Minority Majority 013: Nopalera's Chicana Founder, Oscar Nods for Latinx Talent, & a Family Reunion

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - Welcome to this week’s edition of Minority Majority. Today we dive into the story of Sandra Velasquez, a musician and entrepreneur building the beauty brand Nopalera, celebrate Latinx talent making history at the 2024 Oscars, and share the touching reunion of the de la Rosa family after 14 years separated by immigration laws.

So, grab your afternoon cafecito and immerse yourself in the resilience, achievement, and cultural pride showcased in this week’s issue of Minority Majority. ☕️

BUSINESS
From Band to Beauty: Sandra Velasquez's Journey to Redefine Luxury Bodycare

Sandra Velasquez, a Chicana entrepreneur, is redefining the beauty industry with her innovative and culturally rich brand, Nopalera. This luxurious bath and body line, inspired by the nopal cactus, symbolizes Velasquez's journey of resilience and empowerment.

Before Nopalera blossomed, Velasquez was the lead singer and guitarist of Pistolera, an internationally acclaimed Latin Alternative band. Pistolera released three albums - "Siempre Hay Salida" in 2006, "En Este Camino" in 2008, and "El Desierto Y La Ciudad" in 2011 - and performed numerous shows both in the United States and internationally.

However, a trip back to her childhood home in San Diego in 2019 sparked a transformation. In between jobs and surrounded by the nopales in her family's yard, she substituted aloe vera with nopal in her homemade soap recipes. This "a-ha" moment laid the foundation for Nopalera, a brand that would later disrupt the Eurocentric beauty industry norms.

Launching amid the pandemic, Velasquez juggled three jobs, raised her daughter, and started Nopalera with no external funding. She invested in branding and production, ensuring every aspect of Nopalera celebrated her Mexican heritage and challenged perceptions of Latino goods in the marketplace. Her efforts paid off – Nopalera is now a fixture in over 400 boutiques nationwide, including Nordstrom and Credo.

Nopalera is a distinctive beauty brand that draws inspiration from the richness of Mexican culture and the natural potency of the nopal cactus. Their products, which include Body Cleansers, Body Moisturizers, Body Exfoliants, and Home Fragrances are crafted using the precious oils extracted from the seeds of the nopal cactus. This approach ensures deep hydration and a refined skin texture. Embracing the entirety of the cactus, Nopalera honors traditional practices while infusing their products with natural aromas like Copal and Jasmine oil, reminiscent of ancient Mexican rituals.

Velasquez's dedication and innovative approach have earned her numerous accolades, including the Valde Latinx Entrepreneur Grant and the Latino Start-Up of the Year at the L’attitude Match Up Conference in 2022. Her appearance on Shark Tank Season 14 became legendary as she turned down two offers, standing firm in her worth and the value of her brand.

But Nopalera is more than a line of premium body care products. It's a platform for cultural elevation and empowerment. She's a mentor, a keynote speaker, and through The Nopalera Podcast, she shares her insights, hoping to pave the way for future Latino entrepreneurs. Her goal transcends business success; she aims to become a resource and mentor for Latino entrepreneurs, offering the support and opportunities she navigated alone.

Sandra Velasquez and Nopalera remind us that our heritage is a source of strength and our self-worth is non-negotiable. She stands as a beacon for the Latinx community, proving that when we embrace our roots and value our contributions, the possibilities are limitless.

IMPACTO
A Long-awaited Homecoming: The de la Rosa Family Reunion After 14 Years of Separation

In a moment filled with emotion at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry, a mother, Gloria de la Rosa, and her son, Bill de la Rosa, a friend of mine from college, shared a long-awaited embrace on U.S. soil after 14 years of separation. This reunion was not only a deeply personal victory for Gloria and a testament to Bill's relentless advocacy but also a profound statement on the effects of immigration law on families.

Fourteen years ago, U.S. immigration laws forced Gloria from her family due to her undocumented status. On a day filled with both anticipation and joy, she returned with a green card, reuniting with her loved ones and closing a painful chapter in their lives. Bill, now 30, who has counted every day of their separation, shared, "Fourteen years and 99 days later, my mom is finally home."

The journey back to this moment was fraught with challenges, deeply rooted in a 1996 federal immigration law that had imposed a 10-year re-entry ban on Gloria. However, the family's resilience, illuminated by Bill's dedication to understanding and challenging the immigration system that kept them apart, shone brightly through their ordeal.

