She was born circa 1774. Her father was Bernardo Vela, and her mother was Maria Josefa Peña. Her father owned Porción 47, Mier. In 1782, she lived in Mier in household number 51. The church census recorded that she was a child, española, and 8 years old. Her household included 7 people. In 1791, she lived in Mier in household number 59. The church census recorded that she was an unmarried girl, española, and 17 years old. Her household included 4 people.