MEET JACKIE
AFTER THE QUINCEAÑERA COMES A WORLD WIND JOURNEY
AMARIS WHO? THE DJ THAT HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO SPIN OUT A CAREER
SummerTime
Blues
The
Cover
Word From The Publisher...
Hey, don’t stop! Just one more try! Winning comes from learning from what didn’t go right before. I don’t like calling those times “failures” — I prefer to call them “experiences.”
People often say that if we work hard and stay dedicated, we’ll achieve anything we set our minds to. But that’s not always how things turn out. Sometimes, the end result isn’t what we imagined or wanted. What really matters is what we do before, during, and after those moments. That’s what shapes who we are.
Our character — a word we don’t hear often — is built through the ups and downs of life. If I can accept life and people’s behaviors as they come, I’ll be a much happier person. Being someone that others enjoy being around is my idea of success.
Make your life happen by not just dreaming but also taking action. Work hard, build friendships, and you’ll have an amazing journey ahead.
“May Your Best Come Your Way by Helping Others.”
Robert Guerra Sr - Publisher
Cover Model: Marianna Makeup & Hair: Belkis Stylish - Belkis Rodriguez Photographer: Robert Guerra Sr. Dress: Turi Quince Dallas
Creators our
1. Kaiya Trevino: Creative Director 2. Vanessa Rosales: Writer 3. Claudia Almaraz: Writer
4. Oralia Franco: Writer 3.
Here are some things to check on that will make your week less stressful and to insure you have a Wonderful Day
The Week Before Your Big Day
Confirm the timing with all your vendors.
Prepare placement cards based on the seating chart.
Have an emergency kit.
Make final adjustments on your dress.
Break in your Quinceanera shoes.
Rehearse your dance at the venue.
Settle any remaining payments.
Book appointments for a manicure and pedicure.
Take care of your hair. Cutting, coloring or touching up.
Plan snacks for the limo.
Practice your thank you speech.
Coordinate timing with your court of honor members. Consider having a dress rehearsal, a day or two before.
Sarahi’s
Quinceañera
The brindis, or toast, is a cherished highlight of a Quinceañera, where parents, godparents, or other influential family members deliver a touching speech to celebrate the young lady’s transition into adulthood. It’s a moment for close family and friends to look back on her development, share stories from her life, and express their dreams for her future.
This tradition is particularly meaningful because it represents the Quinceañera’s first steps as a young woman. It provides a golden opportunity to express gratitude to everyone present for their part in this significant day and their contributions to making the celebration a success.
Public speaking can often be daunting. It’s wise to prepare a few thoughtful words ahead of time. To the parents and godparents—this day is about celebrating your daughter, so keep your speeches concise and heartfelt. Focus on what makes her uniquely wonderful.
Remember, there’s no need for long speeches— the real fun of the party is just about to begin! Just speak from the heart, and your words will surely resonate with all the guests and make the day even more memorable for your daughter.
El Brindis
A Toast to the Quinceañera
Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect speech...
Make a List of Names
Note anyone you want to give a special shout-out to.
You don’t have to list everyone individually; you can group people together.
Think About Your Audience
Remember who will be there and be respectful of everyone.
Try not to forget the family and friends most dear who have made special trips to come to your Quinceañera
Reflect
On Your Supporters
Consider what you want to say to those who have always supported and taught you about life.
Thank Everyone - Show your gratitude to all who helped make this day special.
Closing
Wrap up with enthusiasm and let’s get this party started!
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, July 28, 2024
1pm-5pm
EVENT CENTER
2024 QUINCEAÑERA EXPO
Your Horoscope
Hey there! Think of your life like your own universe where you’re the boss! You can make choices that change everything. A few small steps here and there can really help point you in the right direction—the one that’s perfect for you. So, get involved and go after what you want this year. Watch your dreams start coming true!
It’s time to take charge and be responsible for yourself. There will be a time very soon , where you will have to make the decision on your own. Don’t worry about hurting your friends feelings. You have to think about what’s in your best interest. You can do it!
