Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Nieto.
Nancy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Like many small businesses, we started this journey during the pandemic in 2020, while about 4-5 months pregnant with my second baby. To be quite honest, I do not know what sparked my interest in sewing, I just knew I wanted a sewing machine so I just went ahead and bought one.
I purchased my machine in July and launched my business in August. I had never even touched a needle and thread in my life, it actually took me about a week or two to get the courage to start using it. Once I started, I could not stop, I loved it. Sewing is very therapeutic.
However, painting is my first love. I stopped painting back in 2017 to focus on my daughter and work my corporate job.
I had no time for anything else. Since I began sewing, it has really inspired me to start painting again. I like to switch between painting and sewing depending on how I am feeling at the moment. I am self-taught and have learned a lot throughout my life, so I try to incorporate what I can to help my business continue to grow. A lot of what inspires me is my Mexican culture and how I was raised.
I am the maker but my little family of 4 is just as invested. You will rarely catch me at local markets by myself. They are the true heart behind it all. I could not do what I do without them. I hope to be able to continue to build this business for them. I quit my corporate job last year (Sept 2021) to pursue this full-time. I feel very blessed for the love and support that I have received to be able to make my dream of owning my own business a reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been an easy path to follow. I am never clocked out, it’s more like I take 15-30 minute breaks throughout the day. Juggling family life and business life from home is very challenging. I have a 1 yr old and a 4yr old, a challenge in itself if you ask me.
Having a small business also means income isn’t always consistent and that can weigh very heavily at times. But it comes with the territory. Sometimes it will rain but not forever! Financial management is very important when you choose to run a small business.
Also, I feel like social media has made it seem like you constantly have to put out content to remain relevant or be seen. This can be discouraging as it isn’t always our main focus. We do what we can when we can. We try not to focus so much on the number of likes, views follow, etc. As this does not define our business or our success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I feel like we are known for are our tortilla warmers. This was the item that launched our business and has been a best seller ever since. I have made aprons, headbands, tote bags, kitchen towels, hair bows, decorative pillows, blankets, amongst other things. If I don’t know how to make it, I will learn!
I have also started adding original canvas paintings, art prints, and other painted items to my inventory. This has really helped me from burning out, as I can switch from sewing to painting and vice versa when I feel it creeping in. I feel like this really sets us apart from the rest, as we are able to incorporate the two together as well.
We recently brought back a few imported items from Mexico, however, about 95%-98% of our inventory is still handmade by us. We take a lot of pride in being able to provide one-of-a-kind items.
What matters most to you?
Staying true to ourselves. I feel like we have built relationships with not only our customers but also with other small businesses by being ourselves and being as transparent as possible.
We could not do what we do without the support and the community that surrounds us constantly. This also allows us to be able to give back when we can. It is very humbling to have the opportunity to help others thru our business.
Contact Info:
- Email: tienditaelretonito@hotmail.com
- Website: tienditaelretonito.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/el_retontio
