April 17, 2017

Meet Yesenia Prieto of Piñata Design Studio in South El Monte

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Prieto.

Yesenia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Me and my Brother are third-generation piñata makers from South Central Los Angeles. My aunt explained to us that we were one of the first families to bring piñatas to Los Angeles. Initially I merely viewed it as a slaver labor job where pieces of cardboard and tissue paper were quickly thrown together to form something that wasn’t too thought out. As kids, we would help color in the eyes for the piñatas and get paid in change by our grandparents. Growing up we had a lot of fun pretending we had our own businesses with our cousins. When I reflect on it, it seems quite odd how we grew up in an environment where piñatas were everywhere!

When I’m nineteen I asked to get more involved with my family’s piñata business. My aunt reached out to me after the business was starting to go downhill due to many of my family’s personal issues with poverty, ill health, and all the stress that comes along with it. I had a vision of reintroducing the work as art due to all time I saw it required to create a kind of pieces we were making. We were the younger generation and I found that it just wasn’t in us to create anything that we couldn’t feel proud of which caused a predicament. How do we make a living off of creating these pieces that we put so much effort in if it’s something that is usually found to be sold for cheap? Ultimately things ended up falling apart and we had to separate from my family and parted ways with many of those who had come with us along the way. It was a very painful experience every time but I had mentors telling to me keep going as well as the support of my brother. Regardless of these times me and my brother were consistently getting better with our techniques, and skills and started to steer away from traditional norms to create amazing pieces.

I have this deep drive to show what we are capable as artists who use the medium of piñatas as a gateway. The work has been so challenging but I know we deserve a chance to be recognized as more than just cheap piñata producers so we have been on that path ever since. It’s been a crazy journey and I have had many dreams where I can see amazing works that we have created and often when I wake up I draw what I was able to see in order to have the opportunity to bring those visions to the waking life. I believe how our journey unfolds is deeply dependent on how capable we are to bring our manifest what we conceptualize. For example, when I have a lucid dream I am able to manifest my surrounding environments and actualize specifics objects, or people into my dream; I use this the same mental focus required to do such things in my waking life.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say this endeavor has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done. The road has nothing but smooth nor did I expect it to be. However, I have not been deterred and I have refused to discouraged. I have I many mentors who help me along the way who I am so grateful for.

I have found there is always been those who tell you that you’re going to fail however there are also those who are always cheering you on.

Also, you never know who will stick with you till the end or what it will be to tear you and those you start with apart. Keeping your chin up is very important and keeping a clear view on the bigger picture helps create has helped keep a solid foundation.

Building a business starting from nothing is intimidating and can be frightful. Especially starting a business that sells products that are recognized as simply cheap goods. We put so much time and effort and time into what we do so we are definitely challenging the norm to create a different kind of perceptive on our industry. This is why I took it upon myself to go to school to get degrees in business, logistics, and marketing which has been a great help. I feel as a female artist and entrepreneur I want to be able to stand up strong by using my knowledge to gain as much respect for what we do as I can.

Handling a business full time and school full time as well certainly was exhausting but such is the life of those who dream for more, you work hard, stay tenacious and find ways to be as productive as possible. It’s not easy, and I have found myself hoping and wondering what can I do next, what do I do first, when will I find time to not neglect these projects, it’s just never ending but it’s also what I am more than willing to figure out. I am just the kind of person who will step up to the plate, even when there is so much being thrown my way.

Piñata Design Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are third Generation Piñata makers who specialize creating custom piñatas, masks, props, and decor that capture exactly what our clients envision. We are known for creating professionally made pieces using techniques that engineers and sculptures use starting from the initial blue print of the design to the final execution upon delivery. One main key in what sets us apart from other makers is through our work we have modernized the way piñatas are created and function by consistently innovating and introducing new kinds of takes on the traditional piñata experience. This includes introducing movable limbs, creating DIY kits for people to make authentic piñatas at home, making fun YouTube Videos that actually expose the hidden true art of techniques of authentic piñata makers, to creating works that are recognized as art versus commercially made products.

Our main vision in our endeavors is to serve as an example and inspiration to other aspiring artists. If we are able to reintroduce what is widely recolonized as cheap slave labor products as an art form then others have the same opportunity to create their own passion even if it seems impossible or crazy to do so. Through teaching others, getting in touch with schools and our communities we have been now able to help others progress in their own passion. This is one of the greatest reasons we do what we do and why we can be proud of what we do. We recognize the need for society to embrace the arts and people’s true passions.

Through our efforts and persistence, we have been able to create what was once an unfathomable dream and manifest what seemed unrealistic. Since we are able to do this I often have had the pleasure and opportunity help others with our wisdom and support. This has brought about forming a supportive and loving network that I am so happy to be a part of. This world can at times feel so bleak and black and white, but with art and sharing this lifetime with others we have been able to create a new take, or color, to this whole ball game.

Through our work, we also create an opportunity for others to experience moments in time we’re we can all enjoy each other’s presence in destroying our crazy creations, which can often be such a therapeutic release that I find much happiness in be able to contribute to. It is truly an honor to be able to say that our work brings friends and family together, creates a whole aura of laughter, release, and sets the stage for unforgettable memories.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
When I define success I always refer to a concept speaker Alan Watts spoke on. He explained how people are looking to reach that plateau of finally “arriving”, may it be reaching that specific goal in how much you make annually, or finally getting your big break, it’s this constant anticipation of arrival, where you will finally be happy because you succeeded in your goal. However, he suggests life to be life more like music, you don’t anxiously chase to finally get to the end of the song or “goal”, you’re supposed to be dancing while experiencing it. It’s the journey through it that is to be enjoyed, not the end.

On that note, I define if am successful, by contemplating; can I happily immerse myself in my experiences, am I satisfied throughout the day while I am pursing our goals, do I find moments of bliss and overcome challenges head on, regardless of what they may be, in a more than willing fashion? Like listening to a beautiful piece of Composer Chopins work, am I enjoying the journey and experience while this piece is playing; while I’m pursuing my dream? I would say this journey is enabling me to live life in such a unique way that I would never trade it for anything else, and this is what makes me comfortable to say, yes, I am successful, because I am pursing a passion that is fulfilling to me, and nurturing to those around me as well. My pursuits bring me happiness and growth and even better provide me an opportunity to share my happiness and wisdom with others.

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