In many Latine households, daughters are not just kids; we’re often caretakers and peacemakers. As young women, we’re taught to lead with strength but grace, to always consider others’ perspectives, and, more often than not, to downplay our own needs for the benefit of the family. For us, it’s not just “don’t miss a beat” — it’s “don’t miss a beat while salsaing on roller skates and dodging family interrogations at a maddening pace.”

This is the power of Latinas. I’ve learned these unspoken lessons at home. However, in my almost 20 years of working in the jewelry industry—a field still dominated by men, especially in manufacturing—I’ve realized that this unique perspective, when properly honed, can become our superpower.

Here are the top five lessons I’ve translated directly into navigating the complexities of business relationships.

The “Todo Bien” Mask: Our Best Diplomacy Tool

Every Latina knows the “todo bien” face—that smile that says, “Yes, I’m dealing with my startup, my marriage, my marriage ending, and I still made it to dinner on time!” Mastering this mask feels like a cultural duty as if we must look flawless while the world burns around us. Heaven forbid we show an emotion—“¿Estás bien, nena?” will echo louder than New Year’s fireworks.

At home, I wear my “todo bien” face but make sure my comadre is on speed dial. She knows the real deal and usually gets a play-by-play in real-time.

At work, this face has become my armor. It keeps me steady when dealing with the older, male-dominated networks that control much of the jewelry supply chain. In meetings with suppliers or partners, I’ve leaned into this mask to project deep-rooted patience, even when internally screaming, “¡Cállate, viejo anticuado!” This sense of diplomacy has worked in my favor time and time again.

Venture Capitals Are No Match for The Tías

Navigating startup life as Latinas means 80-hour workweeks, caffeine IVs, and strategic chaos management. At home, it’s a tightrope walk above a pit of “You know you could have just gone back to school and become a teacher instead” critiques. Tías everywhere will remind you that no startup exit beats a steady paycheck.

Lean into the naysaying chaos and use it as fuel. If you can survive the Tías, you can survive a VC. Don’t defend your life choices—pour everything into your pitch. Our lived experiences show that we’re not balancing two worlds; we’re letting one inspire the other. Our startups aren’t just businesses; we’re creating environments where empathy, patience, and the ability to juggle multiple viewpoints shape every decision.

Startup Grind, Emotional Mind F$%^!

Divorce and family are emotional. So is startup life. Throw cultural expectations into the mix, and you’ve got a smoothie no one ordered. The kicker? As Latinas, we’re expected to “keep it all together.”

Being a strong woman doesn’t mean hiding struggles; it means owning them. I’ve learned to carve out time to feel. Sometimes, it’s a two-minute cry between client calls or a half-hour walk where I focus on breathing instead of product-market fit. Balancing emotions with ambition isn’t a setback—it’s resilience. Immigrant daughters like us master harmony while standing our ground, a skill rare in business but invaluable in the startup world.

Work Hard, Love Hard, and Let It Go

We grow up believing family and professional success both deserve all of us. It’s how we’re wired. But the truth is, you can’t be everyone’s “mija” and still be the founder you’re meant to be. Some days, your startup will need your full focus. On other days, self-care must come first.

Family expectations don’t disappear as we step into professional spaces, especially ones dominated by men. They evolve, reshaping our drive, resilience, and leadership styles. I struggle with this balance the most, but I remind myself that saying “no” can be just as powerful as saying “sí.” Even if it earns me the label of “Mari, la inflexible.”

Juggling as Our Superpower

Let’s be real—Latina entrepreneurs know how to juggle. Many of us grew up watching our mothers, abuelas, and tías handle family, work, and cultural expectations with a seamless, can-do attitude that turns multitasking into an art form.

As founders, this ability isn’t just helpful—it’s our secret weapon. Handling complex family dynamics, societal expectations, and emotional resilience makes the startup grind feel less like chaos and more like…another Tuesday. These experiences uniquely qualify us for entrepreneurship. We already have the resilience, flexibility, and hustle to turn visions into reality.

When it all feels like too much, remember that juggling is in our DNA. We’re not just managing businesses; we’re embodying generations of strength. If anyone was built for this, it’s us.

Mariana Russo Chambers, founder of Cut + Clarity, is an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who infuses passion and tradition into every aspect of her life. With over two decades of experience creating jewelry for world-class brands, Mariana launched Cut + Clarity in 2017 to honor her roots and celebrate the value immigrants bring to local economies. Based in New York City’s iconic Diamond District, her brand showcases craftsmanship, artistry, and diversity through customizable, sustainably made fine jewelry.

Tags:

Share this Story