![]() Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on, from cereal boxes to magazines and comics. One of the reasons I decided to open La Casa Azul Bookstore was because Chicana/o literature was critical in my own education and identity. What was the inspiration for La Casa Azul Bookstore? We hosted 200 programs a year, sold books that reflect the voices of writers of color, transformed into a literary hub, a safe space and a platform for multiple audiences. La Casa Azul Bookstore reached incredible milestones in New York - not just as a bookstore, but as a gallery and cultural venue featuring writers, musicians, visual artists, and dancers. Finally, in 2012 I opened La Casa Azul Bookstore in East Harlem with the support of 500+ funders that helped me raised $40,000 in 40 days. I relied on those moments when it seemed that the goal was impossible to reach. That seminar changed the direction of my life.įor the next six years, I would lose track of time when reading, planning, strategizing and visualizing what the bookstore would be. I didn’t register for the seminar because I wanted to open a bookstore, I registered because I wanted to learn a new skill (entrepreneurship). The idea for La Casa Azul Bookstore was born in 2006 when I signed up for a small business seminar. I worked in education and the arts for 10 years before I considered becoming an entrepreneur. When did you first recognize yourself as an entrepreneur? ![]() My journey as an educator, artist, and entrepreneur has been strongly influenced by Cisneros’ book. The House on Mango Street was the first piece of culturally relevant literature I read, and it had a tremendous impact on me. See her story below.īooks saved my life - they were my refuge, my escape, my safe space.Īt age 12, I read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and it was the first time I saw my reflection in a book: a young Latina, whose family and neighbors were so like the people I knew in my own life experiences. Recently, she talked with Design Dance about social entrepreneurship and why she felt opening La Casa Azul Bookstore was so important. She is passionate about art, education, literacy and the impact that social enterprises have towards a more just world. She has been a teacher, curator, cultural worker, and entrepreneur - and is currently a student at the USC Marshall School of Business. ![]() The store has since closed, but her commitment to education remains.Ī native Angeleno, Aurora has returned to LA after living in New York for 11 years. The store was so revered that in 2013, she was nominated and recognized as a 2013 Crowdfunding "Champion of Change" by the White House. Patrons could find every genre of literature, music, and fellowship with people from all over the city. She was the founder of La Casa Az ul Bookstore, an independent bookstore in New York. We all know the saying "knowledge is power." Well, Aurora definitely took that to heart. So, when we encounter people like Aurora Anaya-Cerda, we have to share their story. We believe the arts, in any capacity, can empower and uplift the soul. An Inspired Dream with Aurora Anaya-CerdaĪs a company, we are committed to education in every aspect.
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