Episode 13 – Ana Solis’s story: Playfully expressing herself to empower the kids of LADLE Tulum
/Be inspired by the energy of Ana – a multi-talent full of ideas who DIYed her life in Tulum without any user’s manual at hand. After having enough of being stuck in the traffic in the urban jungle of LA, Ana just did what she loves to do: improvising. In 2017, she moved solo to the real jungle, started an unknown job, founded a business from zero, became active member of an NGO she had never heard of, and now passionately dedicates her time to empower the most important people on the planet – children. Listen to what magical stories become reality when you surf the wave of community in Tulum.
If you are at a point in your life, where you ask yourself what to do – hesitate no longer. Hear how Ana managed her similar life situation. After her inspirational journey, you will know which next step to take to realize your dream…Because in the podcast, Ana remembers that one key moment when someone said: “Yes, do it!” after she randomly spit out an idea of hers. She is so thankful for this "permission" to do what she loves that someone else gave her before she gave it to herself, that now she wants to be this empowering person for other people. Like you.
Born in a small Mexican town, raised in the USA, Ana moved to Tulum in January 2017 to escape the everyday commuting stress in the megacity of LA. Without knowing anybody she started a life from the scratch – and completely reinvented herself. "Tulum plants this little seed of magic – and then it’s up to you how you want to accept it," Ana describes this reviving energy of Tulum.
Today, Ana runs her own babysitting agency Anana and is a committee member of Los Amigos de la Esquina. LADLE is volunteer-run non-profit organization and learning community for recreational activities for children. Their mission is to empower and improve the quality of life of the kids in Tulum by teaching them inclusion, sociocultural exchange, raise of consciousness, cognitive and socio-emotional development. Ana’s first encounter with the La Esquina kids made her so uncomfortable that the first wanted to back out immediately. But deep inside of her she knew: "If something makes you uncomfortable, it’s an opportunity to grow your comfort zone.“ Feeling the spark already?
So, whenever you are in Tulum – join Ana and the LADLE team! They create 20 activities on 6 days a week for local, native kids to teach them art, wellbeing and environmental consciousness. The project sees itself as a bridge to awaken the values and resources the kids already have inside of themselves. The idea is, that travelers who come to La Esquina, share their love and passion with the kids and then take some the spirit of LADLE to other communities around the world. Donate your time, talent or ideas in person or support the project with a donation right here. Everything is welcome to empower the kids of LADLE!
Website of Los Amigos de le Esquina
Ana’s babysitting agency Anana
Ana’s queer women camp Violet Jungle
La Zebra, (the most family friendly hotel in Tulum)
