Today we’d like to introduce you to Macey Esquivel.
Hi Macey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Owning my very own clothing store has always been a dream of mine since my late teens. I had such an obsession with always dressing up and putting outfits together for myself, my family, and my friends. When I was in my late teens, I would thrift for vintage Levi jeans and completely redo them by hand. I would cut, rip, add studs and post them on Facebook and Instagram to sell.
I knew then that I wanted to work with clothes in the future. As the years went on, I obviously took the longer path to get to where I’m at right now. I was on the path of real estate and had a small at-home business that was doing very well. I flipped homes that I loved so much. Then Covid hit. That’s when I started the at-home business called TXDYE. I hand-dyed matching clothing for mothers and children then, expanding to all unisex clothing for adults and children.
When Covid started to cool down I decided to get my license to sell real estate here in Texas. The universe had different plans for me though. The weekend that I was scheduled to take my state exam I came across a little piece of real estate heaven for lease for myself. The perfect location for my big dream. I thought to myself, “that’s the perfect location for a clothing boutique”. It was on a Sunday so I was a little hesitant about bothering anyone with a phone call.
So, I sent a text to the number on the for-lease sign. As soon as I sent it, I told myself “no I should just call. What’s the worst that can happen? They don’t answer and I leave a voicemail.” So, I called and got an answer. I told the owner my idea and plan I had for the space and she loved it. We scheduled an appointment for the next day to meet. When I arrived, we just talked and connected so well?
I told her I was so set on the south town location considering that I was from the south side myself and wanted boutique shopping to be accessible to my community. The next week, I was signing the lease. I was literally in shock. With no knowledge of running my own storefront business, I was also a little scared. Especially being the very first business owner/entrepreneur in my family. I pushed through that fear though.
I pushed through every step. When I didn’t know anything, I did my own research either on google or YouTube. When I had questions that I couldn’t find the answer to I was not scared to ask those questions. Luckily, I was surrounded by the right people who not only supported my dream but lent a helping hand any way they could. I traveled to Dallas and California to find the exact type of clothing I wanted for the boutique. It was and is definitely a learning journey.
I learn something new all the time. A whole year later and 10 months after opening, Hermosa’s Boutique is making a name for the locals here in south town and throughout San Antonio with the help of social media. August will be the one-year anniversary of the boutique and I am just so grateful for everyone who has walked through this door to support this big dream.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Now being a business owner myself, I applaud all small business owners out there.
The journey is not easy and it is not as pretty as I make everything out to be. The one thing I would like to say is that even though the lows, those lows are just as important as the highs.
The lows make the highs in the small business industry so rewarding for us small business owners. In the end, all the hard work and time are very worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My name is Macey Esquivel and I am the owner of my first fashionable, inclusive, and aesthetically gorgeous brick-and-mortar boutique in the heart of Southtown San Antonio. I am a Latina from the south side of San Antonio being the first and only business owner in my family.
I opened up not only with the goal to bring boutique shopping closer to her south side community but to also shine a light on women’s empowerment. This small but growing boutique is here to make a positive impact for all women of San Antonio and more.
Hermosas Boutique carries clothing that is catered to all body types with no one being excluded. While shopping here you are guaranteed a wonderful experience from the moment you walk into the moment you walk out. This boutique will quickly become one of your favorite shopping spots for good quality and fashionable clothing pieces/accessories.
Be sure to stop by, say hi, and shop at 734 S. Alamo St. Also keep an eye out for the website launch at the beginning of 2022.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If somebody were to ask me how to get started or what I wish I knew before I was starting I would tell them to make sure they are doing what I love first and foremost.
Make sure when you’re choosing to start your own business it is something that you could see yourself doing every day with no hesitation. Also, think about all the time and work you’re going to have to put into yourself and into your business to get it to where you want to be because nobody else is going to do it for you.
Nobody is going to be there to wake you up to get things done before you have to get to work. Nobody is going to be there to babysit you and make sure everything is running smoothly and correctly. It’s all on you. From morning to night. From sun up to sun down.
Every day of the year. So whatever it is you choose to do, make sure it is for something you are fully passionate about. As long as you have that, you have everything it takes to push yourself to make your dream a reality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hermosasboutique?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hermosasboutique-109898591305732/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTd7s6Ssm/
