Chicana CEO & Founder of Nopalera

New York, NY, USA

Sandra Velasquez Biography

Sandra Lilia Velasquez is a Chicana entrepreneur, musician, and the founder of Nopalera, a premium bath and body brand inspired by the strength and beauty of Mexican culture. Raised in San Diego, California, by Mexican immigrant parents, she grew up with a strong sense of cultural pride that deeply influences her work today.

Before launching Nopalera, Velasquez made her mark as a musician. She was the lead singer and guitarist of the Latin alternative band Pistolera, known for blending traditional Latin rhythms with modern rock and for lyrics that tackled social and political themes. The band released multiple albums and toured internationally, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. Her music has also been featured on television, further amplifying her voice as a cultural advocate.

In 2020, Velasquez founded Nopalera from her apartment in Brooklyn with a mission to elevate and celebrate Latin heritage through self-care products rooted in the iconic nopal cactus. She bootstrapped the company without outside funding, eventually growing it into a national brand now stocked by major retailers such as Nordstrom and Credo Beauty. Nopalera quickly became known not only for its high-quality products, but also for its bold, unapologetic branding centered around Latin identity.

Velasquez’s business acumen and confidence caught the attention of many, including investors on Season 14 of Shark Tank, where she made headlines for turning down offers that didn't reflect the value of her brand. She later raised $2.7 million in seed funding on her own terms. Her efforts have been recognized with awards like the Valde Latinx Entrepreneur Grant and the Latino Start-Up of the Year at the L’attitude Match-Up Conference.

In addition to leading her company, Velasquez is committed to mentoring other entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color. She hosts "The Nopalera Podcast," where she shares the lessons she's learned to empower others on their own business journeys.

Velasquez’s path—from artist to founder—embodies resilience, authenticity, and the power of embracing one’s roots to create something transformative.

BOOK Sandra Velasquez

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/15/2025.

Sandra Velasquez Videos

From Kitchen to Millions: NOPALERA's Journey with Sandra ...

From Kitchen to Millions: NOPALERA's Journey with Sandra ...

In Episode 128 of Coffee N5 Lara Schmoisman sits down with the inspiring Sandra Velasquez founder of NOPALERA to explore her incredible ...

  • How do I book Sandra Velasquez to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Sandra Velasquez

    Speaking fees for Sandra Velasquez, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Sandra Velasquez are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Sandra Velasquez, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Sandra Velasquez speak about?

    Sandra Velasquez is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Hispanic Heritage, Leadership, Music, Women
  • Where does Sandra Velasquez travel from?

    Sandra Velasquez generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Sandra Velasquez is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Sandra Velasquez for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Sandra Velasquez generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Gaby Natale, Helaine Knapp, Lindsay Rose, Allison Ellsworth and Jennifer Borrero. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Sandra Velasquez for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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