In a transformative chapter of her life, Mariela Andersen, an adoptee from Colombia raised in the United States, embarked on a poignant journey at the age of 21. With nothing but a journal in hand, she ventured alone to Colombia, driven by an unwavering desire to reconnect with her biological roots and family.
What began as a personal chronicle during this emotional homecoming evolved into “Home Sweet Casa: A Journey to the Universal Heart,” a deeply resonant narrative that captures the profound complexities of identity, belonging, and the power of vulnerability. Mariela’s journey, initially a solitary exploration, now stands as a beacon of hope and understanding for adoptees and readers alike, offering insights into the universal human experience of reconciling past and present.
Through her candid exploration of cultural duality and the emotional highs and lows of reunion, Mariela invites us into her world. “Home Sweet Casa” is not merely a memoir but a testament to the courage required to confront one’s history and embrace the transformative power of storytelling. It speaks to the universal quest for belonging and the courage to reclaim one’s narrative, resonating deeply with anyone who has grappled with questions of heritage and self-discovery.
What inspired you to write “Home Sweet Casa: A Journey to the Universal Heart”?
This book was originally a journal. When I traveled to Colombia alone at 21 to meet my biological family for the first time, I had no one with me to vent to, nor did I have a translator. Raised in the U.S. by my English-speaking parents, I didn’t know Spanish. As you can imagine, a trip like this evoked a lot of emotion. I decided to keep a journal documenting my experiences, thoughts, and feelings about the emotional reunion. Writing was cathartic for me, allowing me to organize my inner emotions in a tangible way.
Being adopted from Colombia, raised in another country, and then returning to my birthplace to reconnect with blood relatives for the first time is a unique experience. I knew not many people had done this before me, let alone documented it, so I had to pave my own way. To help ease the hearts of anyone else who may experience something similar in the future, I decided to turn my journal into a book and publish it as a roadmap for other adoptees going through similar experiences. However, I’ve learned that you don’t have to be adopted to gain inspiration and new perspectives from my story. I’m pleased to know that many non-adoptees have benefited from reading my book, despite my original intention of it being a resource for the adoption community.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of sharing your adoption and reconnection journey with the world?
When people leave positive reviews about my book and tell me it brought them peace, hope, and inspiration, it makes me feel that pushing through my own fears to share my story was worth it. Being vulnerable and sharing it with the world is rewarding because it not only brings me healing but helps others too.
Can you discuss any specific strategies you used to balance the emotional intensity of your story with the narrative structure of your book?
Honestly, what helped me the most was being as real, raw, and authentic as possible. No thoughts or emotions were left unacknowledged. As I wrote, I made sure to include specific details about my experiences because I wanted to remember each instance in as much detail as possible. I knew I would want to process the web of thoughts and emotions I was experiencing in any given moment. While the puzzle pieces of my heritage were coming together, the mindsets and belief systems of my current perspective were coming undone. It was as if I had a bird’s eye view of my life and saw it in an entirely new way. I developed a new and empowering understanding that although we are not in control of the circumstances we are born into, we have the power to change our perspective and, inevitably, our lives.
What advice would you give to other women who are looking to share their personal stories through writing or other creative means?
Don’t talk yourself out of it! If you are inspired to create something, whether for sharing or not, don’t let your own limiting beliefs stop you. It’s better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all and regret it. That inspiration was given to you for a reason. I believe inspirations are like the universe whispering in our ear. Don’t let it slip away—do it for yourself, even if it doesn’t make sense to anybody else.
What were some of your most memorable experiences when you first reconnected with your biological family in Colombia? Can you describe a moment during your journey that was particularly transformative for you?
When I arrived at the airport in Colombia for the first time, I was greeted by over 20 relatives with smiles, tears, and signs welcoming me. It was a very emotionally overwhelming experience. I knew in that instant that the journey ahead would be life-changing.
How did reconnecting with your biological family change your perception of identity and belonging?
Yes, being adopted and raised in another country always left me questioning my identity. However, after going to Colombia to meet my biological family and naturally comparing myself to them, I realized that I am made up of both my Colombian and American parts. Furthermore, I discovered that even those are just labels. I no longer define myself based on where I am from or where I was raised. I understand now that I am much more than that. I am a soul having a human experience, and I am happy to say that I can see past others’ labels and see them as the same. I still don’t know where I “belong,” but I have found a sense of belonging within myself, for which I am extremely grateful.
