When Xochitl Carmona walked into that Berwyn shop event years ago with her Werk Mija products, I immediately knew she was creating something special. Her “Chingona Fuel” mugs and “Bet on Yourself Mija” sweatshirts weren’t just merchandise – they were cultural affirmations that so many of us desperately needed to see in our homes and closets.
But when I sat down with Xochitl recently for the Viva la Mami podcast, our conversation went far beyond business success. We dove deep into territory that our cultura has historically kept quiet about – the messy, complicated, and sometimes traumatic realities of motherhood.
From Solo Entrepreneur to Intentional Mama
Xochitl’s journey into motherhood wasn’t the gentle transition she had envisioned. As a solo entrepreneur who had built Werk Mija from the ground up – designing every product, writing every phrase, hosting her podcast, and running her storefront – she was used to having complete control over her schedule and decisions.
“2023 me was very much like, let’s go, go, go, go, go,” she shared. “It was the Chingona fuel to the max. Now as a mom, my schedule is not my own. I have a new boss.”
This shift forced her to become more intentional about every opportunity. Instead of just asking “Is this financially good?” she now considers “Is this worth my time away from my son?” It’s a reframe that many entrepreneur mamas can relate to – that transition from saying yes to everything to being selective about what truly deserves our energy.
A Birth Story That Changed Everything
What struck me most about our conversation was Xochitl’s willingness to share her birth experience in vivid detail. Despite having a healthy pregnancy, everything changed at 32 and a half weeks when she was diagnosed with HELP Syndrome – a severe form of preeclampsia that she had never heard of before.
“They said I couldn’t do a regular C-section because I probably wouldn’t survive it,” she revealed. “I blacked out and woke up, and it’s like you had a baby – but where’s the baby?”
Her son spent 48 days in the NICU, and Xochitl found herself navigating a reality she never could have prepared for. The hardest part? Leaving the hospital every night without her baby and coming home to what felt like an empty nest.
Why Sharing Matters
What moved me most was Xochitl’s reason for opening up about her experience. She realized that while we amplify the voices of mothers who had positive birth experiences, we often silence those who faced trauma or complications. In our Latino community especially, there’s pressure to stay strong and not burden others with our struggles.
“I share my story not only for other moms to feel like they’re not alone, but also for family and friends to understand what someone who is pregnant or has given birth might need,” she explained.
Her advocacy extends beyond just sharing her story. She’s highlighting NICU Awareness Month, advocating for C-section moms, and most importantly, she’s changing how she’ll parent her own son by asking simple but powerful questions like “How does that make you feel?” – something she says her parents never asked her.
Redefining Motherhood with Intention
When I asked Xochitl how she’s redefining motherhood, her answer was beautifully simple: “Leading with intention, not doing things just because they’re supposed to be that way, but leading with what feels right for you and your family.”
This intentionality shows up in how she runs her business too. She’s moved away from the physical storefront that was draining her energy and focused more on wholesale opportunities that allow her to work from home. She’s created boundaries around response times and availability. Most importantly, she’s given herself permission to prioritize differently.
The Power of Relatability
Throughout our conversation, I was reminded why Xochitl’s brand resonates so deeply with our community. Werk Mija has always been about relatability – creating products and messages that speak directly to the Latina experience. But now, as a mother who has navigated trauma and emerged stronger, her relatability has deepened.
“When you can relate and connect, that is just so powerful,” she said. And she’s right. By sharing her most vulnerable moments, Xochitl is giving other mamas permission to do the same.
Moving Forward
As our conversation wrapped up, I was struck by how Xochitl has transformed her most challenging experience into a source of strength and advocacy. She’s not just surviving her NICU journey – she’s using it to break cycles of silence and create space for other mothers to share their stories.
Her message to any mama facing complications or trauma is simple but profound: “You’re not alone. There’s probably someone you can relate to.”
In a culture that has taught us to suffer in silence, Xochitl’s vulnerability is revolutionary. She’s showing us that being strong doesn’t mean keeping quiet – it means speaking up, sharing our truth, and creating community through our most difficult moments.
Show Notes
I had the most vulnerable and empowering conversation with Xochitl Carmona, founder of Werk Mija and host of the Werk Mija podcast. As a fellow Latina entrepreneur and now mami, Xochitl opened up about her “dramatica” entrance into motherhood, her NICU experience, and how she’s intentionally redefining what it means to be a Latina mother while running a successful business. This conversation touched my heart because it reminded me why we need to keep sharing our stories – especially the ones our cultura has taught us to keep quiet about.
What You’ll Hear:
- How Xochitl transitioned from solo entrepreneur to intentional mama business owner and the mindset shifts that came with new priorities
- Her raw and honest birth story – from a healthy pregnancy to an emergency C-section due to HELLP Syndrome and 48 days in the NICU
- Why she decided to break the cultural silence around traumatic birth experiences and how vulnerability became her strength
- The challenges of being a NICU mama and how she’s advocating for other families going through similar experiences
- Her approach to redefining motherhood by leading with intention rather than following outdated expectations
Resources Mentioned:
- Viva la Mami guest episodes featuring Latina moms sharing unexpected childbirth stories:
Ways to Follow Xochitl:
- Werk Mija website: werkmija.com
- Follow @werkmija on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
- Listen to the Werk Mija podcast
- Shop Werk Mija products!
About Our Guest
Xochitl Carmona | Founder of Werk Mija
Xochitl Carmona is the founder and creative force behind Werk Mija, a brand dedicated to celebrating Latinas who unapologetically embrace their culture and individuality. Xochitl launched her business in September 2020 during one of the most challenging periods of her life – after being laid off from her marketing coordinator position and having to use her business savings for everyday expenses. With nothing but determination and a single “Chingona Fuel” coffee mug, she transformed what could have been a major setback into fuel for her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Through products like “Bet on Yourself Mija” sweatshirts and “No Pares Mija” t-shirts, Xochitl has created more than just merchandise – she’s built a brand that serves as a daily reminder to Latina women of their strength, resilience, and capability to break generational cycles. Her mission extends beyond commerce to community building, using Werk Mija as a platform to amplify Latina voices and celebrate the journey that makes each woman uniquely powerful in her authenticity.
