Who were we before colonisation? We were Indigenous, native, tribal peoples. We were people of the Land. Over centuries we have become a culture of mixed blood:, Indigenous, African and European. We may be Latinas in London but we never forget who our ancestors are and where we come from. This is us. Seven beautiful queens from Honduras, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Venezuela and Chile, showing our diversity, the richness of culture of Latin America and the exotic fruits from the motherland. We came together to share our stories and experiences, to enjoy our sense of belonging and community. It is hard being away from your motherland, it’s even harder for our parents who had to walk away from a place they loved to come to the unknown to make a better life for us. We are passionate, resilient, hardworking, intelligent, fun, nurturing and we are here to be seen and heard! It is time for us to unite, uplift and support one another or who else will?
Analya, Rosa, Jessica
Analya Scheuermann, Chile
I am my mum’s clone; generous, kind and expressive. She never gave up on me and went through a lot of struggles to make sure I had everything I needed in life and did it all on her own. She has always wanted the best for me.
I loved maths in school and it was the only subject I enjoyed so I decided to pursue accounting. I got my first job in finance when I was 19 and I was getting paid really bad and the owners of the business treated me very unfairly. When you have a bad experience, it can set you back but I always think ‘something better is coming.’
I've struggled with anxiety since I was 14, and more so the older I got, even to cope with normal daily tasks at work. I realised I needed professional help which helped me massively. You can only overcome obstacles in life if you and only you are willing to seek help and change.
Since getting made reductant due to COVID, I’ve been helping out the NHS with COVID patients. The people we visit and call don't have a family so it puts a smile on my face to see and hear them so happy to have someone check in on them. It felt great getting an ambulance on time for a patient, who is now recovering, and feeling that I potentially saved a life.
Having a Latin background helps me a lot working for NHS as I feel it gives me a warm instinct to others that need me. Also, as a Latina, you just kind of get on with life so whatever challenges you go through, it is in our nature to give our very best.
Years ago, I was hugging my mum in a restaurant and the waiter asked us if we were a couple which I found hilarious because a) that means my mum looks young and b) that only happens in London because in South America it is very common to cuddle your loved ones.
Analya
Carina Costa Londoño, Colombia
I came to London when I was five. My parents met in Paris but my aunty convinced them to come to the UK. I was one of the very few Latinas in my school. I never quite felt like me and my English compañeras understood each other really. Different backgrounds, different cultures, but my mum always came through for me. She got me into dancing classes, ballet, flamenco, street and I loved it. I always loved expression through creativity as a child.
I graduated in Criminology and Psychology and now I work in a primary school with children who have special needs and behavioural issues. Working with the younger generation inspire me to better the world around me for a better future.
I founded Atteyé after spending time in the Colombian Amazon learning how to make jewellery. Our pieces are inspired by the art of Embera Chami beading which I encountered during a visit to a Cofan Community. Embera Chami translates to ‘people of the mountains.’ They have been practicing this unique way of beading for over 300 years. There are approximately 50,000 in Colombia who identify as Emberá; one of the few indigenous communities in the country that continue to practice their unique dialect, cultural expressions and ancestral spirituality.
Seeing the smiles on the faces of the families that my friends and I are helping through our charity La Voz del Amazonas inspires to work harder with Atteyé in order to generate more funds to give back more. I’d also like to have a foundation to help people with different needs that aren’t being catered for by mainstream culture
Colombian culture is warm hearted culture. I always try to stay true to myself, not to think about "what others may think." They don't matter, those who matter will be by your side no matter what.
Lilli, Carina, Zanay
Zanay Bello, Cuba
I have fond memories of my childhood in Cuba, playing with neighbours in the streets, learning from our favourite teacher and the food made by my grandma. The best food ever, especially her desserts. We moved to Spain and grew up in a conservative small city. I felt trapped and knew I needed to leave. As soon as I could I moved to London. I love the fact that there is so much diversity compared to where I grew up.
I have been surrounded by wise people in my family. My mother is always helping others and I am gratfeul to my stepdad who opened new worlds for me, taught me many things, introduced me to reading books and made me want more. He is such an educated and curious person, always learning and humble enough to ask what he doesn’t know. My uncle told me once when I was younger, that if I wanted to live comfortably and have whatever I wanted in life I should work hard and not depend on anyone. It’s advice that I live by.
Being a Latina gives us a sense of survival and courage and of course our passionate touch, which we add to everything we do. I always try and empathise to put myself in someone elses shoes before assuming or judging. Black Lives Matter had a massive impact on me, it was the missing drop that filled the glass and made me wake up from the bubble I was in.
