98 (English) Peruvian Adoption & Identity with Brooklyn Warmi

Elena is an Andean adoptee from Peru. Her family is from Puno, Peru, though she was born and adopted from Lima. Elena was adopted during the Fujimori regime right after Alan Garcia was out of office. Finding community has been a long journey. Reconnecting with her biological family has given Elena a sense of connection back to Peru. Elena is raising an Afro-Indigenous daughter whom she adores. Her daughter is the reason Elena loves her people and community that much harder. Elena wants her daughter to have representation as she grows up and to see the beauty in our people. Learning to accept that adoption IS part of the diaspora has been liberating. Elena has found herself within a community that is accepting and understanding. If you find yourself in Azángaro, Puno, Peru – check out Elena’s mom’s restaurant called, Solé. El saborcito criollo.

Connect with ElenaConnect with Elena via IG ⁠⁠@brooklynwarmidesigns⁠⁠

In this episode:

  • How ⁠Brooklyn Warmi Designs⁠ jewelry is helping the Peruvian diaspora reconnect with their indigeneity, honor our ancestors, and connect with each other

  • Elena’s adoption story, identity crisis, and choosing community above all else 

  • Elena’s advice to people thinking about adopting and how it’s a lifetime commitment to healing 

  • Shoutouts to fellow Peruvian creators and small business owners, such as ⁠Black Flowers Grow⁠, ⁠Love Supay⁠, ⁠Cholita Nuyorquina⁠, ⁠So Sweet by Michelle⁠,  ⁠T's Designs⁠, and ⁠photographer Bonny Melendez⁠.


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99 (español) Gastronomía peruana, más que sabor, un patrimonio

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97 (English) Valentine's Special: Falling a love with a Peruvian & Navigating Cultural Differences