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

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

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

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels

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

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

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

Photo by Hana Mara on Pexels

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

Photo by Robinson Avila on Pexels

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

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

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

Photo by Blue Bird on Pexels

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.

two young women smiling and looking at phone

This article republished from the 19th News with permission.

There’s an iconic scene toward the end of the 2002 movie “Real Women Have Curves” that cemented the film’s status as a powerful moment for Latina representation.

Keep ReadingShow less
crowd of people holding blue signs that read kamala and when we fight, we win

I sniffle through my so-called ‘liberal tears’ as I stare at the screen in front of me in disorienting disgust. It’s 2024, and America has just voted for a man convicted of 34 felonies over an accomplished woman lawyer with an outstanding track record.

I am an American Latina who loves and believes in this country. One who proudly dropped off her voting ballot, encouraged others to vote, sent voter guides to friends, and posted about the threat of another Donald Trump presidency.

Keep ReadingShow less