Zanay
Cindy Rivera, Colombia
I grew up in a household full of females and a father that had mental health problems. Constant drama but also great support. I love my family regardless.
Growing up in South London,I experienced the struggles within the community, street life, deaths, loss, crime, police brutality, discrimination, racism. But my experiences made me what I am today.
My mother is my inspiration. She never gave up or stopped working. A true hustler. Always positive, she will do anything for her family. A warrior. Even though she is also very emotional, nothing can tear her down. I come to her for anything now. My elder sister is like my second mum. I call her my manager, she helps me make smart decisions. Every time she gets a bad feeling about someone I trust her. Because of her I’ve dodged so many bullets in life!
Every time I am asked to fill out a form, I have to tick ‘other’, because there is no box to tick to decsribe me. I am a proud Latina, we ain’t like no other. We are strong, brave and confident with a inner fire inside of us! My mother’s side is Afro-Colombian and my father is native Colombian, no one really understands that you can be Colombian with mixed or a different race.
When I tell someone I’m Colombian it goes either 2 ways: they either mention Pablo Escobar or cocaine, which I find quite offensive and racist, or ‘aaww your Colombian…hola mami!’ (cringe) and come on to me with their terrible Spanish. We are beautiful, I don’t blame them for reacting like but I do not like getting cat-called nor do I take it as a compliment.
Cindy Rivera
Jessica Rivera, Colombia
My childhood was fun and full of great memories with my siblings. I went to multicultural primary and secondary schools in South London, full of diversity so I always felt included and didn’t feel like outsider. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents as both of my parents worked long hours to maintain a roof over our heads.
I am hard working and strong; no matter what life throws at me I still get up and stay on my two feet. My mother, she taught me to never quit and keep going. My dad is always punctual, organised and well presented.
All the women in my life have influenced me; their power, strength and love have encouraged me to become a better me. To fight for what I want and believe in.
Whenever I am upset or I've been turned down from an opportunity. My mother tells me: “when ten doors close another one opens, never let someone else's no control your destiny.” I’ve learnt to be patient and take baby steps. Life isn't a marathon, it's a journey with loads of pit stops.
Jessica Rivera
Lilli Leon Beadle, Ecuador
I was born in Ecuador and moved to Surrey England at a few months with my mum. We were later joined by my dad who moved from Ecuador After my parents split up my mum, aunty and I all moved Seville in Spain when I was 3 for a year. I have fond memories of tapas, flamenco shows, exploring around the city and meeting different people. My childhood was full of travelling, exploring
I spent most of my teen years fighting depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self harm and addictions. But going through these experiences at a young age helped strengthen me. I had to learn how to heal myself, control my thoughts, master my emotions and transmute my pain. Through this process I was able to build vast amounts of strength, resilience and knowledge.
'Everything that’s happening has already happened.' Believing this took alot of pressure off and helped relieve a lot of the anxiety I had about doing things ‘perfectly’ or being good enough. Now I focus on living life in the present and spreading love and compassion wherever I can.
When I was 18 I left my job as an activities coordinator in a residential care home which was very rewarding but also a very emotionally draining and with a horrible boss. I wanted a fresh start and I decided to become a nanny as I’ve always loved children.
When I moved to London I had about £60 in my account and I had never felt more happy or excited. I still had the best time. My first year in London was one of spontaneity, grind, fun, self-exploration, networking, coming into self and widening of horizons.
People are usually surprised to learn where I’m from as they don’t typically associate black people with Latin America, even though we make up a lot of the population.
I am a full spectrum doula, using wisdom that has been in my family for centuries as my great grandma was a traditional midwife in her village in Ecuador so I feel I am maintaining sacred tradition and ancestral wisdom. Nature has all the answers for us.
Lilli Leon Beadle
This photo article was made thanks to Carina Costa Londoño (production manager) Jason Garcia (photographer @dont.smile_) Carolina Rodriguez (make up, @ladycarolinax) Kirubel Belay (stylist and co-director @kirubelbelay_) Anna Makri (stylist @annamakri) Jennifer Lamprea (Assistant stylist, @jenlamp) Juan Bedoya Rojas (videographer juanbesoyaeojas_films)
Jewellry provided by Atteyé (@atteye) and fruit provided by Gustavo Santa Torres, BRaw EatRaw @braw_eatraw
See the full gallery of these beautiful women here