You create your world. You imagine it to be but don’t just think about it. You have to take some actions to create your world. Don’t be lazy! Move forward and don’t let your past keep you from the greatness of your future. Stay positive by thing postive thougs. You will be suprised in the month of September.
Don’t overthink so much in the months of July and August. Free yourself and your imagination to take you places you’ve only dreamt about. Dreams are great but not acting on them can be a big dissappointment for you. Small steps to your dreams will bring you closer to your family and friends.
Let your hair down and be the person that you want to be and not the person people expect you to be. Face the challeges ahead with confidence. It won’t be easy of course, but after you go through it you will be happy with the person you are becoming and not the person you were.
Forgiving that person that hurt you back in December will bring a big load off your shoulders. That person doesn’t realize or cares about the grudge you are holding against them. It’s only holding you back. Once you forgive you can move onto more important projects that you’ve been holding back on.
It’s ok to say no! You always want to please everyone and it’s getting more difficult because you can never give enough and your friend keeps taking. It’s straining your relationships with other people that are there for you when you need them. Helping someone can also turn into enabling. Stop it.
Keep your eye on the prize. You are almost there. Don’t be sidetracked by the new person in you life. He isn’t thinking of you but only what he wants. Listen to your inner self, you know the voice that says “you can do it.” Focus on your time off from school and do things that make you happy.
The months of April and May were hard for you. People were getting on your nerves and not understanding what your vision is. But June till October will be your golden months. It all starts to turn around for you. All you have to do is go for it. Don’t listen to the haters. Don’t tell all your secrets and desires.
Your parents are doing all they can to make you happy during these trying times. They care when no one else does but you have to give them a chance and not be so hard on them. Sometimes you feel they don’t understand but they do because they’ve been there. Love will always be 1st.
It’s about time you think about your future. Don’t leave it to chance. Move in the direction that you see yourself in. Talk to the people that have similiar goals and stay away from the nonsense. Talk to your best friend about how you are feeling, she will understand.
You can do it! You can lose that weight that has been holding you down. It’s the time to shed those extra pounds that you have been feeling depressed about. Get motivated and be your best self without comparing yourself to others. Focus on you and surround yourself with the right people who are good for you.
Your time has come to make new friends. The past few months have shown you who are really your friends. Your new friends will bring a special joy to your life. Go up and say “hello” to that girl or guy that seems to need a friend. Go outside your box and and explore new friendships. You will be happier.
A 17-year-old DJ in the DFW area and Bishop Dunne High School senior, began DJing during COVID Amaris’s passion for music and support from her parents led to her success. An HWNT “Noche De Carnaval” award winner, she plans to study Marketing and Communications.
DJInterview With amaris
MiDia Magazine: We are so happy to be intertviewing you, why don’t you introduce yourself and tell us how old you are?
Amaris: Hi, my name is Amaris Espinoza. I am a DJ here in the DFW area, and I am seventeenyears old.
MiDia Magazine: I hear you are graduating from high school this year. What school?
Amaris: Yes, I am graduating from Bishop Dunne High School this year, class of 2024.
MiDia Magazine: What made you start DJing?
Amaris: During COVID, a lot of DJs were unable to perform, so many of them would go live, and I would watch those live streams. I have always loved music and grew up listening to many different genres. Music has always been my passion because I also like to sing. I would watch and observe the DJ at my family’s parties, then I would ask him how things worked. He would tell me and let me take over to show me how the buttons and knobs work. After that, my parents bought me my first DJ board for Christmas 2022. Word of mouth grew, and I started playing at people’s parties.
MiDia Magazine: Did you have a Quinceañera?
Amaris: Yes, I did. It was a double Quince with my cousin Natalie. We are two days apart, so we are kind of like twins. We have always been close and have always shared our birthdays, so it was natural to have our Quinceañera together. Her dress was pink, and mine was white. It was so much fun, and we had a lot of family come in from out of town. There were a lot of people there, it was a baile.
MiDia Magazine: We recently met you at the HWNT “Noche De Carnaval” and saw you won an award.
