152. Mamis Abroad: How to Find Remote Work with Karina Wright

In this episode of the Mamis Abroad series, I sit down with Karina Wright, a content creator, community builder, and certified no-gatekeeping reina! Karina made the bold decision to move back to the motherland with her husband and teenage son, and she has been sharing every step of the journey with her growing community at @karinalifeinmexico.

She is giving our people real, practical resources on how to find remote work, navigate the emotional load of returning, and build a life on your own terms. Whether you are thinking about making this move or just need some inspiration to dream a little bigger, this episode is for you!

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode152

What You'll Hear

• Why finding remote work is the #1 thing holding Latinas back from moving abroad
• What it's really like to move with a teenager, and why kids are far more resilient than we give them credit for
• How Karina built a no-gatekeeping Discord community to help Mexican citizens and descendants repatriate
• The honest, emotional conversation about identity, belonging, and what it means to return to a country that is yours but also feels brand new

Resources Mentioned

• Follow Karina: @karinalifeinmexico on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube & Facebook
• Karina's Discord Community
• Regresando a Mexico Workshop
• Resume Revamp Service
• Returning Home to Mexico E-Guide

Transcript

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 0:00

you honestly have to think outside the box or like find ways because like I said, I'm very much entrepreneurial and I will always find a way and make a way. I always say I thrive anywhere I go. So that's how my parents always taught me to be. but don't limit yourself. Don't think that, you know, there's only one way to do it. There's so many ways to do it. And, um, yeah, I'm here to just help in any way that I can.

Jessica 1:35

Welcome to the podcast. I'm your host, Jessica Cuevas, and on today's episode, I am so excited to have the one and only Karina Wright. She is an. Awesome influencer at this very moment because as part of the Mamis Abroad series, I am very excited to have her here because she is also a Latina who is currently living outside of the United States. And really did something radical with her life, uh, through her platforms. She is not just like sharing the day-to-day kind of like life and her new in Mexico but also just all of the amazing tips and tricks that people can do to find remote work while living abroad. So Carina, I am so excited to have you here. You have no idea how thrilled I am to to have you here on the podcast.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 2:31

Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 2:34

Yes. so why don't you tell our listeners a little bit more about yourself. In terms of where you currently live, where you grew up, your family.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 2:43

Yeah. So, um, I'm originally from Mexico City in De La, Mexico, Solina. My whole mom's side and dad's side is from there. So long, long history of us being in Mexico and uh, when I was just a baby, I was brought to the US and I grew up in Arizona my whole life. So that's all I really knew. but I had strong roots back to the motherland and um, I always had a desire to come back to Mexico. I always felt the need and just desire to be back in my homeland, but I didn't really know how I was gonna go about it. Until I, you know, finally planned it. Um, I made, you know, small strides to that goal and we finally were able to make it a reality. And then moving out here, I just started posting, I wanna say about a month after we moved here. And then it just kind of blew up from there. And, um, I had so many people messaging me, commenting, asking me questions like, how did you do it Garina? Like, but I don't know how to do it. Like, so that's honestly where it all stemmed from the whole social media thing. And, um, the key thing that I help people with is, um, finding remote work.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 3:54

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 3:55

I think that's the number one factor that people. Um, that stops them from moving back to Mexico. So I help in that aspect and just tell people how I did it, and just empower them through technology, through education, through furthering their career so that they don't have to be limited to just being the states. They can travel anywhere.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 4:17

I love it. I love it. And you've definitely created a big community of like folks who are seeking that type of opportunity and we'll definitely talk a little bit more about that. Um. But at first, like, I kind of wanna take a couple steps back. And you mentioned that, you know, you've always thought about moving to Mexico and you found ways to do it. Like how did you moving to Mexico really shape you? Um, and kind of like your perspective about now going back to the motherland.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 4:50

so we've learned a lot from moving back. Um, it's one thing to hear about it from, you know. Our parents ourto, ours of like how life was in when they're reminiscing about Mexico. But it's another thing to actually live it yourself. And um, it's, it hasn't always been rainbows and butterflies and pretty, you know, there's been some struggles, but that's what makes it beautiful is just, um, learning as we go. So, um, it's really shaped us and we've actually gotten closer, you know, because. we've had to rely on each other to, to learn and grow as we're navigating life here. Um, so we've definitely got closer. Um, we're very happy we're, we feel like a sense of peace and just more like relief I want to say. And, um. actually gonna be moving to Mexico City in a couple months. Right now we're in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, um, so we're gonna go back to like my hometown, hometown where I was born. So I'm super excited about that.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 5:56

Oh, that's so exciting. I love LADA Mexico. That is amazing. Yeah. Yeah. And so how will that transition be from like moving from, is it like a border town where you're currently at?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 6:10

Yeah, it is

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 6:11

Okay.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 6:12

a whole, like, whew. It's a journey. It is not easy

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 6:16

Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 6:16

Okay. A lot of people ask like, why did you decide to go there?

