Catalina González
“The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to ‘DO IT anyway’”
Catalina González
Country of Origin: Colombia
Occupation: Social Entrepreneur and Entertainer. State of Residency: VIC. Favourite place in Australia: Perth, Byron Bay, Adelaide, East Coast, Grampians & Wilsons Prom. Upon arrival: Surprised by Australians teaching me how to dance.
By Trini Abascal
Catalina is the Co-Founder and Co-Director at Mosaik Experiences - a Social Enterprise that brings authentic cultural experiences to Australia. She is also a Team leader and Mentor at Party with LATINAS - a community of Zumba instructors that brings happiness to people all ages and abilities at schools, gyms, private and community events. She has produced and participated at several fundraising events and helped raise thousands of dollars for various projects in Australia and Latin America.
TELL US YOUR STORY
A series of events brought me to Australia (I believe it was meant to be). I was working as Marketing Director for an Engineering Company and “I had it all” (a supportive and loving family, a couple of degrees, a good job, a beautiful car, a very good boyfriend, amazing friends, an active/healthy lifestyle, a fun social life, etc.), but I felt that something was missing. I knew that there was something else “out there” for me. I always dreamed about travelling around the world, working/volunteering overseas, being famous for something and performing on a stage. But, at the time, I didn’t see it possible.
Cata with her “Zumba Gold” groups
Inspired by one of my friends who went to study English in England, I started my plan to go overseas. My first idea was Italy, then London, then New Zealand and finally I chose Australia (Initially Brisbane but ended up in Melbourne). I arrived in Melbourne in July 2009 to study Tourism, one of my biggest passions. While studying, I applied to 100+ jobs in customer service. I was lucky enough to have a very good level of English, so some of my applications were successful and I started working at Moto GP, Grand Prix and many other fun events. In October 2009 I started working as a Porter at the Hilton on the Park Hotel, where I performed several roles for 5 years. Upon my arrival, I also applied for a job as a dance teacher for primary school kids (I have been dancing since I was little and I come from a family of teachers, so I thought I could be a good dance teacher). They gave me a job, which I kept for a year or so. Later on, I learned how to dance and teach many Latin rhythms and I was part of a beautiful and supportive community (mainly Australian) for two years.
In August 2010, I became a certified Zumba Instructor. I met my Zumba mentors Angelica and Esther when I was planning a Zumbathon event for Colombia. We had so much fun together that we started Party with LATINAS. We produce Zumba events, participate at community events and support each other to fulfill our purpose to use dancing as a vehicle to bring happiness and a more active lifestyle to kids and adults. After 6 years of teaching multiple Zumba classes per week for adults and kids, I started feeling physically drained and my knees started to weaken. I decided to focus on “Zumba gold”, a lower intensity program for active older adults. My work is now focused on older adults and people with disabilities. It is extremely rewarding!
In 2014 I met Karina Ojeda. We realized that we both wanted to create a business where we would promote our Latin culture and, at the same time, fulfill a social purpose. We started Mosaik Experiences, a Social Enterprise aiming to inspire a sense of community and belonging by immersing people in the rich Latin Culture. We offer authentic and participative experiences that include several elements of the Latin culture: music, dance, arts & craft, food and language. Today, Karina and I continue building and growing our social enterprise aiming to achieve a higher impact focusing on older adults and people with disabilities. On a personal level, I am now focused on finding a balance in my well-being: health, love and harmony. I am constantly looking for ways to keep fulfilling my purpose to invest my time and energy doing what I love with the people that I love and make a positive impact. My mission is to inspire people to find their inner joy to better connect with themselves and others.
CHALLENGES
Cata performing as part of “Latinas” at the Johnston Street Fiesta
Making the decision - Should I stay, or should I go? For the first 3 years in Australia I struggled with the decision of staying or going back to Colombia. In 2012, I finally decided to apply for Permanent Residency and studied an MBA in Marketing. After a very long, physically, mentally and emotionally challenging process, I became a Permanent Resident in 2015 and a citizen in 2016. However, I still feel a big desire to go back home. I really miss my friends and family.
Relationships - I am blessed because I am surrounded by lots of love from my friends, my community and my family, but finding a fulfilling long-lasting relationship hasn’t been easy for me.
Health issues - My journey has been an exciting roller coaster of emotions, learning and growth; but it hasn’t always been easy. I have struggled with mental health issues, from which I have learned significantly and which have inspired me to help others prevent them and overcome them.
CONTRASTS
Family values - In Latin America family is at the top of the value ladder. We live with our parents for a long time and have closer relationships with our entire family. We have a community-based culture. In Australia people leave their homes and gain independence at an early age, which may affect their bond with their parents and family. People seem to be more independent.
Diversity - I love the diversity of backgrounds, languages, food, abilities, ages, and so on, that I have found in Australia. I believe it makes people more open minded and receptive. In our countries we may not find that much variety and I believe it can make us slightly close minded.
Being yourself - In Australia people can be whoever they want to be. People are not identified for their upbringing or their current occupation and they can always re-invent themselves. In Latin countries, we need a degree to get a job and starting/changing careers is not as easy. I find the flexible work/life balance in Australia a great advantage.
PIECE OF ADVICE
Feel the fear and do it - This concept (and the book) has changed my life. We live our lives regretting our past or being fearful about a future outcome (often negative). The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to “DO IT anyway”! It doesn’t need to be perfect! You just need to start, keep going, keep learning, and not letting anyone discourage you. Follow your passion, believe in yourself, and you’ll notice that you can do it!
Open your mind - Be open to new points of view, beliefs, ways of living, languages, cultures, traditions, food, etc. Be open to learn and explore and be humble in the process.
There are no failures - Every setback is an opportunity to learn from the experience and improve. Yes, we may feel awful at times, but we only get back up stronger and wiser. When you feel like there is no way out, seek help. It is OK to ask for help. Find the way to support others. Be kind to yourself and others!
Cata and Mosaik’s team at the Victoriam Seniors Festival, 2019
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS…
Catalina plans to continue working towards a more consolidated Social Enterprise that provides work opportunities to many artists and creates an impact on thousands of people in Australia and Latin America. She wants to become a public speaker and mentor who inspires and empowers new generations of social entrepreneurs who want to create a better world. She will also like to find the love of her life!