Amaris: I was the Student Highlight for the Latinas In Progress (LIP) program. They asked me to share my journey and how the program has helped me. I honestly believe that because of the program, I was able to be accepted to six colleges here in Texas. I have not committed to one yet, but I did receive a full-
tuition scholarship to the University of Dallas.
MiDia Magazine: How did you get involved with HWNT (The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas)?
Amaris: I got involved with HWNT when I found the LIP program through Social Chica, and other people told me about it too. So, I applied for the Latinas in Progress this year and got accepted. Once I knew more about the program, I went to the orientation and all the seminars they were having. I was so happy to find this program to help me through the college application process and throughout the entire year.
Now, I have a mentor who guides and helps me with everything related to school and scholarships.
MiDia Magazine: What do you plan to study in college?
Amaris: I want to major in Marketing and Communications. I think that plays a lot into what I want to do, especially in my DJ business. It will help me market my business and grow in the sense of building a bigger community. I also MC at my events, so I believe communications will help me with that.
MiDia Magazine: Do your parents support and encourage you?
Amaris: My parents are very supportive. They have always encouraged me to go to school and college. So, my priority is to continue my education. They were the first to invest in me and help me out when I first started DJing.
MiDia Magazine: Thank you for meeting with us today. Do you have any shoutouts?
Amaris: I want to give a shoutout to all my family and friends out there, all of my community that supports me, everyone who follows me, and all of my mentors who have guided me throughout my journey. I am very thankful to all of them.
MiDia Magazine: As a DJ, what is your DJ name, and how can people contact you?
Amaris: My name is DJ Amaris, and you can follow me on all social media platforms at @amaarismusic.
- Claudia Almaraz
Marianna’s Whirlwind
Hey everyone! I’m Marianna, a sixteen-year-old high school sophomore living an incredible adventure over the past two years. Enjoying life in a small town in the country has been a positive experience, but my journey since my Quinceañera has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Two years ago, I celebrated my Quinceañera, a day filled with joy, laughter, and a few happy tears. Having the Top Royal Cadets at my celebration made it even more special, and it was amazing to have my whole family together, especially since I don’t get to see them often. The event was unforgettable, from the emotional ceremony to the fun-filled dancing with my friends and family.
Shortly after my Quinceañera, I began an unexpected and thrilling journey as a model for MiDia Magazine. It’s been a whirlwind experience, full of exciting photoshoots, expos, and various events. Working with Robert, my favorite photographer, has been such a joy. He makes me feel comfortable and always ensures the shoots are a blast. My favorite part of these events is getting my hair and makeup done by the talented Belkis. She’s gentle, and sweet, and always makes sure I love the final look. The whole experience of getting ready, dressing up, and taking pictures has been so much fun and filled with wonderful memories.
Balancing my modeling career with school and sports has been challenging, but it’s taught me so much about time management and discipline. I love playing tennis, basketball, cross- country running, and track. These sports keep me active and help me stay organized.
My best friend, my dad, and my mom have been my biggest supporters, always encouraging me to do my best. My mom, especially, inspires me with how much she manages in such a short time.
School is also a big part of my life. English is my favorite subject, and Mrs. Pickett is my favorite teacher. Even though some students find her strict, I appreciate her detailed explanations and passion for teaching. She ensures we understand every topic all the way through, which has helped me maintain good grades.
Here are some fun facts about me: Dress or Jeans? I love dresses because they make me feel beautiful and confident, but for everyday comfort, I prefer jeans.
Cake or Ice Cream? Definitely ice cream—cake feels too heavy for me. Fruit or Vegetables? I’m a fruit lover, especially cantaloupe and pineapple. Hobbies? I enjoy making little clay sculptures of animals and trying new sports or adventurous rides. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a wild child!
Looking ahead, I’m excited about going to college and exploring my career options. I’m considering becoming an attorney or a therapist. I haven’t decided what college I want to attend yet, but I still have time to figure it out. I want to give a huge shout-out to Robert Guerra, Belkis, my Mom & Dad, and Gage. Thank you for always being there for me and making these moments so special.
Stay true to yourself and enjoy every moment...Marianna.
