LATINX SPOTLIGHT: JASMINE R. CASTILLO

Welcome to our series celebrating the Latinx healers, creators and wellness advocates making an impact in our communities. Wellness is multi-dimensional, as it consists beyond the physical, but also mental, spiritual, financial, environmental, and social aspects of our lives. 

It is important to share the stories of Latinx individuals beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, as it inspires others to create their own narratives. This series consists of real stories of inspirational Latinx individuals creating safe spaces for connection, community, and self-care through the power of wellness. This week we celebrate Jasmin Castillo founder.

What is unique about being Latina
A fusion of cultural richness, resilience, and a deep sense of community. Being part of a vibrant heritage shaped by diverse influences: Indigenous, African, European, and many paths around the world, each contributing to traditions, language, customs. Family plays a central role, often prioritizing close-knit bonds, respect for elders through a bendicion, and strong values around unity and support.

There’s also a unique strength in navigating multi-cultural identities, balancing pride in one’s roots while adapting to other cultural environments. Latina women, in particular, often carry a strong sense of empowerment, balancing tradition with a modern drive for independence and leadership, all while honoring the healing, creativity, and stories passed down through the matriarchs. From applying vapor rub (vaparoo) to saying sana sana to our youth, it fosters deep connections. I have generations of warriors who utilized our culture to inspire, feed, connect and heal, from many paths around the world.

What is the best advice someone gave you when you started your business?
To serve with purpose, but not to forget the “why am I doing this?” Running a business can be exhausting, lonely, and financially sucking, so I continue to remind myself of the “why” to guide me as I give myself some sana sana of course. If I’m burnt out, then how will I be of service? So, I pace, I make peace, and I give myself breaks. The point of a business isn’t to soul suck, but to give life.

What is the best advice you would give another person who wanted to start their own small business?
Build a team who knows more than you, but who will also respect what you offer. You shouldn’t be the smartest in the room, as you want to hold space for self-growth. Having a team has not only been supportive in the marketing, event set ups, brainstorm sessions, but also provides a team to learn and build together.

What does the future of wellness look like?
It looks diversified! I love seeing POC reclaim elements of our culture that have long been used as financial gains through appropriation and price gouging, moving away from the very essence of the purpose: to provide healing to all! Seeing people create healing spaces that are accessible, relatable, a reconnection to our roots, allows for deep healing.

The theme of our current issue is JOY, how do you inspire joy in your life and those around you?
By embracing the little moments every day—celebrating life, sharing meals, being fully present. Whether it’s catching a sunset or a group trip to the tropics, every experience, big or small, enriches this beautiful journey we call life. Especially the small.