Chismeando with my Comadre—An 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 Noelle Reyes of Mi Vida,
developing product for Juicy Couture by day and creating for her own Mi Vida Shop by night.
Combining her experience in the fashion business with her personal style rolled up into a wonderful shopping experience!
What motivated you to start your business?
Alfredo Settimio! He was my boss at the time when Mi Vida began and my best mentor. He is a vintage connoisseur and designer that created his visions into wearable art. In my years with him I learned how the possibility of taking your passion and turning it into a thriving business. A business that operates exactly how you choose it to.
What in life inspires you to create more of what you love?
The artist Dominic Ochoa, better known as my husband. His passion for art and detail is constantly teaching me new things and opening my creative eyes. We have this great artistic connection and build off of it, it's just an amazing feeling.
What is your biggest dream for your business and/or life?
Longevity. Mi Vida needs to be a current and cultural/artistic destination spot POR VIDA. And more space, that is definitely a dream we need to make come true.
What is the largest hurdle you've had to overcome to get to where you are now?
The recession of 2008! It was the year our business began and flourished for only one year. The next 2 years after that were a time I would never want to experience again. Establishing our business was the easy part. Learning how to survive during a financial crisis is something you never want to wish on anyone, but it did bring forth many great lessons.
What is one piece of advice you'd give women looking to step into your field?
Experience is Golden! The start of any business should be an evolution of your experience and passion, an idea that has lived inside your heart and mind that can be brought to life. I also believe any entrepreneur should be rooted in both their culture and community!
What do you do to reset and refresh when life feels heavy?
Make a list. Seriously, writing/organizing thoughts always grounds me.
What is your favorite activity on days off?
E A T I N G. Love love love food.
If you could hop on a plane right now where would you go and why?
Tulum. They make relaxing easy for a person that can never sit down :)
Who would you invite to dinner? Frida Kahlo, Virgen de Guadalupe, or someone else that inspires you?
Virgen de Guadalupe
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading Noelle'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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I think wat yer doing and hav done is awsome.I’d like to praise yu fer yer hard werk n not giving up and for keeping Latinas in the industry and in the forefront of creativity.May GOD BLESS n keep yu n yer Family.
P.S.
I am truly gtateful that my daughters will be able to grow up n see other BEAUTIFUL LATINAS CHANGE THE WORLD 🌎 AND PEOPLES PERSPECTIVES ON WHAT A MODERN DAY LATINA IS❤💚
Love the interview! We need to remind people our Latina Culture is alive and well, and we are proud of of our heritage.
I am also a list maker, I feel the same, when life feels out of control!
Rose Mendoza
Dulce Vida Travel- Disfruta La Vida!
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