My name is Christina Treviño, and I am a children’s author from rural Defiance, Ohio, a town
defined by a mix of heavy industry and agriculture throughout the 1970s and 1980’s. My dream
from the time I was four years old was to be in the fashion industry and that’s exactly where my
path led.
After graduating with a BA specializing in Fashion Design from Bowling Green State University
and an Associate’s Degree in Sportwear Fashion Design from New York City’s Fashion Institute
of Technology, I permanently moved to New York. For three decades, I was immersed in the
fast-paced world of New York City fashion. As an Executive Design Director, I held a pivotal,
high-powered role, shaping brand identities and leading design direction for major retailers. I
also had the incredible opportunity to collaborate on and launch fashion brands with notable
celebrities like Brooke Shields, Wendy Williams, Nicki Minaj, and Adam Levine. Eventually, I
launched my own successful women’s apparel company, Tocaya Design. This career was a
fulfillment of my childhood dream but eventually another calling came to me—one rooted in my
Mexican American heritage.
Fashion and writing aren’t as different as they might seem. Both are about creating something
from a concept or idea, weaving a brand identity or a story narrative, and leaving a lasting
impression with customers and readers. My fashion design skills honed my creativity, strategy,
and storytelling.
While my creative drive has now pushed me to enter this new world of storytelling, I haven’t left
fashion behind. I continue to be involved, helping start-up companies and small businesses by
sharing the tools I’ve learned as a Fashion Design executive and company owner. I provide
guidance on everything from concept and design, sourcing, branding, and marketing to costing,
negotiation, and logistics. Over the past decade, I’ve also been involved with Latin Biz Today, a
digital platform that provides resources to Latine entrepreneurs and small businesses, which has
further honed my entrepreneurial skills. Working with Latin Biz Today (latinbusinesstoday.com)
has given me the gift of hearing and sharing stories of diverse Latine entrepreneurs through my
written articles and podcast hosting of Cafecito with Latin Biz Today. As I continued to
interview and listen to these unique journeys of family and business, I had an epiphany: my
family’s story of resilience and hard work was just as important and needed to be recorded too.
I have my parents to thank for my entrepreneurial skills. They’re the perfect example of grit and
entrepreneurial spirit. They were migrant farm workers in their youth, a lifestyle that was not
only physically demanding but also made it nearly impossible to keep up with schoolwork due to
constant movement and travel. Despite these immense challenges, they both graduated from high
school, proving their deep belief that education is crucial. My dad eventually worked as an
electrician at General Motors, and my mom pioneered the area’s first bridal shop in the early
1970s. Together, they also managed rental homes to provide additional income for our family, all
while they raised three children.
Their belief in hard work and perseverance was a lesson learned from their own experiences. As
children and teenagers, they many times endured a lack of basic necessities like running water
and heat. They faced being treated as less than. My dad talks about being forced to use separate
bathrooms at times because of their ethnicity- their brown skin. These experiences, which I have
kept through notes and oral stories, needed to be on paper so they are not forgotten. These are
stories of their resilience, of a family support system that lifted them up, and of their desire to
give their children more than they ever had themselves.
My initial launch of three children’s stories, “El Rancho Chocolaté”, “Where El Cucuy Lurks”,
and “El Camino del Destino” are deeply personal, drawing from my childhood summers spent
with Tejano family in South Texas and my parents’ stories which they’ve recounted to me over
and over again. These memories—filled with adventurous escapades with my siblings and
primos, captivating family tales from my tíos and tías, and the joyful sounds of Tejano music
have become even more vivid and colorful memories to me. These cherished cuentos, infused
with Spanglish and family love, compelled me to share my unique cultural background.
What People Should Know About Me
My own journey from Fashion Designer to Children’s Book Author is one of big dreams and
even bigger surprises. Growing up in rural Ohio, the idea of a fashion career in New York City
seemed like something out of a movie. I always BELIEVED I could have an amazing fashion
career, but looking back, I wish I had even more confidence in myself then, because I never
imagined the journey would take me to the highest levels of the industry.
