Rosa, bud, thorn.

I once heard that there can be power in acknowledging our higher self and even going so far as to giving it an actual name. I've used this practice to honor the part of me that is nurturing and resilient. I’ve anointed this spiritual self Rosa- inspired by the Carlos Vives song that my inner child, Clarita, loved dancing to when I was little. Rosa means “rose” in Spanish, and is a nod to my Colombian heritage and a reminder that all of the roses, buds, and thorns of my life are part of the process. The name "rosas x clarita" is a representation of how I've married these two parts of my being.

A pivotal aspect of my healing journey has always been art, be that through photography, writing, painting, or dance. While my art has evolved over time, there has always been a common thread: the desire to create and capture beauty and share it with others. My dream is for this space to be a creative outlet where I can remind folks to give the people you love their flowers… honoring them and being vulnerable by sharing your appreciation while they are still in your life.

I want these rosas to be my offering to not only the world and my loved ones, but also to myself. Seeing the rippling, healing effect that sharing what I've learned in the process of overcoming the thorns in my life keeps me moving forward and hopeful that there is more joy, more buds, ahead of me.