Welcome to Peel Off the Layers!

Hi there! I’m Adriana.
A late-30s mom, wife, and woman in the midst of ongoing personal growth. I’m here to peel off the layers of my life—layer by layer—so I can share the lessons learned, the truths uncovered, and the insights that come from embracing both the challenges and beauty of motherhood, marriage, career, and culture. Peel Off the Layers is where I invite you to join me on this journey of introspection and discovery.

As a full-time working mom and wife, I often find myself reflecting on what it truly means to balance these roles while staying true to my values. I’m constantly peeling back layers to understand myself better, to create a more intentional life, and to build a better world for my family and future generations. Through my own experiences with career growth, healthy living, and advocating for inclusive feminism, and a more humane world, I’ve learned that personal growth is a continuous process. It requires unlearning old patterns, embracing new perspectives, and being open to change.

On this blog, I share practical insights on navigating life’s layers—everything from affordable healthy living and careers for change advice to family finances and personal development. But I also dive into the deeper stuff: the cultural influences that shape our lives, the moments of introspection that lead to breakthroughs, and the lessons I’m still learning as a mom, a wife, and a woman trying to make sense of it all.

My mission is to help you peel off your own layers. Together, let’s embrace unlearning and relearning—creating a more just, loving world that reflects our truest selves. I want this space to be a place where we can reflect on our journeys, challenge the narratives that no longer serve us, and support each other in building lives that align with who we are and who we want to become.

Join me as we explore the layers of motherhood, personal growth, and the intersections of culture, family, and career. Let’s peel off the layers and discover the wisdom beneath the surface.

A Little About Me...

I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and made Chicago my home 25 years ago. This city has shaped who I am in so many ways, and I’ve come to love the unique blend of Midwestern warmth and resilience. As an immigrant, I’ve navigated systems that often felt distant from my own culture—systems that lacked inclusivity. It’s been through these experiences that I found my path in nonprofit work and social justice, advocating for a world that welcomes everyone’s story.

I was raised in a loving family that instilled in me the core values of community, family, and friendship. But like many, I also grew up with deeply ingrained patriarchal narratives that shaped how I viewed myself as a woman, mother, wife and member of society. Over time, I’ve done a lot of self-work—peeling off the layers of these old stories, shedding what no longer serves me, and discovering a more authentic version of myself. This journey has been transformative, and it’s made me feel unstoppable in ways I never imagined.

While I embrace my roots and the richness of my culture, I also recognize that not everything I was taught enhances who I am today. I’m intentional about what I pass down to my six-year-old daughter, the greatest gift and challenge of my life. Since she came into the world, I’ve done most of my personal growth. She’s my moral compass, my constant teacher, and the reason I strive to be better every single day.

And of course, I’m married to my biggest supporter, a wonderful man who also hails from Colombia. Together, we’re partners in everything—dreams, struggles, and triumphs. We work hard to build a life that reflects our values, one where we leave a lasting, positive impact on the world for the generations to come.

Join the Journey

If my story resonates with you, I invite you to join a community of like-minded individuals who are navigating the layers of motherhood, career, personal growth, and social justice. Sign up to receive updates, tips on healthy living, career development, and insights on unlearning and rebuilding a just, loving world. Let’s peel off the layers together, support one another, and create a space where we can learn, grow, and build the life we deserve.