Just a couple of months ago, I significantly changed my Instagram account, @HerBestYears. After building a community of 2,500 women in English, I decided to incorporate Spanish content. This decision was a shift in my approach and a way to reconnect with my Colombian roots and support Spanish-speaking women. The idea arose during a conversation with a friend living in Colombia. She shared her experiences with menopause and how she often felt alone in her journey. I realized that many Latina women face a great taboo when talking about age and menopause. In our cultures, these topics are considered delicate and often avoided. So, I understood that, as a bilingual woman, I was responsible for opening a space for these conversations. The transition to Spanish was not just a change in language, but a way to foster a stronger sense of community. The transition to Spanish content was challenging. I feared losing my English-speaking followers or diluting the message. However, I soon understood that this change was necessary and enriching. I began receiving messages from Spanish-speaking women thanking me for addressing often ignored topics. As I incorporated more Spanish content, I noticed a remarkable change in the community dynamics. Women began connecting more deeply, sharing their stories and experiences more openly. This exchange enriched the conversations and created a sense of belonging and support that many had been seeking. It was as if speaking in their language made them more comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions, thus strengthening the bonds between us. Breaking taboos
Talking about age and menopause among Latinas is an absolute taboo. Many women feel shame or fear when discussing these natural changes. I aim to break that silence and provide a safe space for conversation and education. Through informative posts and personal testimonials, I’ve been able to address topics such as hormonal changes and self-care during this stage of life. Each post becomes a mini lesson, where I share valuable information and invite women to share their own experiences. The power of education
Maintaining content in both languages has been a challenge and an incredible opportunity. Education has become the pillar of my content. From explaining hormonal changes to offering practical self-care advice, each post seeks to empower women to face this stage confidently. Today, @HerBestYears is more than an Instagram account; it’s a movement that celebrates women’s lives at all stages, regardless of their language. I’ve learned that our roots are a source of strength and that by embracing our complete identity, we can positively impact the lives of others. Looking to the future, I’m excited about the potential to empower more women through education and support. I’m excited about the future of this bilingual community. Every day, I’m inspired by the brave women who join the conversation, sharing their experiences and supporting each other. We are demystifying aging and empowering women to live their best years. This journey has reminded me that our voices have power. Using them to educate and support others can create significant change in our communities. So, I invite you to join this transformative conversation; together, we can make a difference and celebrate every stage of our lives with pride and joy. Recently, I had the opportunity to take this message beyond social media. The first conference I held in Barranquilla, Colombia, was a success. The enthusiastic response from the attendees confirmed that we are on the right path. Inspired by this experience, I plan to expand our reach beyond the virtual world. I’m excited to announce that, besides our online content, I will organize in-person conferences in different cities. These events will allow us to connect more personally and profoundly, creating a tangible space for mutual support and female empowerment, and a platform to celebrate the beauty of life at every stage.