Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Diaz.
Hi Karina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In the fall of 2020, I, like many people, felt restless about the state of the world with the ongoing pandemic. It was a very gray and dark time where the idea of more colorful days felt so distant. Having been a recent 2020 film graduate and my industry on hold only made it that much more stressful. And in times of stress, art has always provided a healthy way to bring back the spark into life.
My best friend’s 25th birthday was coming up, and I wanted to make her something completely unique as that’s how I see her. A gift that you just couldn’t get at any old store. She owned a few fedoras, so I knew I wanted it to be a hat, but I wanted to incorporate astrology since it’s one of her favorite things. It’s the little details we remember about each other that speak on a friendship and show that person that whatever they share with us matters. I wanted that sentiment reflected in the gift and so upon completing her zodiac sign that I remembered how much joy my childhood hobby brought to me. Painting made me feel fulfilled, creative and serene.
I later shared photos of the painted hat on my personal Instagram for feedback, and the demand was definitely there. After each commission from my friends, I was told that I should publicly sell them. But like any artist the doubt set in. I had never had any formal training just painting tips from my abuela who is also self-taught and the creative in the family. Her and I are alike in that regard, two different generations bonded in paint. I also had to keep actively looking for a job in my field, so how could I really explore something like this? And being a child of immigrant parents means anything art related for work (now for the second time) was a tough subject to approach. Thankfully my best friend and my longtime boyfriend both encouraged me to explore it and see where it would go.
So, I started thinking about the name and the mission for the business. That’s when I recalled an aspect of my theology class that had stayed with me, that the divine is within all of us. What a beautiful truth that I feel we all seldomly remember. Our own beauty and potential. So, in true Chicana fashion, I went with Divina (Spanish word for divine) and made the second part, “halos” in English a fun mixture of Spanglish. The mission would be that the halos would act as a physical token to remind the wearer that they are the living, breathing work of art. If you had to break down Divina Halos into five truths, it would be that we are radiant, art, worthy, enough, and divina. The halos adorn you, but they are not what makes you divina. And a bonus aspect of the halos being that when you wear them halo style, they actually make you keep your head up.
The halos are a reflection on being Mexican by blood and American by birth. They are a bridge between the two countries that warmly invite you in. The influences behind my halos are many like boho, art deco, women, Mexican culture, especially talavera, and sprinkled in between is some Catholic imagery. A very evident motif in our signature design “Divina Rays,” “Reina,” and more. As for explorations in Mexican culture, our “Morelia” halo is a way I chose to honor my family’s roots in Mexico. A little piece of their home can now be carried with me through this halo. In our family’s frequent visits to Mexico, my mom would always seek out a local artisan to create a piece for our home and bring it back. Whether it was sculptures, crafted plates, talavera, or flower pots the beauty of Mexico and its artisans always surrounded me. And their influences acted as a muse when it came to creating the feel of Divina Halos while still making it my own. Another great influence in my work is the initiative to highlight female pioneers. From halos like “Hedy” in reference to the scientist and actress Hedy Lamarr, “Frida Por Vida!” for Frida Kahlo, and our “Maria” halos in honor of the Mexican film actress Maria Felix. This creates an additional layer in the depth of these halos and their stories.
We are now coming up on two years in business this November. With this anniversary in mind, the reflection on the time paints a beautiful and very personal journey of what art can do for someone. I’ve had the honor of painting halos for so many seasons of life like weddings, mothers-to-be, anniversary, and birthday gifts, but I also had the ability to help Divinas through their grief. The creation of in memoriam halos to words of empowerment halos for sexual assault survivors has taught me that these are so much more than just a hat. Even more so when Divinas message us and share their stories with us. Never would I have thought that a halo I made for someone in the very beginning would one year later be the thing that would give her comfort while attending her own sister’s funeral. To have created this halo that was a bond between the two that now only one has to remember the other by and to hold dearly.
