I RUN THIS Series

Siestas for Fiestas

October 18, 2016

Salt + Sirena's I RUN THIS Series features women entrepreneurs, influencers, and small business owners doing what they love, and excelling at it. I hope to not only spread the word about what these amazing women do, but to inspire you to take the leap and follow your own bliss!

This month's feature is on Jesenia from Siestas for Fiestas, a blanket company with an admirable mission. Sales from their gorgeous blankets and tees provide Christmas meals and movie days to families living in poverty in Mexico.

(Photo by Meghan O'Sullivan photography: meghanosullivan.com)

Siestas for Fiestas epitomizes "purchasing with purpose," and I feel so honored to be collaborating with such a wonderful company and girlboss. Below is a short interview with co-founder, Jesenia, and a link to where you can get your own Siestas for Fiestas blanket.

1. Tell us a little bit about you, and how your business got its start.

My husband, Chris, and I are Los Angeles natives, who wanted to live in another country. When the opportunity came up for us to move to Cancun, Mexico, we took that leap as fast as we could!

Siestas for Fiestas was born from our desire to help our church in Cancun with their yearly project of providing Christmas meals for families living in poverty. We had fallen in love with the material one day while we were out shopping and came up with idea of making beach blankets out of it. This was ‘how’ we would support the mission of the church.

2. What do you look for in terms of textiles? What inspires you?

The textile that our blankets are made from is called Cambaya, and it is made in Mexico. The colors were the first thing that caught my attention, and then I touched it and fell in love with how soft it was. From the moment I saw it, I knew I wanted to make something out of it. When sourcing Cambaya, I look for new colors and fun prints. I am inspired by the different designs and details created in the weaving process.

3. What has been your most rewarding experience with the company so far?

In December, we had a call with Pastor Arturo to let him know how much we had raised and would be donating. His reaction was so beautiful, it made all the hard work worth every second. He has such a big heart to serve these towns and we are thankful we can be a part of it through Siestas.

4. Owning a small business can be so stressful! Do you have any tips for a healthy work/life balance?

I am a big fan of to-do lists. I write down every single thing I need to get done, even if it's a list of 100 things. I then go through it and assign myself a day to complete it. It feels more manageable to cross three things off the list a day, then to be overwhelmed by the list as a whole.

5. And lastly, what do you like to do for fun?

Travel! Even if it's just a small getaway to San Diego or San Francisco. We love getting away and experiencing new adventures together.

Thanks, Jesenia! I admire your compassion and drive to go out, and make a difference in your community.

Don't forget to browse these beautiful beach blankets, now available in our shop: Siestas for Fiestas Collection. Each blanket purchased provides a Christmas meal to a family in need.

And make sure to follow Siestas on Instagram: @siestasforfiestas. You can read more about this lovely company and their mission on their website, siestasforfiestas.com.

Thanks for reading! Until next time,

xoxo, Jessica