We had the good fortune of connecting with Zayda Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zayda, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?

I disagree with the advice that you must work hard to achieve your goals. I used to believe this until I was working so hard that I got sick and was extremely unhappy. As an entrepreneur, running two small businesses, it is my priority to focus on working with intention instead of working myself to exhaustion. The outcome of that shift was quite surprising. When I work with intention, I work fewer hours, make more money, have a better grasp on work-life balance, have more time for my children, and self-care, and feel more fulfilled in life overall. Many of us have been taught from childhood that in order to succeed we have to work harder than anyone else, even if the work we’re doing is not something we want to do. It simply fills a need for basic survival. But the price we pay for back-breaking work that is not fulfilling is that we may miss the opportunity to shine through our purpose.

Many people from Black and Brown communities were raised watching their parents and grandparents work so hard to take care of their families that their own well-being took a backseat or was nonexistent. We can learn so much from the paths their hard work paved for us. But today, with the global connections we can easily make, work takes on a different approach. Abundance is everywhere. When we tap into things that we are naturally good at, and that feels aligned with every part of our being, then we work intentionally and purposely. This is the future.

What should our readers know about your business?

After a successful journalism career, I left the newsroom in 2016 to become an entrepreneur. My first business, 3L Communiqué Inc. was formed that same year and I hit the ground running. I created the business to fill a void that I was seeing time and time again as an entertainment journalist who attended events two-to-three times a week. Many of the events were being produced by men. Where were the women producers!? I’m talking about black-tie galas and upscale luncheons, and I wanted to be the one to produce these coveted affairs. I used my strength as a writer to shift from writing stories to scripts. I tapped into the network of entertainers, publicists, managers, and agents that I created over the years of writing entertainment news to book hosts for these events, bringing a celebrity appeal. Six years later, I am still proudly producing events for 500+ guests all across the country. The clients I work with are aligned with my purpose. I want to feel I am giving back to the communities that need it most in all the work that I do, and the clients I work with do just that! Their work is exceptional and inspiring and I am truly honored to be a part of their productions.

In 2019, right before the pandemic, I started my second business, which fulfills my spirituality. Mindful Living with Z is my wellness space where I facilitate Reiki healing circles, guided meditation, yoga, and most recently, Zumba! It started when I became Reiki certified to help heal a family member that was ill. I quickly realized that the business of assisting others on their healing journey began with my own healing. So, I dedicate a lot of time to my own spiritual wellness in order to bring fullness and authenticity to my work with others. I teach certification courses for Reiki 1 & 2 and Reiki Master levels. I’ve teamed up with Raine and River Apothecary in Jersey City to teach various classes like Intro. to Tarot and Intro to Astrology as well as a variety of workshops. I’m also honored to facilitate in-person and virtual Reiki healing circles for Heal Haus in Brooklyn, NY.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Jersey City, NJ, which is a short commute to New York City, one of the greatest cities on earth. But if my best friend was visiting, we’d hang on my side of the Hudson River because there’s plenty to do right here in Jersey City. I’d start the day with a good coffee from one of my local spots — The Grind, Nurish, and Cafe Lafayette — and head for a walk to Liberty State Park, which has spectacular views of the Hudson River, the NYC skyline, and the Statue of Liberty. A visit to the farmer’s market at Grove Street would be great to get some fresh ingredients for an after-workout smoothie bowl. Then we could stop in and say hi to my friends at Raine and River Apothecary for some fresh herbs, tonics, tinctures, and more! The evening would entail a visit to Harry’s Daughter, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood where people go to eat great food, drink cocktails, and listen to live music late into the night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to Shoutout my mother, Rafaela Rivera. My story would not be without her. She not only brought me into this world, but she has been the biggest supporter of my entire life. My two sisters and I affectionately call her our Ladybug, because she’s delicate and beautiful, but has a hard shell. My mother inspires me more than she knows. She has survived so many things and continues to be resilient. She is absolutely the Queen of our family. It amazes me to see all the seeds that have blossomed, starting with her. She is the mother of three women and has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She’s an artist and loves music, laughing, and horror movies (which she had us watching with her when we were way too young). She is also my best friend and while we don’t live in the same state, our hourlong Facetime chats are something I will always cherish. Thanks, Ladybug. Love ya!

Website: 3L Communique Inc. – www.3LCommunique.com | Mindful Living with Z – www.zaydarivera.com

Instagram: @MindfulLivingWithZ

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaydarivera/

Other: TikTok @MindfulLivingWithZ

Image Credits
Courtesy of Zayda Rivera

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