Today, we’d like to introduce you to Nina Salas Yrigoyen.
Hi Nina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Lima, Peru. My mom’s dream was to come to the US, and 2002 was the year! She packed our bags, and we came to the US to live the ‘American Dream.’ I was 12, my mom was single, and we lived on my Aunt’s couch in her one-bedroom apartment while my mom worked as a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn. I had to learn English in high school as a ‘gay boy’ in the closet with no friends. I was confused and bullied, and I didn’t feel right.
I didn’t know who I was, but I knew I wanted to help people, so I started working with autistic kids in my community, volunteered at Hopkins, and then decided I wanted to be a nurse. While I was figuring out what I wanted to be, I was also figuring out who I was, so I started cross-dressing and experimenting with fashion. I realized I wanted to be a woman — I was transgender. Right when I was finishing nursing school, my dad passed away, and I didn’t want to disappoint him, so I knew it was time. Transitioning is easier in the US than it would be in Peru.
Like any trans woman, my story has a million confusing pieces, but fashion has become a huge part of my journey. Transitioning wasn’t just becoming a woman. It was unlocking my love for fashion and style. You can see my story continue to develop by checking out my socials! Thanks to my mom and the freedom of transitioning, these sacrifices paid off — now my mom and I are homeowners in Baltimore, and I am ready for the next adventure.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My life always had obstacles – leaving Peru and coming to the US, being gay and bullied, not having friends, and not knowing who I was.
The challenges didn’t go away after we moved to the US. I started working when I was 14 and never stopped. Helped my mom clean offices and houses, took the bus to cook in a fast food restaurant, and volunteered in the hospitals to get my foot in the door.
Like many trans people, fear and uncertainty were a huge obstacle. I was afraid that if I transitioned, my dad back in Peru would be disappointed. But then, when he passed away, I decided that it was the right time to start my transition- so right as I finished nursing school, I finally started experimenting with clothes and started my transition.
The beginning of any trans person’s transition is difficult — being misgendered, getting the looks, and being judged. Even years into my transition, being a trans woman in fashion and media is filled with obstacles; people expect more from us and don’t see our full potential.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is about being my authentic self and expressing that through clothing. Through fashion, I strive to make people feel comfortable in their own skin. I want to create a space where people can look up to me as someone who feels comfortable. Younger trans people need a role model growing up, and I want to be that person for the next generation of trans kids.
Being a content creator focused on fashion and a nurse at the same time is a unique combination — I want to show people they can express themselves however they want, have a successful career, and become entrepreneurs even when the world doubts them.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Follow me on my social media.
Instagram @Ninapatron89
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ninapatron89
TikTok @Ninapatron89
Send me an email to collaborate! I love to collaborate with clothing, skincare, and photography creatives on my socials. Let’s inspire each other and get creative!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninapatron89/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninapatron89