How have your relationships with both your adoptive and biological families evolved since your journey to Colombia?
My parents have always been incredibly open and supportive of my personal adoption experience. Since I was a little girl, I could go to them and discuss the varying emotions associated with my adoption, knowing I would be heard and supported without fear of judgment or worrying about their feelings. This safe space for open communication was a game-changer, and to this day, I feel I can talk to them about any feelings that arise, knowing they will listen with empathy and love.
It has been 12 years since my initial visit to Colombia to reconnect with my biological family, and I have returned to visit a total of 9 times. While the relationships with various members of my biological family ebb and flow, every time I go back, I am greeted with open arms.
What are some of the cultural differences you found most challenging and enriching during your time in Colombia?
Despite receiving shameful stares when I didn’t finish all the food on my plate, getting yelled at for having my hand out of the car window, and experiencing many other cultural mishaps and misunderstandings during my time in Colombia, I gained a newfound appreciation for things Americans tend to take for granted—warm showers, free public restrooms, and the ability to flush toilet paper, just to name a few. However, the lessons I learned there were invaluable. Colombia taught me that many of the things I complained about were luxury problems and that real joy comes from gratitude and genuine connection.
How do you practice vulnerability in your everyday life, and how has it shaped your interactions with others?
I practice vulnerability in my everyday life by meeting myself where I am. I don’t expect to show up the same way every day, which gives me permission to be authentic without holding myself to unrealistic standards of perfection. Some days, I may feel more outgoing and talkative, while on others, I might feel like an insecure hermit. I acknowledge my humanity and embrace my flaws.
By giving myself grace, I have learned how to extend it to others. This level of empathy and understanding enables me to see things from perspectives beyond my own, which feels like a powerful gift. I am still imperfectly human, though — don’t get it twisted! Nevertheless, I strive to consciously remain open to varying life perspectives in any given interaction, enhancing the chance of forming a connection.
What hobbies or activities help you stay grounded and connected to your sense of self? How do you maintain a connection with your Colombian heritage while living in the U.S.?
Activities that help me stay grounded include soaking up sunshine, walking barefoot on grass, practicing yoga, journaling, conscious breathing, and meditation (though sometimes quieting my mind can be a challenge — they call it a ‘practice’ for a reason!). Additionally, when inspiration strikes, I enjoy creating art in my home studio. Dancing is another passion of mine; I regularly attend Zumba classes as a way to move my body and stay connected to my Latin roots.
Who are the women in your life that inspire you, and how have they influenced your journey?
The first person who comes to mind is my mom, the one who raised me. She always taught me to be kind to myself and extend that kindness to others. She’s genuinely sweet and loving, and she always finds a way to make me laugh. I truly believe the universe knew what it was doing when it put us together as mother and daughter.
I also admire other women, including well-known figures who have written books and accomplished remarkable feats, such as Liz Gilbert, Brené Brown, Mel Robbins, and Glennon Doyle and her group. However, I’m equally inspired by any woman who confronts her fears and listens to her inner voice, striving for self-liberation. Women are pure magic, and I genuinely believe we can all inspire and empower each other in various ways!
It’s because of this journey that Mariela decided to launch Agents For Good, a diverse online platform dedicated to spreading positivity through actionable initiatives. Agents For Good will foster a community of like-minded individuals and offer a variety of services to support others navigating similar life experiences. By September of this year, www.thegoodcentral.com will be live, embodying Mariela’s unique vision and empowering individuals seeking positive change in their lives.
Find Mariela Anderson on Instagram: @marielandersenn
Read her book or listen to her audiobook: www.marielaandersen.com
Book link : https://www.amazon.com/Home-Sweet-Casa-Journey-Universal/dp/B08L3XBYPS
Book link : https://www.amazon.it/Home-Sweet-Casa-Journey-Universal/dp/B08L3XBYPS](https://www.amazon.it/Home-Sweet-Casa-Journey-Universal/dp/B08L3XBYPS
Audiobook link :Home Sweet Casa by Mariela Andersen – Audiobook – Audible.com
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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