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 6:20

Mm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 6:20

you get

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 6:21

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 6:21

And um, it's honestly proximity to Arizona because it's only a three and a half hour drive from, um, Puerto Penasco, AKA, they call it Rocky Point as well. Um, but it's Puerto to Phoenix, Arizona and everything that we know and you know, everybody that we know is in, in Arizona, including my parents, my sisters, cousins, everybody. And so we still wanted to be within close proximity to Arizona and in case we needed anything, we could go back like same day drive there and back. Um, and then years ago, actually over three years ago, we bought this condo here. I bought it as an investment property.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 7:00

Nice.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 7:00

uh, because we would travel here so often on vacation, I have like distant relatives that have bought, bought land here and, uh, build their homes here from scratch. So it just felt like second nature to just come here. And it was a good, like, landing spot, I wanna say, to help smooth the transition between life in the US to life in Mexico. And, um, but now being here, um, is beautiful and we love it, but it can get a little bit boring. I wanna say that. Um, we don't have any malls. We don't have any airports. We don't have like, you know, concerts. We don't have like a lot of things. It's more like a sleepy little beach town, and it's cute and I love it for that. Um, but we definitely miss the city, let's just say that.

Jessica 7:46

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, and I'm glad that you took kind of like these little baby steps, right? Like from that initial one month like stay that you had to now, like it almost seems like everything is made kind of like on purpose, right? Like you're very intentional with this whole process because I. Now that you're fully integrated in living in Mexico like now you're looking into the future and now progressing into a, a different chapter of your lives. And, and I love that que oftentimes, especially people from our community, they tend to just like put themselves in the situation where they feel stuck. And it's because of the limited mindset, they just limit themselves to dream and imagine. Into something just like different and radical and, and especially when we become adults or when we get married or when we have a family, we just become so accustomed to just like the mundane and just like not trying to strive and do something different. And so what would you tell like a Latina specifically, because these are the, my listeners here and viewers, what would you tell her to just like. Dream big and like consider other opportunities that perhaps it's kind of in the back of their mind, but they're not willing to just like proceed. What would you say to that?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 9:16

Yeah, I would just say definitely don't be scared. Don't let fear paralyze you. Um, it's normal to be scared. It's normal to be nervous and, you know, to not be sure about taking that leap of faith. But, um. I always say to my son, I tell him with any new journey that he wants to take on, I'm like, fail faster, honestly.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 9:39

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 9:39

get it outta the way, because that is how you're gonna learn,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 9:42

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 9:43

mistakes, by falling, by failing. So the faster you fail at it, the faster you're gonna get better. So, you know, if you, if you fall in your face, if you, uh, make a mistake, if you have to start over, like. That is how we learn. So don't let fear paralyze you into making those steps that you want to take into going to that dream place, to getting that dream job. Just faster. You will get there sooner. So

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 10:11

Mm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 10:12

don't let fear paralyze you. Mm-hmm.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 10:15

you know, I was just putting that good example on our kids and even like our parents too, because when, you know, I can only speak on my in-laws, they're the ones that have that mindset of like. Still believing that Mexico is like an impoverished country, gay, you know? And, and I get it because they had to flee their country out of survival. And now with us, like we have that privilege, but we, we also, it's a part of that dream that our family always wanted to, for, to achieve, right? In terms of us choosing where we would wanna go and where we would wanna stay. And so I think that is also inspirational to also be that example, I would say, especially for our family members that limit themselves too. And also believing that no, you know,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 11:13

Mm-hmm.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 11:13

I think that's one of the things that I don't know, like I believe that there's a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings about that. They still, I. See it as like, like what? And so I don't know if you had any reactions with family members, friends, colleagues, I dunno about your, your husband's like family too. How did that look like?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 11:38

we definitely have, you know, those comments and. Um, doubts from, from family members, from friends, community members. And, um, but I would just say definitely don't let, um, people's opinions just stop you from doing what you want to do, because everybody's gonna have an opinion no matter what you do, if you stay, if you leave, if you leave temporarily, like. You know, so why not just do what, what you want? What makes you happy? So, and I understand the dynamic,'cause at first my parents also were a little, like, hesitant. They were like, Hmm. You know, they were like, because yeah, like they, they, like you said, they fled the country, um, during the time that they needed to. And, um. And I had to tell them, like, mom, a lot has changed. There's a lot of opportunities and a lot of changes and um, you know, you gotta give it a chance. And just like there's good and bad areas in the us there's good and bad areas in Mexico. So,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 12:51

Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 12:51

it's not a monolith. Um, the whole country is, is very diverse. There's, there's so many different areas and states and climates and everything, so. you know, and if you find a way, you can make a way and, um, now my parents are gonna be joining me in a couple months,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 13:10

Nice.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 13:10

they were able to like, you know, open their eyes a little bit to that and, and realize that, hey, it's, you know, there are opportunities now. And that it's, it's not like it was. And, um, and yeah, so definitely don't let people scare you. Um, and don't listen to the news all the time because there's a lot of fear mongering, there's a lot of misinformation and, um, there's a reason why they don't want you to leave the

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 13:36

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 13:36

want you to pay them taxes to Uncle Sam. So,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 13:39

Yep.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 13:40

you know, we can really go there. But yeah, like I would just say, you know, see it for yourself and talk to people who are actually here. And we've been here for almost April, it's gonna be a year. So we're, we're going on a year. And, um, I honestly feel happier, safer, healthier, better in many ways here.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 14:00

Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 14:01

so yeah. Mm-hmm.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 14:02

awesome. Yeah, no, I'm glad that you mentioned that. Yeah. And considering just like what's going on in the us like we, we left in July, uh, from Chicago to, to Leon Guanajuato, and. The timing couldn't be perfect, to be honest. Like I, and, and a lot of people were like, oh, since this I don't mention this man's name. Like, you know, it's not even worth mentioning.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 14:31

The orange

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 14:32

Yes. The orange Cheeto Uhhuh. Yep. That's, yep, that's true. Um, a lot of people. Like, thought that that was kind of like my reaction, our reaction to flee the US and I was like, no. Like, you know, there, you know, we had talked about this like months ago and, and in fact two years, like prior, we also stayed in Mexico for a month during my husband's, uh, parental leave. Uh,'cause he was able to split like the amount of weeks that he was given. And so when our baby was like eight months, like, you know, he was able to take that time off. And so we came here for like over four weeks and we fell in love with it. And we were like, oh my gosh, what if we do end up like moving to Mexico? And so every single like step that we took moving forward, uh, we decided to leave. But now that I think about it, I'm like, like the timing couldn't be perfect for us to just like not be in the US right now. And especially as a family, like I. I also feel safe here. My, my kids feel safe. Like my kids are being kids, like their childhood is so much different than America's children right now. It's so different than the way that we grew up too.'cause even though we grew up in the nineties, right? Like. Um, we were kind of in that generation where you couldn't be outside for too long, you know, something can happen. And, and growing up, up in Chicago, like you, you had to be street smart, you know, and so. And now my kids can just like be outside like literally every day. Like we don't even have a horrible, like our winter right now, the winter here in Mexico is like spring for us right now, especially coming from Chicago. So I think it's, it's also seeing it from the other side and just allowing. Yourself, the opportunity to, you know, just like drink big, I think, and, and kind of doing it for your, your family, for your own health. And I think in the status right now that the US is in, I mean, honestly like I've received so many requests and questions and dms about like, I also wanna move abroad. Like I also wanna move to Mexico. And so. Obviously this is a big leap that many families take, that many people take. But for you, Carina, like what was one of the hardest parts in your transition, um, personally that, you know, that made it kind of difficult, and what ended up being easier than you expected?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 17:14

Um, I would say the hardest part about it was facing the fact that I wouldn't be right there with my family anymore, like close to them because we're, we're so tight knit, you know? I see. Some of them we're very like. Anos and for birthday parties, inna like everything. We see each other, you know, once a week, basically every weekend there's a party. Um, so just facing the fact that like, I wouldn't be there as much with them. I think that was the, the hardest thing for us. Um, and, and especially with my, my son, like I grew up a or my son grew up with me being a single mom.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 17:53

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 17:54

um, up until, uh, later on when my son was like 14, 13, no, 13 that I met my now husband. So for 13 years I was a single mom and my parents were like his second parents. Like my dad was like his dad figure. So, um, not having them together I think was the hardest part for me to like face the fact like, Hey, they're not gonna be down the street anymore. Hey, we're not gonna. You know, just be able to get up and go any day. Um, so that was a challenge. But honestly, um, it was good for us in a way. And it's kind of difficult to explain it because I don't want it to be like, oh, but she's happier without us, you know? No, it's not that. But it definitely challenged us in a way that was good for us. In the long run,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 18:46

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 18:47

we proved to ourselves, we could do it like without the help, without the assistance, without dependability or codependence from anybody. Like branching out on our own and realizing like, Hey, we could freaking do this