Through our community, we’ve been able to create a positive environment of self-love and expression. From photographing women of a later age in our halos to women from all walks of life and sizes. We also make an active effort to highlight and support other female lead businesses. Dreams are so much more attainable when you don’t have to fight your way to be seen or heard but instead have someone want to share you because the world should know you.
It’s because of that kind of support that we’ve now sold halos around the world and can meet Divinas in person at pop-up markets! We are incredibly humbled that we have this opportunity to share Divina Halos with SD Voyager and of course, you the reader. And we’d also like to thank all our Divinas that have been part of this journey, community and supported us; we couldn’t have done it without them! And remember, mereces lo que sueñas Divina!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, it’s been a positive experience. However, there are struggles that every artist knows, your designs get stolen. It hurts because every work is so personal and holds a piece of your identity within it. When your design is stolen, it feels like a personal offense. But I find comfort in knowing that anyone who feels like they have to impersonate your art will always be behind and never ahead of you. Always waiting for your next move for them to have any sense of direction.
Which is why I make a conscious effort to not look at anyone else’s work and strictly pull inspiration from my own experiences, culture, and family heirlooms. Always putting my own original spin on it. My hope is to get to a point where people know my work and will confidently choose quality over counterfeit.
And lastly, as a woman of many hats, I still am actively pursuing my film career as well as being a full-time halo maker. Last summer, I was on an independent feature for a month and a half in Texas. Since I’m the one who does all the painting and social media, there wasn’t anyone else but me to design. We ended up having to close our shop for that period in time. However, I work to find a balance between making films by being on local film sets and continuing to paint for Divina Halos.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
From creating the halos designs to photographing them, we do it all. On occasion, we’ll collaborate with female photographers that offer up their services. But almost always, it’s me, my boyfriend, and a selfie stand using our creativity to present Divina. And to hear,” Wow who styled this shoot, created the display, etc.” and proudly respond with, “we did” is a badge of honor. Many are surprised how involved we are in creating the image of Divina Halos and often think there’s a big team involved.
As for what sets us apart from the rest there’s various aspects. The number one question I get is, “are they embroidered?” While they may look like it, it’s actually my fine line technique paired with my preferred raised paint that creates that effect. Another aspect being that the art is on the bottom of the halo instead of the top, which is often the case. The allure of our art is that it’s not afraid to be a blend of fashions, my own cultures, and art styles. With such versatility, we have something for everyone to enjoy. And while the pieces are tastefully minimalistic (even the jeweled ones), they don’t feel empty and offer many ways to be styled.
Another aspect of what sets us apart is how personable our process is. From a designing aspect, it’s common to have a machine print the image onto a hat, but with Divina Halos, the whole process is done by hand. While a machine may offer complete accuracy, handmade designs truly offer one-of-a-kind designs. I make my own stencils, as well as decide the pieces movement and arrangement. When the piece involves jeweling, instead of just using strips of rhinestones (as is the cheaper way), I carefully glue each stone independently. It is more time-consuming, but I want to provide a high-quality piece of art out of respect for the customer and their investment in the piece.
We also offer commissions where divinas can order a custom piece, and it invites them to explore and express their artistic side through my painting ability. I do have to say commissions are my favorite as it’s not simply taking an order but taking in someone’s story. After I provide them with my sketches, I invite their feedback so we can make sure to capture their vision. Our constant updates throughout the process also bring ease to our divinas as when the halo arrives at their doorstep, they know exactly what to expect. When they open up that box, they’ll know this piece could have only been created with the bond we created together during the process.
And lastly, the affordability of our pieces. We truly believe everyone should have the chance to have something specifically crafted for them. We work to create designs and use hats that would allow us to continue being an affordable choice without losing quality.
