Entrepreneur Barbara Rivas’s message to Latinas: your wellbeing is of the utmost importance. Here’s how to take care of it every day.
At just seven years old, Barbara Rivas and her mother moved from Venezuela to the United States. The pair settled in Miami without extended family to fall back on or a community to help them acclimate. She grew up in an environment where she had to advocate for herself in order to feel seen and understood.
“Coming to a country where everyone in school speaks a different language than me, where even my teachers couldn’t understand me, was something that truly impacted me as a child,” Rivas tells Latina. “Seeing my mom work several jobs at a time to make ends meet and not be able to be there for me at school functions taught me to understand the sacrifices she faced. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me how to take initiative and keep moving forward, even when things felt uncertain.”
Her love of music led her to pursue a career in entertainment journalism. But after nine years in broadcasting, Rivas felt burnt out by the instability she faced (both financially and emotionally) in the field. “Sometimes life’s hardest moments—the ones that feel scary and uncertain—are actually divine redirections,” Rivas says. “What felt like a loss at the time turned out to be a blessing. Every challenge was a lesson that shaped the path I’m on now. There are no failures, only lessons.”
“[My mom] taught me to take initiative and keep moving forward, even when things felt uncertain.”
The experiences of her youth gave Rivas the grit to face career crossroads with confidence. She pivoted career paths, landing a project manager position at Mr. 305 Records, the record label owned by Cuban-American Grammy-winning rapper and entrepreneur Pitbull. For nearly the past five years, Rivas directly supported musicians at different stages of their careers, guiding them through everything from marketing to mental health advice.
Working closely with the label’s artists and others in the industry shed light on the toll being in a demanding space can take on people, herself included. “I’ve worked with artists and colleagues that burn themselves out constantly,” says Rivas. “I try to teach them about the importance of taking care of themselves. We’re not machines meant to be working all the time.” In response to these experiences, Rivas decided to start The Blissful Project as a way to gather people from the local Miami community employed in high-pressure industries, particularly music and corporate spaces, who want to prioritize their mental, physical, and spiritual health but may feel like they don’t have the time to take care of themselves.
“Sometimes life’s hardest moments—the ones that feel scary and uncertain—are actually divine redirections.”
In two years leading the Blissful Project, Rivas has curated events where people can engage in self-care and develop resilience. Activities are designed to help guests find empowerment through shared experiences like guided meditation, sound healing, yoga, and journaling.
“Everybody’s working at 1000% capacity trying to catch up to the next person or their next goal, but we’re not really connecting or building a better future for ourselves, this generation, or the world,” Rivas says. “The Blissful Project has helped me build a community of people who want to heal, learn and grow together.”
No matter where you’re based or how much spare time you have (let’s be honest, it’s never enough), here are Rivas’s six favorite tips with Latina to support a positive journey with mental health and wellness in mind.
1. Repeat positive affirmations and gratitude aloud.
Rivas says one of the most powerful ways to start your day out is by writing down five to 10 things she’s grateful for, along with affirmations and intentions she wants to manifest. A few examples: “I am grateful for a new day to be alive,” “I am grateful for my healthy mind and body,” and “I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.”
“The words ‘I AM’ carry an incredible energy, and we use them daily to define who we are, how we feel, and what we believe is possible for us—so why not use them with intention?” says Rivas. “Don’t overthink it. Speak from the heart and let your intuition guide your affirmations each day.”
2. Set boundaries—and honor them.
Rivas is adamant that boundaries are a key component to protecting your peace. On a daily basis, try setting clear “off hours” where you don’t respond to work messages unless it’s an emergency. Keep your mornings clear by not jumping straight into emails or Slack DMs the moment you wake up and instead take 10 to 15 minutes to ground yourself in your own needs. And, while she encourages networking and building community, Rivas emphasizes the importance of honoring your energy and time: “You don’t have to go to every party or event or say ‘yes’ to every drink invitation.” If possible, try stepping away all together for an extended weekend or longer: “Take that vacation, you deserve it.”
Set guardrails around your personal time to keep work and social life from becoming overbearing. Reserve at least one day—weekly, if possible, or monthly—for yourself where there’s no work and no phone and you’re just “flowing through the day with whatever your soul needs.”
3. Start and end the day with a short journaling session.
The simple act of journaling can become a powerful habit to support your mental health. “Sometimes, we can say things, but our mind has a lot of different thoughts racing at once,” Rivas explains. “[Journaling] is such a powerful tool for you to intentionally see and feel what you’re writing with your own hand.”
Maybe you’re recording the thoughts in your head, maybe you just want to remember the goings-on of your day-to-day life a year from now—no matter what it is, try writing it down. For instance, your morning journaling can include your gratitude and affirmations; in the evening, try including reflections on what happened that day, one thing you feel proud of (or something you wish you’d handled differently), and your goals for the next day.
“[I believe that] putting pen to paper has powerful manifestation energy,” Rivas says. “You’re thinking it, speaking it, and seeing it as you write it.”
4. Curate your community selectively.
As she’s grown up, Rivas says she has learned the importance of surrounding herself with people who support her growth and reflect the energy she wants to embody. Building her community has given her motivation.
“At the beginning of my career and wellness journey, I didn’t have many people who were on a similar path, but by setting intentions and being open to new environments, I found my soul tribe,” Rivas shares. “We’re not meant to walk this path alone, especially when creating something with real purpose. When you’re around the right people, you grow together.”
“Get involved, show up, and—most importantly—don’t be afraid to make the first move.”
If you’re looking to build your circle but aren’t sure where to start, Rivas recommends checking out platforms like Eventbrite, SweatPals, or local Facebook groups: “Get involved, show up, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to make the first move.”
5. Get moving, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.
Something as simple as a morning walk with your dog or a quick stretch in the morning can help you ground yourself and ease into the day. (Rivas goes to the gym four to five times a week and includes a yoga or Pilates class at least once a week.) “This balance keeps my mind clear and my energy flowing throughout the week,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Moving your body, even for a few minutes, shifts your energy.”
6. Ground yourself in the present.
Whether you prefer elaborate sound healing therapy, breath work exercises, lighting palo santo, or using essential oils for aromatherapy, Rivas recommends taking even 15 minutes to ground yourself in the space you’re in.
“When I’m stressed out or have a lot happening at work, these practices help me feel zen and relaxed,” Rivas says.
