Chismeando with my Comadre—A bi-weekly interview blog series focused on meeting motivating creative female entrepreneurs as a source of inspiration for women looking to fulfill their dreams.
We hope that through these interviews, you find the same dose of inspiration each woman found to
just start and follow your dreams!
On today’s post, we bring you Itzel Islas of Yayitzel, an apparel designer who caught our eye for the cutest illustrations and her determination to follow her own path.
How would you describe what you do to someone at a cocktail party?
I work full time designing apparel for a company called Mad Engine. You wouldn't recognize the name right away but it's basically any licensed apparel such as Disney/Star Wars/Marvel inside stores like Target, Walmart, JcPenney, Hot Topic, etc. I also do freelance on the side and work on my own projects.
What motivated you to start your business?
Wanting to get a break from following guidelines at work and being able to make whatever I felt like making. It felt very refreshing.
What in life inspires you to create more of what you love?
Finding at least a person that relates to what I make. And also wanting to better myself and my skills.
What is your biggest dream for your business and/or life?
To get to a place where I work more with clients on a one-on-one basis to help them create or expand on their brand. Also, getting to a point where people relate to my brand and support it, so I can keep creating things. TRAVEL!
What is the largest hurdle you've had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Lazinesssss aka being tired from my day job and just feeling like being a potato
What is one piece of advice you'd give women looking to step into your field?
Never stop learning! Try to soak up all the info. Learn the rules so you can break them and don't be afraid to experiment and express yourself.
What do you do to reset and refresh when life feels heavy?
Spend time with my loved ones. Sit at one of my favorite coffee shops and enjoy a really good coffee. Sketch. Get some fresh air.
What is your favorite activity on days off?
Make sure I set enough time to sit at a coffee shop and enjoy my coffee without rushing. During the week I find myself rushing a lot and trying to accomplish a million things... So at least Saturday or Sunday I try to find time to take things slow and go somewhere, walk around, visit a local shop, etc.
If you could hop on a plane right now where would you go and why?
Tokyo or Mexico! I've wanted to go to Tokyo since I was a little girl. And I grew up in Tijuana, so being almost anywhere in Mexico makes me extremely happy.
Who would you invite to dinner? Frida Kahlo, Virgen de Guadalupe, or someone else that inspires you?
Yayoi Kusama
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading Itzel's insight into how she started her own business and what keeps her motivated. Stay tuned for a lot more Chisme with other inspiring chicas!
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Very inspiring. Keep following your dreams, fellow Tijuanense. You’re on the right track!
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