Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Guerra.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. My family immigrated back and forth from Mexico to LA throughout my life. I was the first in my family to graduate high school and attend college. I moved to New York and received my bachelor’s from Cornell University.
I started Brown Badass Bonita while living in Seattle.
BBB started because I needed it. I was longing for something or someone to celebrate and embrace me for being a Brown, Badass, Bonita. I decided to be that someone. It started when I was taking a 4 am bath in Seattle. I was feeling anxious, lonely, and like I was losing myself. I desperately needed mi cultura and I desperately needed to love myself. Brown Badass Bonita was a small design and tee I made for myself that I wore like an armor and declaration. It became a movement, family, and revolution.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
SO MANY STRUGGLES!
Brown Badass Bonita was born at 4 am during an existential crisis in a bathtub. I was feeling alone, lacking community, and feeling like I was losing myself. At the time, I was in an unhealthy marriage, away from my family, trying to finish a master’s program, and I had no intention of starting a business. I created a shirt to empower and celebrate myself. It’s been a constant learning experience. There’s been many times I felt inadequate and scared. Many times I thought about just getting a “regular” job. Many times I prayed this wasn’t so hard. Yet, every challenge has truly made me stronger and has taught me so much. I write about the struggles I’ve encountered throughout this process (personal and professional). This type of work is very personal and that’s been a challenge in itself. I’ve had to uphold boundaries while being vulnerable and present. I feel very blessed and grateful. Many in my family still don’t know or understand what I do. Some think I sell shirts at the swap meet (which I would absolutely love if I had the time)!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a writer and creator. I create artwork and write pieces that celebrate cultura and activate self-love. I am social justice focused and am intentional about creating work the advocates, brings awareness and fights for intersectional and equal rights. My work is for mujeres who love themselves, people who are healing, those who are ready to glow, those who are revolutionary, those who are brown, badass, and/or bonitxs! I am proud of the community and the movement we’ve built together. I love seeing the impact my words have had and seeing how powerful people feel when they wear the BBB tees. I consider my work as vaporu para el alma. I write things I need to hear but no one is telling me. I create things I need to wear but is not being sold in stores (yet)!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am blessed and grateful to not have done this alone. All throughout my life, I’ve had women who stood by me through every season. I had women take me under their wings as I was growing my own and learning to fly. My first-grade teacher, Dr. Piedad Sanchez was there since day one and continues to be one of my biggest advocates, supporters, mentor, and heroes. I had other mujeres who inspired me to share my story as they were sharing their own including Sharon Blake (mentor, friend, publisher), Prisca Dorcas (I attended her event in Seattle and was absolutely inspired), Sandra Cisneros, Maya Angelou, and so many more. My grandmother and mother are huge parts of my journey, roots, and inspiration. My dad and stepmom have always encouraged me to keep the hustle alive and have been constant sources of wisdom and support. My friends are all incredible mujeres who constantly inspire me, support me, challenge me, and pour love into my life. I could not do this without them. I am blessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/brownbadassbonita
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/brownbadassbonita
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/brownbadassbonita
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brownbadassboni
Image Credit:
Yaquelin Angel (@lavidaphotographica), Monica Saldana (@Monicasaldanaartist), Joseph Rincon (@imagesofstyle2.0)
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