Eleana Estrada shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Eleana, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I try to find moments of joy daily, whether it’s having a warm cup of tea, a bowl of my favorite cereal while watching cartoons on a Saturday morning, or being cuddled with my fur children whenever I get the chance. It’s truly the little moments like these that keep me sane in an overworked and sometimes overwhelming world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Eleana also known as “L” and I’m the founder of Tianquiztli Creations LLC, a creative hub where I bring together my love for storytelling, collaboration, and design. Through my handcrafted jewelry line, I create unique pieces that blend cultural inspiration with modern style, making each piece a wearable story. I also collaborate with other small businesses and artists, building a community-driven space where creativity thrives and different talents come together.
In addition, I host the Tianquiztli Creations Podcast, where I dive into a wide range of topics with diverse guests—from folklore and history to art, business, and personal journeys. My goal is to inspire, connect, and celebrate creativity in all its forms. What makes Tianquiztli Creations unique is that it’s more than just a brand—it’s a collective platform where artistry, conversation, and culture meet.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding both my jewelry line and podcast collaborations, creating new ways for people to engage with stories, style, and community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I thought asking for help was a weakness. Now I know collaboration multiplies creativity and opportunity.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The last two years were some of the toughest I’ve faced. Between personal setbacks and the nonstop noise of life, I found myself losing the focus and creative spark that used to come so naturally. There were nights I wondered if Tianquiztli Creations would survive — if I would still be able to design jewelry that felt true, or host conversations that mattered.
What pulled me back was small and human: the kindness of other small-business owners who reached out, the encouragement of fellow artists, and a few podcast guests whose honesty reminded me why I started. I learned to give myself permission to rest, to create in shorter, imperfect bursts, and to lean into collaboration when my solo energy ran out. Today my work is quieter but more honest — each piece, episode, and partnership now carries that resilience.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of me the real me? Mostly — absolutely. I’m genuine about my curiosity, my creative process, and the stories I share on the Tianquiztli Creations podcast. I show up to celebrate the messy, beautiful parts of building a jewelry line, collaborating with other artists and small businesses, and having conversations that matter. Those interactions are real, and they fuel why I do this work.
That said, I also keep a few things personal. Boundaries aren’t secrecy — they’re self-care. Holding back some parts of my life lets me protect the headspace I need to create, to show up for others, and to keep the connections I make here thoughtful and sustainable. So you’re getting my honest self in public, just with a few carefully kept corners where I recharge.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Most people think creativity is either “on” or “off” — that you wait for a lightning-bolt idea or you don’t create at all. What I’ve learned deeply is that creativity is more like a garden: it needs small, daily tending. Showing up for ten minutes of design, saying yes to a tiny collaboration, or swapping a long solo session for a quick brainstorm with another artist often produces more meaningful work than waiting for perfection.
That mindset shapes everything I do at Tianquiztli Creations. My jewelry is built in intentional bursts, often co-created with other small businesses and artists who bring ideas I wouldn’t have found alone. On the podcast, I favor honest conversations and experiments over polished perfection — because real progress comes from practice, not performance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianquiztlicreations_podcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TianquiztliCreations/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTcijjoKt8CHTdUNdTKaoaw
- Other: https://www.teepublic.com/user/tianquiztlicreations
https://www.instagram.com/tianquiztlicreationsllc_/