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 19:03

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 19:04

Like, you know, and we're not that far. Yeah. But, um, us, that's far.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 19:13

Mm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 19:14

um, so I think that was the hardest part for me. But once we were like maybe a month to three months in without physically being there, were like, Hey, like we're doing the damn thing. Like we're doing it. And I feel like so empowered and

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 19:29

Mm

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 19:29

resilient and strong. And then also it became a learning lesson for my son and I told him instead of. F of approaching it with fear, I, I approached it as a challenge.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 19:41

mm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 19:42

Hey, we're gonna learn something different and it's gonna be, you are gonna get to practice your Spanish more. You're gonna make new friends, you get to explore a new town. You get to see new, new events, new food, new people. Like this is so exciting. Like, you know, so I think that's another thing as well that people have the fear of is, you know, with their children or traveling or moving with small children, how are they gonna do it? And I always tell them, you know what? Kids are more resilient than us.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 20:07

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 20:08

are so strong and like, um, yes it is something to consider. Obviously, you know, you wanna move with care, but at the end of the day, like I think it's made us stronger and, um, it ended up being a positive in the long run.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 20:21

okay, so I didn't know that your son was, is a teenager, so. How was that transition? Because you have no idea how many moms reach out to me and they're like, oh yeah, I wanna move to Mexico Piro, my kid is this age. And it's gonna be so hard for them. Like, I can't move because my kids already have their friends or my kid's already in school. So can you kind of like give us some tidbits about that and, and your opinion about moving abroad with your teenagers?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 20:49

Yeah, so my son is, uh, 15 and a half. He's almost gonna be 16, so he needs to get his driver's license too, which I can't believe it. Um, so yeah, he's huge. He, he's like over six foot tall. looks like he should pay taxes by now, but, um, I'm so proud of him. He's such an amazing kid. Um, but yes, I get the same question as well. A lot of just like, you know, he's, my kids are teenagers or they're in high school, or like, I don't wanna rip him apart. And, um, I know that this is gonna sound like harsh, but. My kid didn't have a choice, and I was like, I know what's best for you. Like at the end of the day, I am the parent and along with, you know, my husband and we know what's best and we do everything that we do for you

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 21:41

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 21:42

better our family. And um, you know, that's like putting it in a funny way. But at the end of the day, we do know what's best because. I know for a fact that we lived in fear not knowing if dropping off our son at high school was the last time I would see him due to a school pew, pew. And,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 22:01

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 22:02

you know, and not knowing like, you know, with the deportations going on and the raids, if that was the last time he was gonna see me just being racially profiled. Um, the amount of car accidents and road rage that there is in, in Arizona specifically was insane. Like my nervous system was always up here. So can't be a good mom in that environment. I can't flourish and I can't reach my potential and neither can he. And so, um, you know, we, we moved and it was hard, but, um, at the end of the day, like it's only made us better. It's only made him him better. made so many friends. Now here he goes to,'cause he's a fighter, he does MMA and

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 22:46

cool.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 22:46

yeah, so he joined a gym here. So right away we found one a community where he can like, you know, uh, dive into and, and make friends. And so right away he made friends. And his Spanish is like, so much better. Like he's. Ordering by himself, the foods. He's talking to his friends in Spanish. He's, know, talking to little girls in Spanish and I'm just like, oh my God, I'm so proud of you. But watch out. But yeah, so like at the end of the day, we made the decision that we know is best for him. But thankfully my son received it in a good way. He was like the first one to pack his bags. He was like, I'm ready. I'm excited. Like. You know, because we approached it to him in an exciting, challenging way rather than with fear.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 23:34

I love it. Uh, I love it. I keep thinking of that commercial back in like, I don't know, when I was like a little girl. It was, you know, and I think,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 23:46

Yep.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 23:47

and I think, yeah, we're just being the Mama Bears and, and. I think that is a big influence, um, for me also, that we did this move because of our kids, for them to have a, like I said, a different childhood than they, than we did, but also for them to really be proud of who they are. Um, because nowadays, like the USB canceling everything. History books, like everything. And so I'm like, no, what a better way to just like, um, fully immerse your kids into like the motherland where their ancestors come from. Osa. So kudos to you. Like, that's amazing.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 24:26

Yes. Thank you. You as well.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 24:31

So let's shift our conversation to the thing that I consider you like an expert in. And, and that is. Remote work and, and really how to empower, um, Latinas to, to consider this because again, we often think pretty limited when it comes to that. Or people just freak the hell out. They're like, well, I can't leave my job. Like, there I have no other options. And. And I've shared this in another episode with my husband in our Living in Mexico series as part of the podcast, and we shared that there are ways to find employment, there are ways to make money, um, but with you specifically, like you focus on the remote work life aspect. And so, yeah, just share it like what really inspired you to like, you know, shift your content into this as well. Um, and in creating a community on Discord, which I'm a part of. Guilty. Um, so yeah. Can you tell us like what inspired you to, to do this?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 25:35

