting with my Mother, I was determined to work tirelessly to achieve my dreams. I wanted to become the first in my family to graduate college. I always felt a deep sense of responsibility. I wanted to make sure my mother’s sacrifice to cross the border was worth it. I understood at an early age that coming to this country was a great privilege. Most in my country wished they had this opportunity.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Spanish from Texas State University in 2003. This degree helped me launch a career in journalism. My career includes work in government, nonprofits, and media. I held key leadership roles at BakerRipley, the Houston Area Women’s Center, and Harris County Precinct 2.

I’m deeply passionate about community advocacy, engagement and mentoring young professionals.

I am a proud mama of a soon to be 12 years old smart and kind boy. He pushes me to be better every day of my life.

Why “Frida’s Cafe”?

This is a common question I get! When I started this blog, I only wrote in coffeeshop settings. The atmosphere, sounds and smells were motivators for my writing. I used to spend hours at different local shops or always found spaces when I traveled. Writing for me has always felt therapeutic. A way to clear my head from crowding thoughts and feelings.

Life and blog changed after I found out I was pregnant and later gave birth to my son. While I waited for his arrival, I wrote about my pregnancy and all those feelings people don’t talk about. If you read some of my writings during that time, you will see I was not the happiest. I struggled with the loss of control we, as women, have face during pregnancy. I wasn’t the happy pregnant woman. I was the opposite and couldn’t understand why others never talked about this.

I’m grateful this all changed for me once my boy enter this world. I remember the day he was born as if it was yesterday. Life changed and I finally felt joy.

The blog became a mommy blog featured in different places like BabyCenter and local newspapers. I never thought this would ever happen when I first started this. Nevertheless, I always felt a sense of joy when individuals would share they had read something I wrote.

Like me, the blog continues to evolve and it hasn’t stayed the same since it’s launched. I guess that’s part of the beauty and the reason I continue to keep it alive. It is growing with me.

Thank you to those who have stayed with me since the beginning and thanks for those who have recently joined. I am always deeply grateful. You take time out of your busy day to read what I write. You also share how you relate to it. It feels me with joy anytime I hear from you.