Today we’d like to introduce you to Yezzenia Watler
Hi Yezzenia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Yezzenia Watler: A Journey from Nicaraguan Television to International Business and Cultural Advocacy
Yezzenia Watler’s story is as vibrant as the culture she passionately represents. Born and raised in Nicaragua on November 10 to a Nicaraguan mother and English father, Yezzenia began her career at just 14 years old, stepping into the world of television as a host for the youth program Generación 2000. Over the next decade, she continued to lead popular shows like Acción Juvenil and Universitario, building a significant presence on Nicaraguan TV and radio.
After her television career, Yezzenia pursued higher education in International Relations with a specialization in International Trade, followed by a Master’s in Marketing and Advertising, and another in Business. She then entered the corporate world, excelling as a regional manager for companies like Kimberly-Clark and American Airlines. Yet, entrepreneurship called to her, and at age 25, she launched her first business, a spa salon located in the Best Western Hotel Las Mercedes. Soon after, she opened her second venture, a restaurant named Kaluha, balancing both enterprises for eight years. In a move that shifted her trajectory, Yezzenia sold these businesses when she relocated to London, where she established a third venture—a medical equipment distribution company in the United States.
In 2019, after several years in Miami, where she has now lived for 18 years, Yezzenia founded Mia Foods International, a company that thrives to this day. Alongside her business endeavors, Yezzenia nurtured her passion for Nicaraguan culture. Since childhood, she’s been captivated by dance, training and performing with celebrated groups such as Escuela de Danza, Aihka, and the group at UNICA.
This love for cultural expression ultimately led her to establish Ballet Folklórico Nicaragüense Azul in 2011, a project born out of a yearning to stay connected to her roots and share Nicaragua’s rich heritage. What started with three friends has grown to a troupe of 28 dancers, both professionals and amateurs. Each year, Ballet Azul hosts a grand gala that not only celebrates Nicaraguan folklore but also supports crucial causes. Thanks to this initiative, they have funded various humanitarian efforts, from providing kitchen facilities for an elderly asylum in Granada, building schools, and fixing infrastructure in Estelí, to feeding over 1,000 children and supporting cancer treatment for young patients.
In a memorable honor in 2024, Yezzenia was invited by the Miami Marlins to throw the first pitch, dedicating the day to Nicaraguan heritage. Proceeds from the event supported Ballet Folklórico Nicaragüense Azul’s charitable causes, marking a historic moment in her journey of cultural advocacy. This year, her dedication to the community will also be recognized by the Miami Lions Club, awarding her the León de Oro 2024 for her active role in promoting Nicaraguan culture and supporting charitable causes.
Looking ahead, she envisions establishing a cultural center—a haven for Nicaraguans to explore theater, dance, music, podcasting, singing, and poetry. And as always, she’s preparing for next year’s Ballet Azul show, set to raise funds for children battling cancer.
Yezzenia Watler’s journey reflects an inspiring blend of ambition, resilience, and compassion, continually bridging her professional accomplishments with her deep-rooted cultural devotion.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“If you’ve helped just one person in your life, you’ve fulfilled your mission on this earth.”
Building something meaningful is rarely a smooth road, and my journey has certainly come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been securing funding and investment, especially for a cause centered on culture and charity. Convincing people to see the worth in your project, to believe in its impact, and to support it—both financially and emotionally—is an ongoing challenge.
With Ballet Folklórico Nicaragüense Azul, everyone is a volunteer. We dedicate countless hours to keep our cause alive and impactful. However, year after year, finding sponsors to back us can be tough, particularly as the focus on technology often overshadows traditional arts. It’s a challenging time for cultural promotion because society seems to be drifting away from art—the very thing that feeds the soul and helps us grow as individuals.
Art, when combined with love for others and a commitment to helping those in need, creates a purpose greater than ourselves. In Azul, this belief fuels us to keep going, to connect people to the beauty of our heritage, and to uplift those who need it most. Even though the road hasn’t been easy, the impact we make reminds us that every struggle is worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is rooted in both business and cultural advocacy, and I believe it’s the unique blend of these worlds that defines my career and personal mission. In business, I am the founder of Mia Foods International, a company focused on importing and distributing quality products to diverse markets. I specialize in international trade, marketing, and business strategy—skills I’ve developed over the years and which have allowed Mia Foods to thrive and expand.
Beyond the business realm, I am deeply passionate about promoting Nicaraguan culture. I founded Ballet Folklórico Nicaragüense Azul in 2011 to celebrate and share my heritage. Through Azul, I am able to connect people with the richness of Nicaraguan folklore while supporting charitable causes close to my heart. We are a community of dedicated volunteers who work to support education, healthcare, and social initiatives in Nicaragua, such as providing school supplies, supporting elderly care, and funding cancer treatments for children. This combination of culture and compassion is what sets us apart.
What I am most proud of is the way we have built a community through Azul, a project that began as a passion and has grown into a powerful network of people who believe in giving back. Recently, I had the honor of being invited by the Miami Marlins to throw the first pitch for Nicaragua Heritage Day, a moment that raised awareness and support for Azul’s charitable causes. Moments like these remind me why we do this work and how art can be a bridge to something bigger.
What sets me apart is this dual path I’ve taken—merging business with cultural advocacy. I strive to make a difference both in the corporate world and in the lives of others, promoting a mission where profit meets purpose and culture meets compassion.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that resilience and purpose are everything. Throughout my journey—whether building businesses, managing challenges in international trade, or leading a cultural nonprofit—I’ve learned that setbacks are inevitable. What truly matters is how you rise each time. Staying focused on the “why” behind my work has been essential.
With Ballet Folklórico Nicaragüense Azul, for example, the mission to celebrate Nicaraguan culture while supporting those in need keeps me motivated, even when obstacles arise. The work can be challenging, especially in a world that doesn’t always prioritize the arts or humanitarian causes. But I’ve learned that if you are passionate and persistent, you can inspire others to join you, to believe in the value of what you’re doing.
This journey has taught me that impact is not always immediate, but if you stay true to your vision and never lose sight of your purpose, you can create meaningful change.
Pricing:
- 120 folklore Classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://balletfolkloriconicaraguenseazul.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balletazul__/?next=%2Fballetazul__%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalletFolkloricoNicaraguenseAzul/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BalletFolkloricoAzul/videos
- Other: https://www.miafoodsinternational.com/
