Today we’d like to introduce you to Alessa Castro.
Hi Alessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My husband and I moved to San Antonio from Southern California in 2015 with the help of my family. Moving to a big little city like San Antonio was an interesting struggle, one I welcomed wholeheartedly. During the time between then and the pandemic I struggled to find a job where I felt like I could truly be myself. Turns out what I really needed to do is start my own business.
It started as many small business did, during a time of great adversity. During this time we are locked up at home and unable to do much. Many hospitals and many of my fellow community members were in need of PPE. I was very intimidated but happy to take on the challenge.
Starting off from making scrunchies and masks on my kitchen table I realized the great potential I had to really channel my creativity and need for belonging.
Slowly I turned from making masks to curating my own style and what I wanted to do carrying forward. My adhd has made it difficult to stick with one single thing. I jusmped from puppy bandanas to tumblers to finally what I love the most, accessories!
You will always find me behind my booth with my alternative style items and my mommas cute crochet.
It has been an Amazing adventure. One I am now able to share with my fellow small business owners by hosting small vendor markets.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting, operating and hand making items for a small business has been a struggle in the best way. It’s an amazing experience that I would not change for the world.
Adversity has come with many different faces, not being able to find the time with household duties, a full time job and everything else that may arise to fulfill orders and stock. Having a surplus of handmade items and not being able to find them a home. Being affected by the closure of a nation wide brick and mortar and losing thousand like many other business.
It’s all a leaning experience and I am excited to see what more is to come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gato Negro Co. Specializes in handmade sewn items. Some of my favorite things to make are hair accessories,customized sunglasses, purses, tote bags and upcycled tshirt dresses. I think and hope that what sets me apart from everyone else is my love for my craft and the time and care that goes into every single piece. I would love my alternative and spooky items to be taken into concert venues and haunted houses and hold up to any and all tests..
I’m so proud that my handmade and curated items have made it across the state and even border lines and are enjoyed by many.
What matters most to you?
I believe on honing a strong community. When painted tree closed I saw how many vendors like myself had no where to showcase their items and affordable sell their wares. I saw the need and searched for an opportunity to help.
I am not the most organized or headstrong person but I am one who will find a way to help.in my search I have been able to open opportunities for the small business community by hosting a market on Sunday once a month with the support of my husband, close friends and most importantly our most gracious host Southtown Bodega and House of Spirits on 727 s. Alamo.
I started this part of this adventure out of love for my fellow vendors and so long as they need a space to vend I will continue to do my best to host and help.
Pricing:
- $20 non refundable vendor fee for Sunday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://GatoNegroCo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatonegro.satx?igsh=aWp4NzZjcXExdDRo&utm_source=qr