What I am most proud of is to see the fruit of all the hours put into Divina Halos. All the positive feedback from our Divinas really makes it worthwhile. Recently Etsy awarded us the Star Seller badge for our consistent five-star reviews, response rate, and completion of orders. Our Divinas have been so enamored with their pieces that they send us photoshoots they’ve involved their halos in, share their feelings on what the halos have done for them, and even grow a collection of halos with us. They kindly make videos and help spread the word about us simply because of how happy they are with the experience of getting one and the final product. A lot of our Divinas have become good friends, and the community that’s come from is something we are most proud of.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are so many people to give credit and our thanks to. To my abuela Cristina Herrera who inspired me through her love of art, thank you for being the creative divina you are. If it wasn’t for her encouragement and giving me the insight she’s gained through her own exploration in art, I’d feel out of place even attempting being an artist. It is also thanks to her for raising my mother to be such a pioneer and chingona in her own right that I have the courage to do what I do.
Of course, a big thank you to my family for joining in on Divina Halos and offering their support. Especially my sisters for flagging down strangers in public who are wearing hats to tell them about what I do. Or my sisters being the first ones to send me words of encouragement on my videos and overall doing what they can to let me know they’ve got me. A special thank you to my immigrant parents for being the blueprint on taking a chance on a dream and making it a reality; to them I am eternally grateful to. Whether it’s helping me pack and carry orders to the post office or setting up my display with me, they have all become part of Divina Halos.
To my longtime partner in life and business, Joshua Velazquez Salgado who takes care of the numbers side of Divina Halos, I am so thankful for you. But more than just doing numbers he has always been such a supporter of my dreams. Behind every posed photo of me in the hats is him clicking the button and my being my stand-in for when I frame it up. He’s right there alongside me at the markets, the first to always lend a helping hand and the one who reminds me even when sales are slow that what I do and who I am have so much more value. I couldn’t possibly do anything like this without him taking care of logistics and taking care of me.
To all my friends that have been models for us to show the many faces that can be a fellow Divina, I appreciate you. Whether it’s helping us get the word out to others or cheering us on, all that you do means the world to us.
Divina Halos wouldn’t be what it is if there wasn’t the amazing women that extended a helping hand when we first started out. First off, Cindy Morales a.k.a. the_tinydiaries was the first shop owner/blogger that took a chance on featuring us in the beginning. She is the epitome of women supporting women. She’s become a great friend and an avid halo collector, and we’ve been sure to extend the same kindness to her. As well as paying it forward by highlighting other female-led businesses, we think everyone should know.
-In the early days of Divina Halos, we were blessed to have Yareth Castro Photography and Jaimee Morse Photography, who offered their talents to capture our pieces. It was so humbling and an honor to be part of their art. To see Jaimee pair, our signature Divina Rays in her bridal shoot was the first inkling of what beautiful moments in life Divina Halos can be part of. Modeling for Yareth while wearing the halos really helped my own self-esteem, and she made the whole process so comforting. This led to other photographer friends around the country and globe like Amanda Shrader, Ildely Herrera, Stefanie Kapari, Jenny Roso, and Katrina Torrijos sharing stunning images of Divinas in their halos. Aiding in our mission of showing Divinas from all walks of life.
As for influencers who not only purchased our pieces but offered photos in their halos and shared their positive experience with their followers. It all started with Giulia, a.k.a. Palmtreesandpellegrino who is a total class act and incredibly kind. Thanks to Giulia, we came to know more influencer friends like Madison Duggan, Emmalynn Cortes, Flor Magleby, Jayden Mcgrael, Olivia Dixon, Meredith Wade, Sandra Duran, Amanda Young, Jordyn Rush, Britt Lyons, and Jeena Jimenez to name a few. I want to say thank you for seeing the value in me, Divina Halos, and the beauty of what art can do. We are so incredibly grateful for your friendship, kindness, and support.
And last but certainly not least, God. For putting dreams in my mind and passion in my heart to touch people with the gifts, He has given me.
Pricing:
- Commissions start at $85
- Pre-Order Halos $75-$84
- Art Prints $5
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DivinaHalos
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/divina_halos?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopdivinahalos
Image Credits
Desiree Manrriquez
Jenny Roso
Julie Deandrade
Jordyn Rush
Ildely Herrera