I’ve had the privilege of working with a vast assortment of people, from sitting across the table
with high level executives of retail chains to pitching apparel lines to people like Eva Longoria,
Usher, and Mary J. Blige. My work has taken me across the globe to shop and get inspiration
from wonderful cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm,
Edinburgh, Dusseldorf, and Milan, and to work with an incredible array of factories in China
truly learning about fashion production. I was in charge of million-dollar budgets and tasked
with building and leading brands.
Looking back, I realize that the drive to achieve these things came from the same spirit my
parents taught me—that anything is possible with hard work and determination. This is the same
powerful message I want to share with the Latine community. I want young readers to know that
you can dream bigger than you ever thought possible, and that there are people who want to
mentor and lift you up, just like they did for me. Our heritage and family are the powerful
foundation for great achievements. They give us a unique perspective and distinct voice in the
world.
Why You Should Buy the Books
“I wanted to see young Latine readers and their family stories reflected in fun
engaging books”
These stories are so important for younger generations for cultural preservation, personal
empowerment and the importance of family in the face of adversity.
For young Latine readers, my stories are a mirror—a chance to see their own families, culture,
and experiences reflected on the pages. In a world where brown children might not always see
themselves in mainstream media, these books validate their identity and tell them that their
heritage is beautiful and worthy of being celebrated. I hope that my use of Spanglish and the
details of Tejano life make these stories feel authentic and personal, creating a link to our roots
that can instill a sense of pride and belonging.
Stories of migrant farm workers who overcame immense hardship to graduate high school are
also powerful lessons in resilience. In an age of social media and instant gratification, these
stories show young people what it truly means to persevere in the face of adversity. It teaches
them that their ancestors were not just survivors but pioneers who lifted themselves up through
hard work and a firm belief in a better future for themselves and their children. This narrative of
strength can be a source of inspiration and a reminder that they too have the power to overcome
challenges.
My stories always emphasize the important role of family as a support system. In a world that
can feel highly political and divided, my goal is to write books that remind young readers that
family is a constant source of strength and love. Whether “family” today is your immediate
family or the family you create around you, I want to reinforce the idea that we don’t succeed
alone, but with the support and love of our families.
By putting my stories on paper, I want to ensure that the oral traditions of my family—the
cuentos passed down through generations—are not lost. In this digital age, where information is
abundant but often fleeting, I hope that my books give these cherished stories a permanent home.
These memories and spoken stories must be translated into tangible treasures that can be shared
and revisited for generations to come, creating a lasting legacy for family and community. I urge
everyone to think about doing something to preserve their own heritage and stories.
A Reading Experience Beyond the Pages
My stories are more than just books; they are a gateway to culture, language, and fun. With this
vision in mind, I’m also creating companion materials for my books, such as Spanish-English
coloring books and adventure study guides.
My goal is for these materials to be useful and enjoyable tools for parents and educators to work
on comprehension, vocabulary, language, creative writing and drawing, as well as Social and
Emotional Learning (SEL) and English as a Second Language (ESL).
My parents have always been strong believers in education, and I want to continue that message
in how I present these stories. I want to create resources to bridge culture and foster a sense of
pride and positivity in Latine children, while also offering non-Spanish-speaking children an
accessible and engaging way to learn a new language. By combining reading with interactive
activities, I aim to make my books an educational and unifying experience.
About the Books
El Rancho Chocolaté:
Based on the treasure hunting stories on my mom’s side of the family, the young characters in
the story are my mom, Berta, my Aunt Rita and their cousin, Elda.
Step into the charming, dusty world of 1950s South Texas. The story begins when three
inseparable sisters and their cousin, Berta, Rita, and Elda, discover an old, weathered family
map. As their beloved Nana tells them a legendary cuento about a hidden treasure, the girls are
convinced that the map will lead them to untold riches. Their thrilling quest takes them on an
adventure filled with vibrant Tejano music and cherished family stories. As they follow the clues
left by their ancestors, they discover that the greatest riches aren’t gold or jewels, but the love,
laughter, and unbreakable bonds of their familia. The title’s unique spelling, El Rancho
Chocolaté, is no mistake; it holds a special secret at the true nature of the treasure they seek. El
Rancho Chocolaté is a celebration of heritage and proof of the enduring magic of family.
Where El Cucuy Lurks:
Based on scary childhood stories from my elders, especially my Tia Lilia and Tia Elvira
invoking the power of El Cucuy.
