Sandra Blázquez
Some people don't need to raise their voices to be heard. Their presence is enough. As an actress, she learned to bring other stories to life; as the founder of an NGO, she has decided to fully commit to her own story and to the stories of those who rarely find the spotlight.
Her approach to work isn't limited to technique or craft. There's a constant search for truth in her work, a need to connect with the essential that transcends the script. For her, art and social awareness aren't mutually exclusive, but rather nourish each other. Her NGO works daily to ensure that every child is aware of their potential and worth.
Today, Sandra Blázquez, co-founder of Idea Libre with María Fábregas, tells us how she almost "handcrafted" balances her work with her family, her travels with her roots, her passion, and her responsibility to life itself:
Hi Sandra, in your teens, did you see yourself more as an actress, or did you already have tendencies toward humanitarian aid?
When I was young, I always thought about acting. I started in television when I was ten, and I always focused on and dreamed of being an actress, of going to Hollywood and making lots of movies… it was my obsession for many years. I didn't know what was coming…
When and how did the idea for your book, “I Said to Myself, Do It, and I Did It”, come about??
It all started when we had already built two classrooms and a kitchen in Chumvi, Kenya. Some missionaries wanted to take the school away from us; we had problems, threats, we were very scared, and so I started writing in a diary to vent. But suddenly I realized that I wanted to share it with the world, and I shaped it into a book.
It has that title because people are often surprised that two women alone went to Kenya to do everything we've done, and I always answer, “Well, I don't know… I said to myself, do it, and I did it…” That's all.
It's a book that talks about the origins of the NGO, the obstacles we faced, and the times we considered giving up, but we kept going. It's very motivational for people who are willing to pursue their dreams despite obstacles, fears, setbacks, and mistakes.
What's one of your favorite spots in Spain?
I love getting lost in Tarifa…
Do you have any hobbies outside of your work?
I love to travel. My first trips, with friends, were on a shoestring budget, sleeping wherever we could. I love immersing myself in other ways of life, in other cultures.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Without a doubt, Idea Libre. There are many daily challenges. Today we have 380 children who used to eat once every two days, and now they come to school, have breakfast, and lunch every day… That's a huge challenge. The responsibility of dealing with human lives requires a great commitment, and it's just María and me to run a project that grows more each year and needs more funding.
The bureaucracy and fundraising are always the least glamorous part of running an NGO. Do you have a favorite part of your job?
Absolutely: watching our children grow up. Seeing them reclaim their rights and get the life they deserve.
Watching a four-year-old, once malnourished, dirty, and sleeping on the floor of a mud hut with nine cousins, now develop, attend school, eat, grow, wear their high school uniform, and dream of becoming a teacher… that's priceless. That's why I do everything I do.
Would you like to fulfill any professional dreams in your acting career?
As of today, my acting career is over. I don't do auditions or castings. I'm solely focused on the NGO project.
Can we apply the word "handmade"—as glù understands it: loving, caring, attention to detail, methodical, etc.—to some of your work processes at Idea Libre?
Yes, everything is made with our own hands and our own vision, with passion, love, and determination. Everything is handmade.
In terms of tangible goods, for example, we can talk about Idea Libre Wear, which is our sustainable clothing brand, featuring our own designs on t-shirts and sweatshirts. For the sweatshirts, we even went to the factory and made them ourselves, with just a friend's help to save time. We try to make everything as eco-friendly and locally sourced as possible. I'd like to mention that the sale of one garment can feed a child for a month.
Our previous guest, Diego AS, left this question for the next one: Do you have a favorite singer or musical style to relax to?
Yes, I really like Ludovico Einaudi. I love the piano, and I listen to it quite a bit when I write.
Where do you spend more time, in Spain or in Africa? Why?
Currently in Spain, because I have a young child and I need to spend more time here. But I do travel to Kenya a lot, about once every three months, to spend about two weeks there.
What does Kenya mean to you?
It's where half my heart is. It's hard to explain, but there I have that family you're not born with, but that you build. My children are there, along with my local team of teachers, doctors, and psychologists who work every day to make this happen. Kenya is my dream come true.
Can you leave a "blind" question for the next interviewee?
Sure, do you have any book recommendations on entrepreneurship?
