8 Signs You’re a Latina DIY Queen of Creativity and Resourcefulness

creative woman holding paintbrushes

Making do with what you have is something a lot of Latinos have learned either out of necessity or out of a desire to be as self-sufficient as possible. That almost always leads to a DIY mindset, which not only saves you money but also helps you think outside the box and engages your brain in a super creative, fulfilling way. It’s that Latina resourcefulness, you know? So do you embody the spirit of a Latina DIY queen? Here are 8 indicators to help you answer that question:


You repurpose EVERYTHING

"Focused woman handcrafting a decorative project

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Latina DIY queens don’t waste anything that can be repurposed or reused. Oh, no, no, no! If it can have a second life, it will, and you have a knack for seeing the potential in items others might throw away. Whether it's turning old clothing into trendy accessories, repurposing jars into storage containers, or upcycling furniture with a fresh coat of paint, you find joy in giving new life to old things.

Your home reflects your beautiful creativity

decorated living room

Photo by Steph Wilson on Unsplash

Walk into a Latina DIY queen's home, and you'll immediately notice the personal touch in every corner. From handcrafted wall art and DIY furniture renovations to custom-made decor items, the space you live in reflects your style, your creativity, and exactly who you are.

You're always learning a new skill

a woman carrying out a knitting project

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Latina DIY queens are lifelong learners who thrive on learning new skills all the time. Whether that’s learning to knit, experimenting with woodworking, trying different techniques for restoration, etc., you never tire of expanding your skillset. That’s the thing about creative people: there’s never a finish line, there’s always a new level to reach.

You love a good challenge

a woman working on a creative project

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One thing about DIY as a hobby or as part of your lifestyle is that not every project will be easy. In fact, some projects are so stressful that they’ll lead to some gray hairs on your head. But, you see, DIY queens love that. A good challenge is an opportunity to push your creativity further and grow. Once you succeed, the feeling of completing the project adds so much to your self-confidence. Whether it's creating a Pinterest-inspired craft or revamping a room on a budget, you embrace DIY challenges with the joy of a child with a new toy.

Your gifts are usually handmade

woman making a piece of pottery

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When it comes to gift-giving, you prefer the personal touch of handmade creations instead of buying cheap stuff from, say, Amazon or Shein. Hand-painted mugs, handmade jewelry, etc., you’ve done it all and it’s always personalized, making the gift that much more meaningful and special.

You often take inspiration from your Latino culture and heritage

Latina in front of an artistic and colorful mural painting

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Latinas usually have a deep connection to their heritage and culture, so it’s impossible for that not to shine through in your DIY projects. Whenever you’re making something by hand, repurposing, or renovating, it’s natural to incorporate traditional motifs and take inspo from Latino craftsmanship. It’s how you show cultural pride in everything you create, even if you’re not consciously aware that you’re doing it.

You embrace imperfection

woman working on creative project, enjoying the process

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To Latina DIY queens, “imperfection” is not a dirty word or something to hide. Perfection is overrated and you learned that very quickly when you started to make your own things. Imperfections are part of the process and they make your projects one-of-a-kind. There’s nothing wrong with a few quirks here and there!

You’re the go-to person for solutions

Couple working on interior painting project

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DIY queens know how to problem-solve, so it’s not uncommon for friends and family to turn to you when they need help with some project. Whenever they’re dealing with damaged furniture or broken items, or they don’t want to throw something away but have no idea what to do with it, they come to you. You always know what to do or can at least find a way to make it work, and that’s why they trust you.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy in the Civil Rights space is an ever-present inspiration to all oppressed and marginalized people. MLK played a massively pivotal role in inspiring the Black community, but through his speeches, fights, and political views, he also effectively highlighted that the spirit of mutuality is where we needed to collectively focus. As MLK noted in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," written on April 16, 1963:

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

It’s in this spirit that he was able to influence Latino leaders and communities to join in the fight for civil rights and collective liberation.

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