Inclusive Media Initiative Creator Q&A: Carmen Quintanilla Gollihar
December 17, 2024Pixability’s Inclusive Media Initiative is our mission to support diverse creators and communities on YouTube.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. In the universe of YouTube, Hispanic creators are not only shaping conversations but also bridging cultural divides and inspiring audiences around the globe.
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we’re thrilled to highlight Carmen Quintanilla Gollihar, a dynamic creator who brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion to her YouTube channel. With a deep connection to her Latina roots, Carmen shares her journey, offering insight and inspiration to us 80’s kids, she is proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself with Shorts and long form content on YouTube.
Theresa: Can you share a bit about your life journey and what led you to start your YouTube channel?
Carmen: Before I was a content creator, I was in my 22nd year as an educator and worked in the west side of San Antonio, TX. I started creating videos in 2020 when the world shut down. As my popularity grew, I decided that it was time to quit teaching and become a full time content creator. YouTube gave me that opportunity when they started Shorts. I began YouTube in 2022 and posted all of my previously made videos on my new channel. It was a hit!
Theresa: How has your Latina heritage, combined with your life experience, shaped the content you create and the messages you share?
Carmen: My content is about 80s and 90s nostalgia. I create skits about what it was like growing up in my house in those decades. The wonderful thing about sharing my content is that not only Latinos can relate but so can people from different cultures and different generations. I feel that my content is the type of content that can bring us all together because we all shared the same type of experiences.
Theresa: What unique challenges have you faced as a Latina creator in your 40s, and how have you navigated them in both your personal and professional life?
Carmen: One of the challenges that I had was deciding to make content creation a full time career. I was leaving a safe job of 22 years. I was leaving a steady, set salary…a salary that helped my husband and I to support our 5 kids. I only knew the career as an educator for so long. Taking the leap was scary, especially at my age. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system at home. My husband believes in me and what I do. And I want to be able to teach my kids that anything is possible. So I took the leap and here I am creating content full time on YouTube.
Theresa: Are there any cultural traditions or values from your heritage that have been particularly influential in your creative work or personal journey?
Carmen: When I was growing up my parents always taught me to work hard and to go after my dreams. My parents worked very hard to provide for our family. They taught me about determination and discipline. And they also taught me that family is everything and to always make time to put family first. By becoming a content creator, I’m able to put my family first because I’m able to make my own schedule. I can be there for my kids and husband at the drop of a hat. But that doesn’t mean I don’t work really hard at what I do. I am very disciplined in my work schedule and I get done what I need to get done in that time. I love that I can have a balance in my career and family.
Theresa: Who have been your biggest influences or role models, both from the Latina community and other spheres, as you’ve navigated your career?
Carmen: Eva Longoria is one of my biggest Latina influences. She’s also a Texas native, like me and started her career acting. She’s expanded her career to film producing and directing which is a dream of mine. She’s grown her brand in such a positive light and has helped many other Latinos along the way. I hope to be able to be even half as influential as she is.
Other icons that have shaped my career are comedians, Carol Burnett, who is also Texas born and Lucille Ball. The way they both broke barriers for women in comedy is amazing and I’m so thankful for their efforts.
Theresa: What advice would you offer to women, especially women who identify as Hispanic, who are considering starting their own YouTube channels or venturing into digital media?
Carmen: If you have a dream to start a YouTube channel, you must go for it. Don’t let your thoughts of fear hold you back. There are people out there who want to hear your message. It will resonate with someone. And remember, that it takes time. It doesn’t happen in a hot minute. You must be consistent and keep keeping on.
Theresa: How do you feel representation for Latina women, particularly those 40+, has evolved in digital media, and what changes would you like to see moving forward?
Carmen: I think we are starting to see more representation for Latinas in digital media. I would love to see more in the 40+ category and I would also like to see a diversity of Latinas. Sometimes when we talk about Latinas, we have a stereotypical view of what we think she should look like. I would love to see a diversity represented.
Theresa: Do you have any upcoming projects, passions, or initiatives that you’re excited to share with our readers?
Carmen: I am excited to share that I will be working with my talent team to create a long form show on YouTube. It will be called Retrotainment with Carmen Q. Gollihar (Oh and the Q stands for Quintanilla). I will be taking a deep dive into 80s and 90s pop culture in a fun and comedic way. I’m super excited to begin filming for this one.
Theresa: For viewers new to your channel, what are some of your favorite videos that they should check out?
Carmen:
- 1985: The 1st Day of School
- 1989: The Telephone and The Secret Code
- The Coolest Phone: The Light Up Phone
- 1985: Calling Mom at Work
- 1987: Things my parents used to say
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