Yeah. So, um, I think it was just, it started because it was just like a frequent, frequently asked question. People were like, how did you do it? You know, how can I do it? And, um, I would just always say like, on my TikTok, like, I'm gonna spill the tea. Like, I'm gonna tell you how it is, no gatekeeping, you know, because I think it's so important right now to not gatekeep to share and to support each other as much as possible. Um, especially with what's going on, you know, with the deportations. With the raids. Like people need to find realistic actual options to be able to move and come back and repatriate to the homeland. So. Um, that's really how it started. It's just a lot of people asking me questions, just wanting to know how I did it, and then also me sharing like specifics. Like I was getting into the nitty gritty of like, you know, I'm using a VPN, like, so what arrest me? Like, you know, people are, some people are like, how dare you? This is not ethical, and oh my goodness, it is not safe. And I'm like, ma'am. Let's not talk about ethical right now. Do you know what's going on? People are like, you know, being unli for just existing. I don't wanna talk about ethical. Like if we still live in a society where. are still becoming billionaires off the backs of people. Like, don't, don't come to me with ethical.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 26:56

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 26:56

um, I'm just very much like a community advocate first and just about, so any way that I can help them, I will. And um, yeah, I just started sharing like how I did it and then also the bumps in the road.'cause it's not a straight line to success that you're gonna have. It's trial and error. Trial and error, figuring out what VPNs work. out how to tailor your resume to find a specifically remote job. You know, using your resources like Chad, GBT, do what you gotta do. So, um, I've shared like at times even like, hey. I got caught using my VPN, like, who wants story time? And I would tell people like, what happened? I got fired, you know, hey, your girl bounced back. And I ended up getting two remote jobs, one that pays in Mexican pesos and ones that pays in

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 27:45

Yes.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 27:46

much dual citizen shipping to the max. And, um, yeah, so I, I, it just became with, it just started off with me genuinely telling my story, not gatekeeping. Spilling the tea. And then a lot of people just the was like, whoa. I was blown away by the amount of people that would message me and just like they needed resources. And that's why I was like, I'm very much an entrepreneurial, so if I find a, a need or demand for something, like I'm gonna figure it out. So I started doing a, an ebook. I did a workshop. Um, and I always, always try to make it affordable as much as I can. Um, but at the same time, respecting my work and the time and dedication it takes to provide these resources. So very much like, you know, I try to balance that line and, um, yeah, like for my workshop, I have a, a pay what you can, um, basis. So base literally anything, a dollar and up is acceptable.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 28:44

Right.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 28:45

want money to be the reason why people are not getting the resources that they need. Um, so yeah, it just came out from that and I'm always gonna be. A community, community advocate first before anything.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 28:58

That's awesome. Yeah, and I think it's a really cool way to, you know, keep a community of people that. Are kind of in the same boat as you were, you know, as far as like living in Mexico, being a dual citizen, being eligible to work in either countries. And what I specifically love is that you are now supporting entrepreneurs who are either self deporting or being deported and they need assistance. Um, with additional help. Can you kind of explain to us a little bit more about that?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 29:35

Yeah, definitely. So. Part of the resources that I offer. Like for example, like I mentioned the workshop, um, I created a one hour workshop and I did a live presentation and I recorded it so anybody can have access to it. And I share basically all, all that you need to know when coming back, um, how to get your in, um, how to find remote work, housing, um, and even the mental load

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 30:01

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 30:01

to coming back. So I, I. Said a little poem or letter, letter at the very end to everybody in the meeting. And I was like, Hey, as much as this is like logistics, it's also mental and emotional and like nobody talks about that toll of coming back. And so, um, you know, just guiding them through the, through their journey back. Um, that's my workshop. And then I also have, as you mentioned, the discord where we share remote work. And nowadays there's so many scams, girl, there's so many like. I have like 10 more than 10 accounts on TikTok impersonating me. So if anybody knows about scams, it's me. I know. And, um, so that's why I created this like, you know, specific space out aside outside of social media, outside of TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, where people know it's a safe space and we monitor it, we keep it safe. Uh, we only share remote work positions that are legit. Um, not scams, not Bitcoin, not crypto. Um, you know, not no, no, um, or anything like that. And, um, yeah, so that's another resource that we provide as well. And, and in there we have different channels with, um, resources for, um, resume help and we now offer the service to be able to revamp your resume.'cause a lot of times people are just like, Hey, Carina, I'm applying, I'm applying, I'm applying, and I'm not hearing nothing back. N nine times outta 10, it's your

