rena zapata
WATERER
Open Arms For Our Nieces & Nephews
Rena Zapata explores the meaning of being an auntie as a role defined by open arms, shared responsibility, and deep emotional care. Through reflections on growing into the role at a young age and learning when to step in, guide, or simply be present, the speaker highlights both the joy and fear that come with loving children who are not your own. Anchored by memories of her Aunt Letty, the story honors aunties as steady guides who do what needs to be done—offering comfort, honesty, and unconditional love across generations.
What it means to be an auntie is to have open arms towards your nieces and nephews - when they come to you with problems, issues, concerns. It also means that I have a responsibility to step up and step in when my siblings can't. Being an auntie makes me feel happy and scared at the same time. I'm happy because I get to be part of my nieces and nephews lives. I get to help shape and mold their brains and hopefully be a good role model to them and somebody that they can look up to. But it's also scary because I'm not their mother, so I only get the second hand portion of their lives, meaning I don't get to make the decisions for them. I can only be there for when those decisions are already made.
Rena Zapata Bouchard is a talented makeup artist, photographer, and community-minded creative originally from San Antonio, Texas. She moved to Crookston, Minnesota, as a child in 1995 with her mother and sisters, building a life rooted in family and community. Above all, Rena is a devoted mother to two daughters, with a third child on the way—a role she embraces with love, care, and pride.
In 2016, Rena earned her Freelance Makeup Artist Certification and has since built a portfolio that includes private clients as well as runway work for Grand Forks Fashion Week with Affairs by Brittany. Her background in cosmetology provides a strong foundation for her makeup artistry, giving her a comprehensive understanding of style, color, and client care. Passionate about creativity and self-expression, she is particularly interested in exploring avant-garde makeup work in the future.
Rena is currently expanding her creative skill set through her involvement with In Progress, a program that offers education and collaborative opportunities in photography, storytelling, and digital media. She loves the chance to not only prepare clients for photoshoots with her makeup artistry but also step behind the camera to capture compelling portraits. For Rena, this journey is about continual learning, personal growth, and giving back to her community through art and connection.
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