Journey
I’m honored to have been asked to be the cover model for MiDia Magazine. I know in the future when I look back, I will remember how beautiful everything was, how much fun I had at every event, and the people I met, and I’ll cherish these memories forever. ”
Model: Marianna
Makeup & Hair: Belkis Beauty - Belkis
Photographer: Robert Guerra
Dress: Turi Quince
2024 TEJANO FEST TRADERS VILLAGE
SIGGNO - LMT - MONICA
TOP20SONGS
1. Fontaines D.C.: “Starburster”
2. Beyoncé: “YA YA”
3. Kehlani: “After Hours”
4. Arianna Grande: “We Can’t Be Friends”
5. Kendrick Lamar: “Not Like Us”
6. Kim Gordon: “BYE BYE”
7. Chapelle Roan: “Good Luck Babe!”
8. Sabrina Carpenter: “Espresso”
9. Megan Thee Stallion: “HISS”
10. Shakira: “Cómo Dónde y Cuándo”
11. Illuminati Hotties: “Can’t Be Still”
12. Olivia Rodrigo: “So American”
13. Blondshell, Bully: “Docket”
14. Eliza McLamb: “Modern Woman”
15. Hozier: “Too Sweet”
16. Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman: “Right Back To It”
17. Rosali: “On Tonight”
18. Koe Wetzel: “Damn Near Normal”
19. Liam Gallagher, John Squire: “Just Another Rainbow”
20. Kacie Musgraves: “Cardinal”
sabrina carpenter
TRC
TOP ROYAL CADETS
From Quinceañera Dreams to World of Dance Reality.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication.” from their humble beginnings at Quinceañeras to their upcoming participation in the prestigious World of Dance competition. A journey filled with passion and dedication.
MiDia Magazine: Hello, we are so happy to have you back. Can you introduce yourselves and tell us who you are?
Jesus: Hi, I am Jesus, the Manager of Top Royal Cadets. Yulisa: Hi, my name is Yulisa, and I am also the Manager of Top Royal Cadets.
MiDia Magazine: Welcome back. We are thrilled to have you this time for the cover. So, tell me about this big news of yours. Did you win a competition or something?
Jesus: Yes, we participated in this event called World of Dance. They were holding auditions, and we ended up getting a Silver Ticket to compete at the next level in Los Angeles.
MiDia Magazine: When is the World of Dance competition and can you tell me how you got into this competition?
Jesus: It is from July 27th to August 1st. Yulisa and I had always talked about trying out for this competition but never did anything about it. One day, we finally decided to give it a try and see what happens, so we began practicing for it.
Yulisa: We practiced for about a month for the World of Dance audition.
MiDia Magazine: Let’s go back to the beginning. How did Top Royal Cadets get its start?
Yulisa: My brother had the idea of creating the Top Royal Cadets, but I wanted to join in because of my own experience with my Quinceañera.
Jesus: After we did my sister’s Quinceañera, it was a lot of fun having all the kids around, and we had this bond. After it was over, we missed that bond, so we decided to start a crew and keep the fun going.
MiDia Magazine: When did you decide to start competing?
Jesus: We started competing about a year ago, locally, but that didn’t go so well. So, we began attending competitions in Houston and Austin. The more we competed, the more experience we gained.
Yulisa: We ended up winning our first competition in Austin.
MiDia Magazine: What type of competition was it?
Yulisa: It was a local competition, similar to the ones here in Dallas, with different crews from Houston, Austin, and Dallas competing against each other.
MiDia Magazine: How do you take these kids who joined your crew to perform at parties and convince them to compete with you?
Yulisa: We see the passion in them and choose the most dedicated ones. For World of Dance, we selected eight boys and eight girls, we picked the ones who put themselves out there the most.
Jesus: I look at how each dancer performs and who has the most passion for dancing. If we see they love it and want to
push themselves to compete, we start teaching them more techniques and new routines outside of the regular cadet routines.
MiDia Magazine: What do you see for the future of Top Royal Cadets?
Jesus: Our goal for the future of Top Royal Cadets is to make our dance team known and open locations throughout the United States.