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 31:28

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 31:28

And people haven't updated it in like 10 to 15 years and it's like a lot has moved, A lot has shifted. And so we try to get people to, um, you know, stay updated and, and maximize their opportunities to get remote work, both, either with whether it's a USA job or a Mexico job. Um, and, and then I also have a need guide, uh, if somebody wants it on physical paper where they can, um. Find resource resources on moving back the documents they need and everything in between.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 31:59

Yeah. That's awesome. I love it. I love it. I think it's amazing. Like you said, you know, there's a lot of scammers, there's a lot of just like things that you find online that really take advantage of like people, and especially when it comes to our community where. You know, for the most part we're, we're being intentional in our move to Mexico. I think for us it's like you said, like we are repatriating, we are wanting to get back to our cultural roots, you know, the, the motherland and where our family came from. And for others it's because out of fear, they're returning back, but they don't know where to go from here. And I love it that your community is very intentional. Like it's like our people if you'll, you know, whereas when you look at other. Bloggers, other influencers or content creators like you, it's very gatekeeping in a way that it's for those that come out of privilege and they wanna be expats, and I hate that word. Uh,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 33:08

Me too.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 33:11

and, and their purpose is just to have this luxury, this luxurious life. And, you know, when it comes to those different types of communities, what makes your like discord and your community unique to the other communities that are just like giving resources to expats that are just kind of trying to colonize our countries, but just saying.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 33:36

Yeah. That part. Say it louder. Um, yes, it is a very difficult girl because it's very much like, I've struggled with this. I've really gone back and forth because I'm like, I, I could really make so much money, so much more money, um, if I just really like, you know, people and gave them like courses to like anybody and just, um, you know. Anybody and everybody, but my audience is specifically, and I always say it is specifically for Mexican citizens who are coming back and their families who are coming back and, um, either through deportation, voluntary relocation, or just self deportation. Um, so I'm not here to, you know, live that expat life or I'm not here to help them or further their. Agenda or anything. Um, and it's, it's been really hard because I'm like, damn. Like, what am I, what am I gonna do? I'm gonna ask them to like, know, see their birth certificate when they buy my course. Or you know, it's been like, how do I do this? So it's been really difficult

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 34:47

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 34:48

today, like, you know, because I, I'm, I'm trying to move with care,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 34:52

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 34:53

like, you know, not trying to be gatekeeper, but also at the same time, I understand the. The, the consequences of um, you know, people who are not of this land to come here and gentrify or, you know, to bring the same type of hate that's found in the US to Mexico. So it's like, I don't wanna contribute to that. And I've been very open, um, open and vocal about that. I even made a video of, not viral, but it got traction and it was of me crying because I was like, oh my God, where do we fit along this? And I don't know if you felt like that,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 35:27

Hmm

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 35:27

like. Like you know, of this land. And, um, I'm a Mexican born citizen, but I was raised in the States. And the

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 35:39

mm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 35:39

of the matter is the culture is different whether we, you know, want to accept it or not. And, um, coming back was my Spanish and people could tell, like, you know, oh, or whatever they want to call

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 35:53

Is that like a,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 35:54

whatever, you know, this, And so it's like, where do we fit?

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 35:59

mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 35:59

think that's where it comes in of the home. of like, oh no, someone know, someone like, yeah, but I'm like, yeah. And so trying to like spin that in a way where we take back our power and don't allow people to, um, tell us where we belong, that to be something we cling for ourselves. So I'm curious to see if you've experienced that or how you feel about that

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 36:24

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Like I've shared this and, and there's was this, um, pretty viral video about people have told us that we are gentrifier. This came from. For the most part, people that are not from Mexico. But then again, the comments say otherwise, like, it's just a mix of reactions, a mix of opinions, and yeah, that put me thinking a lot. Like, you know, and we had, I had this episode and conversation with my husband who was on the show for this whole series, the Living in Mexico, that, you know, are we really gentrifying? I think that it all just depends on what part of Mexico you end up living. Like we live in Leone, and Leone is notorious for, it's notoriously known for old money, like it's a very wealthy city. If. If your family came from advantages, and you are obviously like a trust fund baby, like that's how I imagine people here in my like age range. Like they're like, oh yeah, they're like the trust fund babies back in the, in the us And so technically I don't believe that we are gentrifier, porque. First of all, my parents came from a Rancho, like in Guanajuato, like they came from nothing. And there's reasons why they had to flee their country to go to the US and prosper. And in some level of prosperity, like I'm not saying we're hella rich. No, we're not. And so now we're in this neighborhood where they're like, oh, our next door neighbor's a dentist. The other one's a doctor, a surgeon. And I'm like, well, I'm first gen. Like I barely made it through, but hey, guess what? Like I'm earning USD and I probably make the same amount. Money as you do. And so it's just so complex and it's so, I don't know, it, it just, when you really think about it, like I go into like this cluster fog of like my thoughts just running through it and I'm, I. But at the end of the day, I'm like, no. Like I deserve to be here. My family deserves to be here. And first of all, we don't speak English outside of this like home because we gotta respect our language, Damien, we have to basically assimilate to La ura, Mexico, which is very different. Not to mention government offices and bureaucracy is so different, you know? And that's something that we need to abide to, but. Like, yeah, it, it's such a, I don't know. It, it's so complex and I always welcome those kind of comments, OSA, because it's interesting whether, if they really know the true Mexico and whether if they know my story. Um, and yeah, I welcome that criticism and everything, but at the end of the day, you know, we, there was a purpose and reason why we came here, so I don't know what you think. Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 39:25

