Yaqui Hernandez

We are thrilled to introduce our partner is artista y fotógrafa, Yaqui Hernandez, of @lavidapompoms y @lavidaphotographica We are honored to highlight Yaqui and how she celebrates her cultura through her handmade earrings and photography. Yaqui is also the photographer behind our Familia Tadin photos and lifestyle imagery. We couldn’t be more fortunate to work with her as she truly captures the essence of Tadin in every photo. Check out our interview with her below! Swipe to see her handmade earrings (perfect for holiday gifts!) and our favorite photo she’s captured for us. Salud!

Yaqui celebrates her cultura through her handmade earrings and photography. Yaqui is also the photographer behind our Familia Tadin photos and lifestyle imagery. We couldn’t be more fortunate to work with her as she truly captures the essence of Tadin in every photo. Salud!

Q: What Inspired you to start @lavidapompoms and @lavidaphotographica

A: There’s no doubt that my childhood and Mexico have been my main inspiration when it comes to creating earrings and taking photographs. As a child, my mom used to decorate our dining table with beautiful fake fruits. making our home feel very colorful. One day while shopping for some crafts, I came across some miniature fruits that reminded me so much of the fake ones my mom used to adorn the table with. They were so tiny and cute that I decided to make them into earrings. When I opened my shop, they were the first pair of earrings I sold, and they were a hit. It’s evolved now but I carry different items, miniature versions of fruits, vegetables, candy and of course, pan dulce. Those colorful items have also inspired my photography. When I had the privilege to visit Mexico in 2010 after 20 years of absence. I was in shocked at how beautiful and colorful the homes, the streets and their clothing were. Now back in LA, I find myself photographing places, food and items that remind me of Mexico with all its gorgeous colors and patterns, as if I’m looking for “pedacitos” of Mexico in Los Angeles.

Q: Are you a tea drinker? What is your favorite tea-inspired memory?

A: I love teas a lot. They bring me so much happiness and warmth, especially “Chamomile tea” with a little bit of honey, or the cinnamon one since it reminds me so much of the holidays. When I’m all done editing or working on earrings, I like to have a cup of tea as it lets me to unwind and relax, just like my mother did when she had a long day. And now that it’s getting a bit colder, we enjoy them while having family time.

Q: How do you carry on celebrating your culture through your handmade crafts and photography?

A: As a Latina that’s lived most of her life in Los Angeles, I give credit to my mom for always playing the music she grew up listening to and cooking the meals she’s learned from my grandmother. She shares stories that inspire me so much and by her doing so, it lets me create and honor those moments whenever I take a picture of a food plate, create content, photograph brands, or create earrings. I hope to one day to pass these stories on and inspire my children to create and carry on their own way of celebrating our culture.