A Personal Note 

Hola — I’m so glad you stopped by!

Serenata Paper Co started as a little dream full of color, heart, and a whole lot of love for making things that feel meaningful and beautiful.

Let me take you back to where it all began.

Where It All Began

It actually started right after I came home from the hospital. I had suffered a concussion just before Halloween in 2018, and it took me a long time to recover. I landed in ER beds several times over the next few years. And as cozy as they are—with the option to raise your head and press a button for a toasty, pre-warmed blanket—when you do something too often... well, you get sick of it. (Pun fully intended.)

That day, though, I was sick of being sick. I needed to do something different. I needed a job, but I wasn’t well enough to go out and find one. So I turned to the internet and started looking for ways to work from home.

After hours of searching, I stumbled upon the magical world of Pinterest and read stories of stay-at-home moms who built creative businesses from scratch. My situation was different—I was still sick, and no doctor could figure out why I wasn’t recovering from a concussion that seemed minor at first. Much later, I was finally diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that had been triggered by the concussion.

Back then, I still felt far from better. But I knew that if I was going to do something, it had to be something I loved—and something I was good at. I jumped right in.

I had been an artist for many years, painting mostly in acrylic on canvas. But now I started experimenting digitally—creating dinner menu printables, journals, and planners. It took me so many hours to learn the tools I thought I needed, especially Adobe Illustrator. I watched every tutorial I could find. Slowly, the designs started stacking up.

Through it all, I kept praying for guidance. And one day, when I was feeling discouraged with my journal designs, I had this quiet but clear impression: learn design. I didn’t really know what that meant… but I liked the sound of it.

From Dream to Decision

As luck would have it, the moment I opened my computer, I saw a post from a surface pattern designer. I had no idea such a thing existed. I mean, I knew someone had to design the patterns on fabric and paper goods—but it had never occurred to me that someone could be me.

That morning, I knew exactly what that impression meant. My journey had just jump-started.

All the Adobe Illustrator skills I had been learning (though still pretty rough!) came in handy as I dove into the world of surface pattern design. And before long, I knew: if I was going to become a freelance designer, I wanted to create my own brand.

The Challenge Begins

Becoming a freelance designer—like most things in life—comes with a mountain of challenges. It’s not just about learning new skills. It’s about fighting through self-doubt and uncertainty. At the time, it felt like the dream was too big… too far away.

On top of that, my health kept swinging wildly—some weeks I felt great, others I was completely bedridden. It often felt like I was starting over, again and again.

Progress was slow. It’s taken me longer than I’d like to get to where I am now. But persistence—despite all the setbacks—is what made the difference.

One thing that kept me pedaling forward was knowing that design was my path. I’ve always loved fabric and paper goods—my two favorite things when I’m creating something meaningful.

The Meaning of Serenata

I’m a bit of a bohemian at heart—cheesy, if you want to call it that. I’m okay with that.

I played around with different names for my brand. One thing I knew for sure: I wanted a Spanish name in there. First it was Adventures Yet to Live, then Miel Azul, and then Mili Yoxani,… but when I landed on Serenata Paper Co, it felt just right. Like a dress made just for me.

“Serenata” means “serenade” in Spanish. It reminds me of the legendary Pedro Infante and those black-and-white golden-age movies. It brings me back to my roots—mariachi bands, girls being serenaded under balconies, traditions wrapped in music and moonlight.

It doesn’t get cozier or more romantic than that.

That’s the feeling I want all of Serenata’s products to evoke—coziness, connection, tradition, warmth. A serenade in the early morning.

The First Collection & The Moment That Changed Everything

My first full collection was the Birth Flower Collection. It began as a design for t-shirts, then evolved into stamp-themed vinyl stickers, then into art prints—and I still have a few more ideas up my sleeve for that one.

But if I really think back, the moment that changed everything was in 2012, when I sold out my artwork at a Latino art show at the Kimball Art Center in Park City. That meant the world to me.

It was the moment I realized that being an artist wasn’t just a hobby for me—it was a part of who I am. It’s what helps me be my very best.

And honestly? I think everything since then has been leading to this moment—when I could finally recognize it and build something lasting from it.

Who I Create For

Just like chocolate (and I know some may argue this)… my artwork isn’t for everyone.

It’s for nature lovers. The botanical-obsessed. The homebodies. The boutique buyers. The thoughtful gift-givers.

It’s especially for those who love to tell a story—through the gifts they give, the artwork they hang, the cards they write. That’s who I create for.

What’s Next for Serenata Paper Co

Here’s a little sneak peek into what’s ahead: I’m working on releasing more art print collections, expanding my line of greeting cards, and introducing a few new products that are in the works behind the scenes.

I’d love to have you follow along and grow with me on this creative adventure—because this journey is just getting started.

Thank You — From My Studio to Yours

Thank you so much for stopping by and for taking the time to read this far. Truly.

Feel free to explore the shop, and be sure to sign up for my Wildflower Newsletter—I share exclusive goodies with my subscribers every week, and I’d love for you to be part of that cozy little community.

And hey—if you feel like it, drop a comment or message and tell me: What inspires you? What milestones are you celebrating right now? I’d love to hear your story, too.

Mili