What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
A decision to take your own path and make a difference.
What inspired you to start your business?
I noticed the lack of Emergent Latinos in the NY Fashion Week and the Industry as a whole.
How did you finance it?
I was willing to put in every dollar I owned in to make it happen and I learned how to raise financing in different ways.
Does being Hispanic/Latina have any influence on your business?
Yes and No. The diversity is mostly a challenge, being a young Latina in this country comes with its own obstacles that I had to overcome, For example, English not being my first language was and still is very challenging. No, because the nuts and bolts of running a business disregard your background.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to drive ahead?
All I look for is creativity. The designers I work with know that NY is the Fashion Capital of the world, we must bring creativity and unique styles and always keeping our roots involved.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
The lack of others not being able to see my vision.
If you could change one thing about your business. What would it be?
I wouldn't change anything, building my own path as I go and see how much we have grown feels very exciting.
What was your childhood ambition?
To be able to leave a legacy for my family and our future generations.
Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire.
Tony Robbins
Oprah Winfrey
Fern Mallins
For business meetings, which do you prefer: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast, early In the morning when you are fresh and full of energy.
What sacrifices in your personal life did you have to make in order to become successful in your business?
Time for family and personal life. In general, I sacrifice now so I can have freedom later.
In addition, I'm married to my career. There is no 9-5 when you are becoming an entrepreneur, you just go and keep going until you get it.
What is your favorite quote?
"Do not and the take criticism from someone who has not constructed anything."
The biggest mistake made?
Everything Happens for a reason.
Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
Totally.
I broke into an industry that's has been well-established way before me, and brought in a fresh perspective.
Description of the company
FDLA — What has become the signature multicultural fashion event of New York City, FDLA founded its development on providing exposure for established, emerging and upcoming clothing designers from around the world in an effort to extend meaningful fashion trade. Accomplishing this has been an undertaking in nurturing opportunities for the publicity of international talents whose creative abilities are overflowing but financial resources are not.
FDLA prides itself on continuing its work throughout the year to build bridges engaging community inclusion by leading events, social activities and diversity initiatives.
FDLA THE SHOWS
With the top-notch guest list and international media coverage, FDLA reaches a multitude of consumers and continues to grow each year.
Last season’s show in September was a major success, providing to the fashion community that FDLA must be considered a player in the New York City world of fashion and around the world.
FDLA is fast becoming the place to be for socialites, celebrities and those seeking to discover the next big name.
With a number of designers bringing new thoughts and ideas from around the world, FDLA has now established itself as a crucial stop on the fashion circuit around the world bringing Latin Designers to international platforms around the world such as South Korea, Switzerland, Dubai, and counting...