Dance Crew
MiDia Magazine: Tell me your names and how did you join Top Royal Cadets?
Crew: I am Jasmine. I am Alan. I am Nahum. Jasmine: I needed cadets for my Quinceañera and chose Top Royal Cadets because they seemed like the best. After that, I stuck with them. Yuli invited me to perform with them for another Quinceañera.
Alan: I saw Top Royal Cadets perform at my friend’s quinceañera. I liked how they performed and the way the crew worked together. I was interested in joining them because they were really cool. On my first day, they were all very welcoming and nice to me, so I stuck with them.
It’s been almost a year now.
Nahum: Same here. I saw Top Royal Cadets perform at my friend’s quinceañera. I liked the way they performed and the dances, so I asked my friend for the manager’s phone number. I went to one of their practices and joined. They were very nice and welcoming.
MiDia Magazine: Who is going to World of Dance, and how do you feel about it?
Alan: I am really excited to get the Silver Ticket and go to LA to perform in front of a big crowd with all my friends.
Jasmine: I feel like it’s the biggest thing that has ever happened to me. I really appreciate Yuli and Jesus for helping me come out of my shell. I don’t think I would have ever done anything like this on my own.
Nahum: My little brother is going to LA to compete. He sent me a message and a picture of the Silver Ticket. I am very proud of him. I went straight to my parents to tell them the news. We are all very proud of the whole team.
MiDia Magazine: Thank you all for being here with us today. I wish you the best of luck. It has been great to see your growth and all that you have accomplished.
-Claudia Alamraz
“We see the passion in them and chose the most dedicated ones.”
My Senior Year
A Good Time To Think...
Senior year of high school is a special and exciting time. It’s full of fun, hard work, and a little bit of looking back as we get ready to move on to the next big thing. Let me tell you what made my senior year so great.
One of the coolest things about senior year is seeing all your hard work pay off. I worked really hard on my grades and kept them up all year. If you stay on top of your schoolwork, senior year goes by so fast! Before you know it, everything is done, and time flies by.
Senior year is also full of fun traditions that we’ve been looking forward to for years. Things like prom, football games, and graduation make senior year super special. These events are a chance to celebrate, hang out with friends, and say goodbye as we get ready to move on. I went to all the senior events, from senior sunrise to senior week. If you don’t go, you might miss out on some great memories. I enjoyed every moment and made them as fun as possible.
Besides school and fun events, senior year is a time to grow up a bit. I felt like I matured a lot this year and realized that you can get through high school on your own. It’s a good time to think about everything you’ve been through and what you want to do differently in the future. Leave high school stuff in high school.
Senior year is a mix of getting ready for the future and enjoying the present. It’s a time to celebrate what we’ve done, enjoy the moment, and look forward to what’s next. This year has given me memories that will last a lifetime. I know they will for me.
- Kaiya Trevino
ORALIAASK
When is the best time to start planning and saving for my Quinceañera?
Planning and saving are two different things. It’s best to start saving when your daughter is born, but realistically, start when you know you’ll want to celebrate her XV. Saving a little at a time adds up. If plans change, you can use the money for something else, like a trip or car. Start planning 18-24 months in advance. Securing the venue is crucial, as you’ll need the date and address for all subsequent contracts (caterer, photographer, DJ, etc.). In today’s economy, securing a contract early locks in your rate. You can inquire about venue rates up to three years in advance. At the two-year mark, confirm the rate and ensure you’ve asked all necessary questions to make an informed decision. Overall, the key is to start early, save consistently, and secure contracts as soon as possible to manage costs effectively.
Should we have Padrinos or Sponsors or should we pay for everything ourselves?
This is a tricky one. It comes down to personal preference and situations. If someone offers, I say, take them up on their offer. BUT plan on what you can do and your budget. Often times, things happen and they’re not able to follow through either at all or with the amount they may have originally planned on. It leaves you in bad spot trying to find the money for things you hadn’t planned on. You don’t want to have to take out a loan to pay for your daughter’s event. But as parents, at the end of the day we do what we need to do.
How soon in advance should we be choosing and ordering the dress?
