15/07/2020
A wise person told me that when you ask for help it is a sacred ceremony... when those who show up to assist not only bless you, it heals that part of you, you didn't know needed healing.
Most of you that know me, know that I closed my gallery Sanchez Contemporary and cafe Tertulia Coffee in March, just a few days before the shelter in place order was implemented. It was the hardest thing to have to close and let go of our employees who we loved like family. Tim and I had a beautiful business that connected us to Oakland and it's surrounding community like no other time in our lives. I am forever grateful for the artists and community who supported us. We grew, we gave our all and we walked away with so many lessons. We are also no longer married but remain friends and we are better as friends than we are a married couple. My responsibilities have since shifted from caring for a family to caring for myself, my mother and my ancestral home.
I learned so much in Oakland and I want to continue with the dream. I am now in Redwood City my hometown and have launched my own company Blue Ventana LLC. Over the last several months while home I have had the opportunity to do some deep dives into what I really want to do for the foreseeable future. I have plunged myself into growing and caring for plants and returning to my first love of creating art. It was the part I enjoyed most at the shop in Oakland. Creating succulent arrangements and curating shows for the gallery. So many of you had a part in making that dream a reality for myself and my family. My father came this country in the early 70's and taught me to work with plants. I dedicate this business to his memory and for instilling that love for caring for the earth.
Blue Ventana LLC. will carry house plants, art by local artists, custom floral arrangements, specialized plant care services for your home and office, community workshops (plant, painting, art, personal growth seminars, healing via art/plants/vision boards/community circles), tea/coffee, a safe space to gather.
I have worked in the corporate world for over 25 years as an executive assistant. As a Latina and an immigrant I've seen the huge gap in visibility for us in art, business and in leadership. I hope to make a difference going forward by dedicating myself to helping young men and women working towards their dreams. I will continue to provide scholarships and mentor young people who want to pursue their education but don't have the means. That has and will continue to be part of my mission statement.
Having shared all of this only to say, I hope that you will join me in funding this dream as I move forward, not chasing the dream but living it.
From the moment I shared my vision and took steps to formalize Blue Ventana LLC. friends and family have encouraged me to move forward with it. So I ask you to help me by sharing this GoFund Me campaign and contributing what ever you feel moved to. I know that every little bit helps. It will go towards renting a retail space in Redwood City and start up costs involved (i.e. buildout, inventory, furniture, permits, marketing, etc). I found the sweetest storefront on El Camino and am looking at it today. You never know what your future holds, but you can take steps in the direction you are called to move. So I'm taking that step today. I hope you will join me. I promise to make it worth it. Blue Ventana LLC will be a community and heart-centered business and space. Remember my friends... You Are So Loved.
All donations levels will receive a Frida print. "Golden Frida" or "Frida in Bloom".
Tier 1: $10
Tier 2: $25 8x10 inch Frida print and small succulent gift.
Tier 3: $50 Frida print, medium sized succulent gift.
Tier 4: $100 and above, an original painting 9x12 inches.
Stay healthy and be safe.
Maria Sanchez
Mujer Presidente, Blue Ventana LLC.
Artist & Curator
IG:
www.blueventana.com
My artist website:
IG:
www.sandiafria.com
Sanchez Contemporary
IG:
www.sanchezcontemporary.com
It's never been one to ask for help. I've always worked myself into the ground as my kids c… Maria Sanchez needs your support for Blue Ventana - start up fund
