Sandra Gonzalez, Vice President at Tadin Herb & Co.
For over 20 years, Sandra Gonzalez has worked at Tadin, a family- and minority-owned business that offers high-quality herbal teas to support your overall health. The L.A.-based is also known as the #1 Hispanic tea brand in America.*
Despite her successful turn as vice president at Tadin, Gonzalez is just like any ambitious career woman who’s passionate about her work. She, too, experiences burnout from time to time, but the supermom follows sage advice: she commits to embracing the present and prioritizing her well-being.
“I'm working on getting past the shoulds. I should look like this, I should say this, I should go here or there… In other words, I've learned to accept and love me — even with all the imperfections — and find happiness in the little things,” says Gonzalez.
Get to know this mujer de magia below.
*Nielsen latest 52 weeks ending 31/12/2023
Grace Gavilanes: Twenty four years at Tadin is incredible! What have you learned about yourself in the span of two-plus decades?
Sandra Gonzalez: The most important thing I've learned is that treating each other with respect and kindness builds an environment where we all enjoy coming to work. I've also come to learn how to identify strengths and weaknesses — my own included — and support each other as we all grow in our careers.
GG: What would you say is the most rewarding part of your work?
SG: It's very rewarding when team members are promoted and want to grow within Tadin. It makes me feel like we are doing something right. I'm also thrilled when our team members grow and excel outside of the office. When someone buys a new house, a new car, or their children are off to college. It's heartwarming.
GG: What advice would you give someone who’s looking for a career change?
SG: To quote my high school yearbook: "The greatest danger of a woman's life is not to take the risk.” Don't be afraid to fail. We learn and grow from all our failures. Be prepared, educated, and willing to sacrifice.
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
SG: My biggest accomplishment is being a mom. I've been blessed with three children who have taught me more about life than they will ever know. They've always been very supportive of my career and are proud of me as well. Nothing feels better than knowing I've raised good people.
““... If you are where you are, you deserve it, so embrace it and continue to give your best to be where you want to be.””
GG: Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you make sure to take care of yourself first?
SG: That's a hard one especially for women. Having a family and a career is a juggling act. I've learned, after many years, to be kind to myself. It's okay to take time for a walk or a workout or tea with a friend. It's important for our mental and physical health. I'm working on getting past the shoulds. I should look like this, I should say this, I should go here or there… In other words, I've learned to accept and love me — even with all the imperfections — and find happiness in the little things. I do my best to pass this to my kids.
GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?
SG: As you grow older and learn about yourself, this feeling tends to disappear. The only thing I would say is that if you are where you are, you deserve it, so embrace it and continue to give your best to be where you want to be.
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
SG: It's who I am, my culture, my family, my upbringing. I am extremely proud of my heritage. To me, it means being a strong, independent woman and also being kind, loving, and nurturing. Spending time with family talking, laughing, cooking, and eating together is always #1. Hard work, dignity, and self-respect are also of the utmost importance.
