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Writer's pictureEddi Gonzales

From Cuba to Detroit: A Father's Legacy and a Son's Journey Through Design

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey my father made from Cuba to America. He left behind his parents, brothers, cousins, and the land he had known since childhood, all with a dream of creating a better future for his family. His plan was to one day be in a position to send money back home and help improve their lives. I've been inspired by my fathers legacy through design.


A Dream Deferred: The Life He Left Behind

In Cuba, my father dreamed of building a new life. He worked hard, leaving behind not just a homeland but an entire way of life, hoping to return one day with the means to lift his loved ones up. He eventually became a father here in America, but his life was tragically cut short before I could grow to truly know him. Everything I know of my father comes from the stories and impressions he left on others—the echoes of his love for family and the small moments of passion he expressed through painting in the U.S., even as he navigated the madness of finding his footing in a new country.

photo of my dad Nelson Gonzalez fishing in Detroit next to a photo of him as a youth with his brothers.
RIP Nelson Gonzalez 10-11-62 TO 8-16-97 Gone but not forgotten.

From His Sacrifice to My Opportunity

Despite the hardship of losing him, I’ve been fortunate to live out the very dreams he had hoped for. Today, I’m an entrepreneur and web designer, using technology and the internet to build something that’s not just for myself, but for the families and underdogs I work with every day. My business, Eye Breathe Design, helps others achieve their dreams, just as my father wished to do for his family.


Building a Future with Father's Legacy through Design

In many ways, my work is a continuation of the legacy my father left behind. Through design and technology, I help others rise up and build a future where they can thrive. It’s a rare opportunity that my father could never have imagined back in Cuba. Yet, through his sacrifice and the life he gave me here in America, I’m able to do exactly what he hoped for—help families across the country turn their dreams into reality. 


My first talk as Founder of Eye Breathe Design on the topic of bridging the digital divide for latinos. Invited by leading local orgs to share my journey and first hand learnings from the marketplace.
My first talk as Founder of Eye Breathe Design on the topic of bridging the digital divide for latinos. Invited by leading local orgs to share my journey and first hand learnings from the marketplace.

Why Sharing Your Story Matters in Branding

The reason I’m sharing such a personal story in my newsletter is to show that branding is about more than the services you offer—it's about making emotional connections with your audience. Your story, your history, and the values that drive your work are what set you apart from the competition. Being vulnerable and sharing your journey builds trust and helps people understand why you do what you do, not just what you do. My father’s legacy is woven into the foundation of my business, and it’s that personal connection that inspires me every day to help others build their own legacies. Whether it's design, web, or branding, the most powerful brands don’t just sell products—they share stories that create lasting emotional connections.

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