Jessica Yañez, Host of The Wine & Chisme Podcast
Before having a candid conversation with Jessica Yañez for The Wine & Chisme Podcast, I was a fan and avid listener of her guests’ always-inspiring and relatable stories. The Mexican-American, San Diego native does a spectacular job at bringing real-life anecdotes from nuestra comunidad to the masses — all over a glass of wine, of course.
“There are so many people who don't have access to tell their story and I want to give them the opportunity to have their voice heard,” says Yañez on her reason for starting her successful podcast. “I am so honored that I get to do that with The Wine & Chisme Podcast.”
Scroll on to meet this mujer de magia. You won’t regret it!
Grace Gavilanes: Tell us about the road to launching The Wine & Chisme Podcast. Did you always dream of becoming an entrepreneur?
Jessica Yañez: It was absolutely a winding road getting to The Wine & Chisme Podcast. It started as a YouTube page with a friend talking about the struggles of being a typically ignored demographic (Latina, single, ages 35-50). But after my friend couldn't commit to the time commitment, I decided to pivot and with the encouragement of friends, decided to do a podcast instead and that changed my entire trajectory. Now, three years later, I'm finally at a point where I am focusing on the podcast, my live events, and freelance opportunities full-time. It's a dream I never knew I had.
GG: What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful podcast? How have you overcome it?
JY: My biggest obstacle was starting a podcast with no real name recognition and not much of a social media following. I was fortunate to find a community of other Latinas via the Latina Podcasters Network where I was supported and learned from others who are walking this path as well. I believe the biggest way to overcome this is just to keep going. If you really believe in what you're doing, you will find your niche and your audience will find you.
““My Mexican culture is part of my everyday life and I will never tone down who I am or what I stand for again.””
GG: What advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar career path?
JY: Never wait for things to be perfect because they never will be. If you want to do it, do it! If you listen to my early podcasts, the quality, the music, and other things have changed and evolved and that's totally okay. People listen for YOU and how they can relate to you. I'm okay with things not being perfect — from a child asking their parents something to a dog barking, it's real life. You CAN do this!
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
JY: Professionally, when it comes to all things podcast-related I am proud to have created the VERY FIRST directory of Latiné owned wine brands based in the U.S. There are over 100,000 wine brands across the U.S. but less than 2% are owned by the Latiné community. Agricultural workers are over 92% Latinés — a huge disparity, so to be able to create this directory and highlight these brands is something I'm very proud of. Personally, I was recently let go and knew it was a sign from the universe to focus on the work with the podcast, vintners, and live events. It's scary and exciting at the same time, but I've never been happier to step into my own and do things to build my dream instead of building the dreams of others.
GG: Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you make sure to take care of yourself first?
JY: Now that I'm working for myself and solely responsible for the results, I have made sure to treat my business like a business. That means, waking up at the same time each morning, meditating, writing down my daily goals, and getting started on my day. The upside is that if I need a break, I can take whatever type of break I need. Sometimes that means taking a walk or taking a nap. Sometimes that means just taking the day off because my mental health needs it. Ultimately, I listen to my body more than ever before and my mental health has never been better.
GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?
JY: Oh, I have absolutely experienced imposter syndrome. I can't lie and say that it still doesn't happen from time to time. As a Latina, we are so often told we are "too much" or "not enough" in corporate America, so those things can affect how you see yourself. It's so important to see how much you bring to this world just being you. It has helped tremendously that I have surrounded myself with strong women of color, who support one another and remind each other of how amazing we are.
Now, during those moments of "am I good enough?" or "wow, how did this happen?" I remind myself that I deserve the good things that are happening. I've worked hard for the good things that are happening and I deserve it.
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
JY: Being Latina is at the core of who I am. I am proud to be Latina and to represent my ancestors' dreams. My Mexican culture is part of my everyday life and I will never tone down who I am or what I stand for again.
GG: How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?
JY: I remember being 4-5 years old and going to the citrus fields with my abuelito and my abuela, as he worked and supervised the workers picking fruit. This core memory is why I do what I do. There are so many people who don't have access to tell their story and I want to give them the opportunity to have their voice heard. I am so honored that I get to do that with The Wine & Chisme Podcast.
