WITHIN EVERY MUJER IS A STORY OF BEAUTY AND POWER
April 4, 2022 - This month’s feature is the story of Ritzy Periwinkle aka Ritzy P. Ritzy is a Latinx Creative Director, Storyteller, Podcast Host, and Warrior Mom currently living in Palm Springs, CA. I met Ritzy in the summer of 2021 and was instantly intrigued by her artistry and her powerful voice. From culture to creativity to wellbeing, Ritzy keeps it real and keeps it moving. Her podcast Word To Your Mama is one my favorite spaces to hear authentic stories from visionaries and cultural shape shifters from within the BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) community. In our conversation below, we zoom in on Ritzy’s personal story and chat about the comunidad that consistently moves her to keep showing up as the whole Mujer she is today.
What is the story behind your name Ritzy P?
[When I was born] no one was around to help my mom with the correct spelling of my name. It was supposed to be Maritza. I was told this since I could remember and was given ornaments and other trinkets with Maritza on them. Fast forward to junior high (middle school), it was the 80’s so I started tagging RITZ.
Fast forward to early 2000’s where Ritz evolved into Ritzy and Periwinkle was one of the many Crayola crayon colors that stood out [to me]. I liked the way it flowed. In 2006 Ritzy Periwinkle was the name of my company when I decided to leave the comfort of my music industry job and it also became my moniker when exhibiting as an artist.
How do you identify ethnically and culturally?
Mexican / Latina. It is interesting I never say Mexican-American since I was born here but I’m just used to saying Mexican. Soy Mexicana. I might not be as fluent in Spanish as I’d like, but there is no mistaking that I am Mexican. I’m not white passing. Latina/e/x is evolving. On my socials I list Latinx and in one on one convos to describe myself, I’ll say Latina.
Who and what motivates you?
Right now, in 2022, my son and my ancestors. I want to provide a safe, loving environment and create generational wealth for my son’s future and to honor my ancestors’ sacrifices. I think of my mom and my abuelita constantly as I navigate this world. When I’m having a tough go and think WTF am I doing, I think of them all, I allow myself some grace, take a beat and then keep it moving.
Who and what inspires you?
I think the answer to the previous questions fits here as well. I will add artists in all mediums that have been able to create during these last couple of years of intense history making times. Their drive and passion in all mediums to create and reflect the times is inspiring.
What does community mean to you?
Community = Familia. I have found strength being a part of different communities. There is something empowering about being around others going through similar things. Community is everything to me. I wouldn’t be here today, if I hadn’t searched and found community to support me every step of the way.
In a recent Word To Your Mama podcast episode you said that hip hop saved your life. What did you mean by that?
I was raised on music and TV. Growing up in the 80s (during the time of Reaganomics) there was a lot of whiteness on radio stations and on television. But in hip hop culture, I saw people who looked like me. Their music was a verbal front page of what was happening in brown and black communities like mine. That representation and the community I found in that kept me from being a statistic. I am where I am today because of hip hop.
Name a recent or current challenge you have worked through or are working through.
The impact the pandemic has had on the industries my business used to thrive on. I’m still working on overcoming the challenges, but it is a reminder of the non-linear career paths we all face. I’m trying to listen to all the signs, symbols and clues to move forward accordingly.
The breadth of your artistry is expansive. What has been the drive behind your career and creativity?
As a kid, I was naturally interested in drawing and creating. Art wasn’t part of the conversation, but people in my community saw things in me I didn’t always see in myself. I’ve grown and evolved by following my intuition and accepting invitations to participate in events rooted in community and storytelling.
If you were to have a conversation with your younger self, what would you say to her?
Be patient. You will eventually find your people, mental health is part of overall health, success looks different for everyone and to always listen to your gut.
What are you most proud of?
Of being here, being alive. Not just surviving but thriving even during challenging times. The system was set up for those of us with similar backgrounds to fail. I refuse.
If your life was a book what would the title of your story be?
I Am My Ancestors’ Vengeance
Describe your ideal dinner party. Who would you invite? What would you eat together? And where would you be?
Good people, good food and good music. The guest list would be tough to narrow down but everyone would be quality. It would be at my future home on the beach in Mexico. Indoor outdoor living. A chef would prepare a local seasonal eclectic menu and it would be served as multiple courses. There would definitely be dancing after.
What impact do you hope to make on the world? On your family and your community?
By sharing my story and the stories of my amazing talented multicultural tribe, I hope to inspire change within. To help normalize and destigmatize mental health in marginalized communities so that collectively, we can end the cycles of generational trauma. Basically just spread love and joy. Joy = Resistance.
What if anything do you hope to leave behind as you keep moving forward personally and professionally?
Imposter syndrome. I want to reduce the amount of time spent recovering from moments of self-doubt. I am ready to have more agency over myself and my story.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m good at picking locks. I grew up on country music. I’m not the biggest fan of Fabuloso, mole or horchata.