Mom’s backwards math helps in getting the answer. Each boutique has different vendor relationships, affecting how fast they can make the dress. You need to know the look you want for the portrait. If the XV is in January - March and you want an outdoor picture, you’ll need it by October/November for greenery and blooming flowers. Allow a month or two for alterations, so aim for your dress to arrive by August/September. This is when you should tell the boutique you want your dress and let them advise on the order timing. You may end up ordering the dress a year in advance. Most dress shops allow payment plans and require half the dress price before ordering. Shop around to find what works best for you.
Should we cook our own food to save money instead of hiring a caterer?
Regardless of the event’s size, you must consider your responsibilities on the day and if you’ll have time. Once you think you’ll have time, plan when and how the food will be served. Many moms wish they had hired someone else to cook the food, often a caterer. I’ve had most events catered because I don’t want to smell like the food, worry about serving, or be exhausted before the day starts. Your daughter’s quinceañera will be memorable for her and your family, and you don’t want her to remember you as being tired before the event began. While you might save money cooking yourself, it costs you time. I couldn’t have set up the hall, picked up the cake, got everyone ready, and cooked for 200 guests. My family is far, so I would rely on friends, but I didn’t want them to be tired either.
The church isn’t available on the date we want, or want to charge $X. Is it necessary?
Traditionally the ceremony was to have our daughters blessed as we presented them into society because we were ready for them to get married. So the ceremony was to bless them in hopes that they found m a good partner. It provides no religious sacrament. Thankfully, we don’t look to marry off our daughters at the age of 15 any more. We want them to go and fulfill their dreams. If the ceremony is important to you and your family, you can look and see if a much smaller and shorter blessing can be done at the venue. If you want it at church, you need to work hand in hand at the same time to book the church and venue together. Sometimes waiting a day can cause one to get booked.
Oralia Franco
A San Antonio native and first generation Mexican American. Mother to 3 girls. Currently living in Fort Worth. Has planned multiple events, including her oldest daughters Quinceañera, and has two more to plan. She also helps her husband with his business. She’s usually called upon by her friends to provide a different point of view.
Email your questions to info@MiDiaMagazine.com
Subject Line “Ask Oralia”
BOB DUNCAN CENTER
- ARLINGTON, TX.
2024 QUINCEAÑERA SHOWCASE EXPO
Easy IdeasDIY
Are you planning your Quinceañera and looking for a way to add a personal touch to your celebration? Here are some easy DIY party favor ideas that you can make yourself or with a little help from friends and family.
Customized Keychains
Everyone loves a cute keychain! You can make keychains that reflect your quinceañera theme or your personality. Use materials like beads, small charms, or even resin to create something beautiful. You can include your name, the date of your quinceañera, or a thank you message. These keychains are not only adorable but also something your guests can use every day!
Sweet Treat Jars
Fill small jars with candies or homemade treats like cookies or brownies. Decorate the jars with ribbons and a thank you note tied around the neck. Choose colors that match your party’s theme. This sweet favor is sure to delight your guests, and the jars can be reused, which makes them eco-friendly too!
Personalized Candles
Candles are a lovely gift that can be customized in so many ways. You can buy plain candles and decorate them with glitter, stickers, or paint. Or, learn how to make candles from scratch and choose your own scents and colors. Add a special label with your quinceañera details for a personal touch.
Photo Frames
Create simple photo frames from craft sticks, cardboard, or even old picture frames that you can decorate. Paint them, add sequins, or use markers to draw designs. Include a thank you note in the frame, and tell your guests to replace it with a photo from the party. This is a great way to help everyone remember the fun they had at your Quinceañera!
Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are a fun favor that you can make in advance. Use threads in colors that match your party theme. There are many easy tutorials online that show different braiding styles. Your guests will love wearing these, and it’s a sweet reminder of your friendship.
Making your own party favors not only adds a personal touch to your quinceañera but also creates lasting memories as you prepare for your big day. Have fun crafting, and enjoy watching your ideas come to life!
Treat Jars
Candles
Bracelets
Bracelets
Frames