definitely get it. I definitely understand it is a whole like, ah, just mess. And, um, just so many dynamics, so many layers to like peel back and just, yeah, it's a lot. Um. at the end of the day, like what I will say is the only hate I've ever received about being a, or a Novo or something is online.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 39:49

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 39:49

in person

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 39:50

No.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 39:51

come up to me and be like, I do never, never, like, never have I ever experienced that in person, like. If anything, like they love us here. Like, you know, we've made great friends. The, the restaurant owners where we go to all the time, like everybody has just been nothing but the, the maintenance people, like the repairmen, like whoever they love us, like

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:15

Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 40:16

court and they ne they don't see us any different. And if anything they'll

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:20

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 40:26

and like, you know, we have a great time. So it's like.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:30

Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 40:30

have to remember, there are a lot of like bot farms and a lot of like bots that just

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:36

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 40:36

the comments, just trying to add like disagreements and

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:39

Yes.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 40:40

And so I, I think not, yeah. Or they're just like bots. So, um, yeah, like I just have to remember that, that like at end of day the internet's the internet and

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:51

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 40:51

real life in person is what matters. And, and, um, I try to protect my mental health as much as possible.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 40:57

Yes, absolutely. Amen. Amen. Yeah, we can't focus on them.'cause Yeah, at the end of the day, like we know our reasons and, you know, purpose in terms of why we made the decision to, to leave and, and I love it for you too. Um, yeah, and then you've been very outspoken, especially considering today's times and just helping the community. Um, I really appreciate. That about you? You know, I have a question specifically about like, for a mama that's thinking about, making this shift, perhaps they're like, okay, well maybe I have a specific goal and moving by such date with my family, but perhaps the one thing holding her back is like a job and finding money, what are some realistic steps, they can take in making this move of reality?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 41:46

There's so many ways you can approach this actually, because, um, there's obviously the typical like nine to five that you can find remote work, um, which is what PE people typically gravitate to. And they want that like job security, which is totally understandable. Um, but there's so many other ways to make money as well. Um, I think that we're just taught that that's the only way, but

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 42:08

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 42:09

um, there's also 10 99 opportunities, like contractor positions that you could take on. Um, and I, I prefer that actually it provides more flexibility. Um, but if you wanna just start somewhere from scratch is definitely keep your resume updated. Um, you know, like I mentioned, we offer those services, so if anybody needs those services, you can email me and we offer them very affordable, literally like 20 bucks. That's it. You know, we're,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 42:37

Girl,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 42:37

help. Yeah. It's like we will help you and we're, we're

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 42:41

it's amazing.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 42:42

the community so. so yeah, definitely if you need resume revamp services, let us know. And then also, um, you honestly have to be think outside the box or like find ways because um, like I said, I'm very much entrepreneurial and I will always find a way and make a way. I always say I thrive anywhere I go. So that's how my parents always taught me to be. And um, and yeah, and like, like for example, when I got here, social media, just, you know, I started posting and then I started getting deals, um, brand deals, um, in person. Like I did, um, videos for insurance company here in in Mexico who were seeing my videos and, you know, uh, they wanted to expand their audience so. That, uh, I worked with real estate agents, um, yeah, just till today, like, you know, we get brand deals and stuff, so there's ways you can make money through social media, um, just by, uh, negotiating, just going in person saying, Hey, do you guys need ENG English classes?