Motivated by his mother's situation, Bill is aiming to use his education to drive change in the laws that tear families like his apart. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Bowdoin College, two master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. in Criminology at Oxford, he’s now pursuing a degree at Yale Law School, determined to understand and fix the system that separated his family.

Gloria's return is a testament to the enduring power of a mother's love and the unbreakable bond of family. Her plea to lawmakers, "You suffer a lot," resonates with the pain of many others caught in similar predicaments, highlighting the human cost of current immigration policies.

The de la Rosa family's reunion offers a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, community support, and tireless advocacy. As they sat down to share a meal together in the United States for the first time in years, their story is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of immigration laws on real lives and the urgent need for reform.

Read the full story on Nogales International Here.

CULTURA
Oscars 2024: A Historic Year for Latinx Representation

The recent unveiling of the 2024 Academy Award nominations highlights a remarkable year for Latino artists and filmmakers, showcasing a diverse array of talent and a series of industry firsts.

America Ferrera's nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Barbie" was a standout surprise. Despite critical acclaim at the film's release, Ferrera's performance hadn't received much award season attention until the Oscars recognized the impact of her powerful monologue in the film.

Another milestone was reached with Colman Domingo's Best Actor nomination for "Rustin," making him the first Afro-Latino actor to achieve this honor. His nomination alongside Jodie Foster was also significant for LGBTQ representation, as both openly LGBTQ actors earned nods for portraying LGBTQ characters.

The nominations also highlighted the work of Latino producers in major films. David Hinojosa, of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, was nominated for Best Film for his work on "Past Lives." Phil Lord, a Cuban-American, received his third Oscar nomination as a producer for the animated film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Eva Longoria's direction of "Flamin Hot" led to a Best Original Song nomination for Becky G's "The Fire Inside."

Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto was nominated for his work in "Killers of the Flower Moon," marking his fourth Oscar nomination. His previous nominations included work on "Brokeback Mountain" and collaborations with Martin Scorsese on "The Irishman" and "Silence."

Chilean cinema was also in the spotlight. "The Eternal Memory," directed by Maite Alberdi, was nominated for Best Feature Documentary, and Pablo Larrain's "El Conde" received a nod for Best Cinematography.

Spanish-language films made their mark as well. "Society of the Snow," directed by J.A. Bayona and featuring a mostly Latin cast, was nominated for Best International Film and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Additionally, the Spanish-French animated film "Robot Dreams" was recognized in the Best Animated Feature category.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Honduran Pollo Chuco

Pollo Chuco is a beloved street food from the north coast of Honduras, combining crispy fried chicken with tangy pickled vegetables, fried yuca, and a rich tomato sauce. Here’s how to make it at home.

Ingredients:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs or quarters

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating

• Oil for frying

For the Pickled Vegetables (Encurtido):

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 large carrot, julienned

• 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1 bay leaf

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A pinch of sugar (optional)

For the Fried Yuca:

• 2 large yucas, peeled and cut into sticks

• Oil for frying

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Mix buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Add the chicken, ensuring it's fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Pickled Vegetables (Encurtido):

1. In a bowl, combine vinegar, water, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.

2. Add the sliced onion, carrot, and cabbage. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Tomato Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.

2. Add the tomato sauce, cumin, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Fry the Yuca:

1. Boil yuca sticks in salted water until tender but not falling apart, about 15-20 minutes. Drain.

2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry yuca until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat evenly with flour.

2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

To Serve:

Place fried yuca on a plate, top with fried chicken, generously spoon over the tomato sauce, and garnish with the pickled vegetables.

Enjoy this delicious Pollo Chuco, bringing a taste of the Honduran coast to your table!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: What is the name of the the second-largest barrier reef in the world and what countries does it extend over? 

The correct answer is…The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Great Mayan Reef. It is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and extends over the countries of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Spanning approximately 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles), the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is a critical habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle, the West Indian manatee, and numerous types of coral.

This natural wonder not only supports an abundant ecosystem but also plays a significant role in the economy of the region, providing resources for fishing, tourism, and protection against storms.

Efforts to conserve and protect this vital marine environment are ongoing, highlighting its importance not just to the local countries but to the world's biodiversity and natural heritage.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Who was the first Latin American woman to win a Nobel Prize, and for what category was it awarded?

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

RIEGA LA VOZ

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