In Where El Cucuy Lurks, author Christina Treviño draws upon her own childhood memories,
channeling her experiences as a young girl. For young Tina, the legendary El Cucuy was more
than just a scary story; he was a very real presence invoked by her loving aunts and uncles to
instill crucial life lessons. This shadowy figure, the traditional Mexican Boogeyman, served as a
playful yet firm reminder to Tina about respect for elders, the importance of good manners,
keeping her room tidy, and the importance of not wandering too far from her family in big,
unfamiliar places, so as to avoid getting lost.
The story follows Tina on a journey that intertwines these childhood fears with empowering
lessons. In the darkness under her bed, in the dark and cobwebby corners of her basement with a
spooky mannequin, and as she helps her parents renovate old, neglected houses, her vivid
imagination brings El Cucuy to life. However, as Tina learns to be brave, kind, and helpful, she
discovers that her hard work, responsibility, and the act of contributing to her family’s efforts are
the most powerful tools against her deepest fears. This heartwarming and empowering narrative
blends the cultural significance of El Cucuy—scary but with a reason—with universal themes of
courage, family, and the magic of making a tangible difference in her world, echoing Christina’s
own childhood journey to bravery.
El Camino del Destino:
Based on my dad, Tristan and his two cousins Elui and Pete and their stories as young
migrant farm workers.
A poignant and inspiring historical fiction story, El Camino del Destino tells the story of Tristan
and his cousins, Pete and Eliu, as they bravely navigate the difficult world of migrant farm work
in the 1950’s. What begins as an exploration of the unique beauty and rhythms of their life on the
road is seen through the vivid imaginations of the young boys, who transform hardships into
grand adventures as a way of coping. From a devastating flood in Lavaca, Texas, to a harrowing
blizzard in Wyoming, the family learns that their resilience, fueled by an unbreakable family
bond, is their true and lasting strength. This heartfelt narrative is proof of the power of hope, the
spirit of adventure, and the precious meaning of having each other in the face of life’s greatest
obstacles.
Where to Find the Books
The books El Rancho Chocolate, Where El Cucuy Lurks, and El Camino del Destino as well as
their companion Spanish-English coloring books and study guides are all available on
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/author/christina_trevino) and the website
http://www.christinatrevinoauthor.com.
The website is a great resource for additional articles, recipes, and craft activities that relate to
the stories.
For example, readers can find a recipe for a a kid friendly Guacadile Monster Guacamole that
harkens back to Where El Cucuy Lurks and a DIY Treasure Chest craft project that ties back to
the El Rancho Chocolaté book. The website also includes articles that explore the cultural
background and history behind the stories, and suggestions for enhancing the reading experience
of the stories, providing a deeper understanding for both children and adults.
It’s a wonderful way to extend the magic of the books and to engage the whole family in a fun
and educational experience.
The Book Series Journey So Far
Since the book series release this summer, the stories have gained exposure through businesses
like Just a Peace Gift Shop (Stamford, CT), the Tuttle Museum of Defiance, Ohio, the Defiance
Public Library, The Tappan Library in New York, and received media coverage from publications
such as The Defiance Crescent News as well as Mexican Arts Guide, Culture Life Wyoming, and
KXAN, Austin to name a few news outlets. This exposure helps to amplify the message of
cultural pride and belonging that is central to the books.
As I continue to share these stories and write new ones, I am looking to partner with schools,
libraries, and community groups to host immersive events that bring these stories to life. Beyond
traditional book readings and signings, each event can be a unique, hands-on experience tailored
to a specific book, offering creative and engaging activities for children.
Corresponding activity ideas:
El Rancho Chocolaté
• Making magical hot cocoa.
• A bracelet-making session with milagro charms.
• Create and decorate your own “magical” treasure chest.
Where El Cucuy Lurks
• Make your own “monsters.”
• Create a “Monster Jar” with glow-in-the-dark paint.
El Camino del Destino
• Grow plants from seeds.
• Use natural cotton to create a “corderito” as in the story.
• Construct a personal “path of destiny” diorama using natural elements.
I believe events like this will not only provide a creative outlet but also help Latine students see
themselves reflected in the stories they read.
To discuss a collaboration and bring this enriching experience to your community, please contact
me at 201-914-5995 or via email at cmtrevino1@gmail.com.