Sonia Smith-Kang and I are kindred spirits. I still remember the first time we met in 2015 at a women’s conference and we just totally connected. We shared our vision for culture, diversity, inclusion. We shared our vision for the world we want our children to live in, for the stories we want them to read.
An Afro-Latina visionary and a powerhouse, Sonia has a couple of companies under her tutelage: Mixed Up Clothing, a clothing company which sources fabrics from around the world and uses models that have diverse skin tones, hair textures, and body types, and Culturas.us, a platform that promotes positive stories highlighting the accomplishments of Latinos, Afro-Latinos, Asians and other multicultural communities.
“Once Mixed Up Clothing was developed, I joined Multiracial Americans of Southern California and now serve as president of the 501c3. With co-founder Delia Douglas, we started a group called MultiCorner which brings together multicultural families to LA’s ethnic enclaves. From there, we started Mixed Heritage Day which celebrated those of mixed heritage. From there we wanted someplace where folks could go virtually.”
Entre Culturas, an online platform and marketplace connecting the multicultural community to community, content, and commerce. It’s where BIPOC stories and news can be told to help these communities thrive.
Culturas is looking for BIPOC writers, makers, designers, authors, and other creatives that would like to sell on their marketplace. Holding space and creating financial opportunities for underserved communities is what Culturas believes will help start building generational wealth.
This week, I also invite you to visit the Culturas.us website and browse around while reading it alone or with your older kids. Some of the beautiful pieces you will read together include inspiring stories of overcoming challenges like that of actress Treshelle Edmond, who has profound hearing loss in both ears and has accomplished great things. As an actress and activist, she continues to inspire others with her talent and zest for life. There is also a story with young Asian American author, Angel Trazo, who wrote a book, We are Inspiring: The Stories of 32 Inspirational Asian American Women to honor her heritage and Oaxacan model Karen Vega who graced the cover of Vogue Mexico this past summer.
For more information about Culturas follow them on Instagram or visit their website www.culturas.us.
Thank you, Sonia!!