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 43:50

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 43:50

do you guys need assistance? Um, there's so many ways to go about it. So you can either make money on your own and become a, a business owner, which a lot of people do here in Mexico. Everybody, their mom is, has a business. So, you know, you can do that if you want to do that. Or if you want to get a nine to five or do a 10 99 contractor, you could definitely do that as well. Um, but don't limit yourself. Don't think that, you know, there's only one way to do it. There's so many ways to do it. And, um, yeah, I'm here to just help in any way that I can.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 44:23

Yeah, that's awesome. And I'll make sure to share all of the resources that you offer, uh, so that my listeners and viewers can directly click on those links because you offer. Just amazing amount of, uh, resources and just like the community that you're building. I mean, I, I think I was like one of the first few people and then bam, like it just grew and it's amazing. It's amazing. So kudos to you. Um, yeah, and I really love this advice. I think it's, you know, it's in our blood, right? To like hustle and to find ways. To, you know, put food at the table. Like, that's, that's just who we are told me, you know, so like. You know, I think it's that limited mindset that oftentimes it gets to us, like that scarcity mindset and, and I think it's just a matter of letting that go and knowing that you're going into a different country that is more of that like positive, you know, abundance type mindset that we're those Mexican entran, you know? And,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 45:40

Mm-hmm.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 45:41

and that's a way to, to see it for sure. Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 45:44

Yeah, definitely. It, it's not gonna, it's not always, like I said, rainbows and

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 45:49

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 45:49

and easy and stuff. But it's so worth it. And honestly, I would do it 10 times over. Um, you know, and, um, I'm just much, he healthier, happier here in peace. And so I'd rather like be here and like try to figure it out as like oh. Than to maybe have a nine to five over there, but I'm just like, miserable.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 46:09

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 46:11

yeah, that's

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 46:11

Yeah.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 46:12

I see it.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 46:13

Yeah. The essence of time is definitely different here. Like people still work, like it's not vacation here. I think that just being in a different environment and, and just like the way that people move their days, like literally, it's almost like that sloth where it's like, oh yeah, I'm like intuitively, like in my.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 46:34

here. And I, and you know what, I love it though, because it's just like, um, nobody's in a rush all

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 46:42

No.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 46:42

Like it is just, and like for example, you go to the DITA and, and I would look it up on Google Maps and be like, oh, it says it open site. I would be there at eight. Nothing's open. And I'm like, it says on Google Maps that they open like, I don't know. And then they would stroll in like 10, 15 minutes later and or I called, I was like, excuse me, are you guys open? And

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 47:06

Oh

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 47:06

see,

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 47:07

my gosh.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 47:09

and blah, blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, oh, okay. But it's just like, you know what? I love it because it's just people take their time. Like

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 47:17

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 47:17

it is. And um. There's even a dicho about it. I can't remember, but it's something about it and, um, it's just, it's just a different way of living, but it forces you to just live in the present

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 47:30

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 47:31

accept, like, that you can't control any outsourced out outward like and just, um, it's just you and like in that moment. So it's definitely like, let me live more in the present.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 47:46

Yes. Oh, love it. Love it. Well, Karina, I have one final question for you, and that is my Viva Ami questions that I ask my guests. how are you redefining Madre Hood?

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 48:03

Ooh, that's a good question. I would just say that, I'm doing it my way, like I. Break traditions, I break norms and sometimes people don't understand it or don't agree with it or have their opinions, but at the end of the day, like I'm doing what makes me happy, what makes what works for my family. And I know that specifically in like Mexican households our communities, it's very much like. You know, this is the way that we've done it and this is the way that it has to be. And if you don't show up for Christmas and blah, blah blah, like, you know, that comes with it, the guilt. I'm

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 48:44

Hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 48:45

you know what? Like I'm taking what works for us and leaving what doesn't.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 48:49

Mm-hmm.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 48:50

And that's okay to make your own traditions. It's okay to, um, formulate your own happiness and go against the norm. So I think that's how I'm doing it.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 49:02

Yes. I love it. I love it. Well, you know, where can people connect with you or follow you if they haven't done so yet, which they should. Um, and that way you can share folks where to, to follow your journey.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 49:17

Yeah, you guys can find me on Instagram, on TikTok, YouTube and Facebook at Karina Life in Mexico. And remember, it's just garina life in Mexico. No spaces, no nothing. Don't get scammed by the bots they're trying to impersonate me. So it's just garina life in Mexico.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 49:36

Awesome. Well, Carina, thank you so much for taking the time to be here with us. You've shared really great nuggets, and hopefully this can inspire many Latinas and especially Latina mamas to, to just like do it, to just like move somewhere outside of the US because it is not, it's not good right now, so,

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 49:59

Thank you for having me. I appreciate all, all the work that you do.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 50:02

oh.

squadcaster-9i86_1_01-27-2026_190620 50:03

as well, and I'm a fan.

jessica_1_01-27-2026_200638 50:05

Oh, thank you.