Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Martinez.
Hi Ana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“Through my life’s adversity, I learned quickly that if I wanted to feed my passion, I needed to make money. So on my 18th birthday, I got my first job as a door girl at a club. Having to dress everyday, I discovered affordable stores like Rainbow, Giti and Mad Rag… people always complimented my wardrobe and would be shocked when I would shamelessly tell them I paid $10 for my dress.”
“From a young age, I always found myself to be very independent. I was raised by a young single mom who I watched struggle through life but never truly showed it, always making sure my sister and I had everything we needed. It was a strength I not only admired but acquired. My main focus was always my family and how can I give them the best life.”
My passion was always fashion, I remember walking into Limited Too and ignoring all the pre-styled mannequin outfits to pick up pieces and style them myself. I loved to create the best looks for me and my friends. Nothing made me happier than new clothes. I was also the least fortunate financially growing up so I had to become very creative with my outfits to “fit in”.
Through financial hardships and family lows, I learned quickly that if I wanted to feed my passion, I needed to make money. So on my 18th birthday, I got my first job as a door girl at a club. Having to dress everyday, I discovered what I would call “chonga” stores which were affordable stores like rainbow, Mad rag … people always complimented my wardrobe and would be shocked when I would shamelessly tell them I paid $10 for my dress.
I realized then I wanted to be a source for other women who may not be so shameless, that struggle also but wanted to dress up.
That’s when I started styling and posting my affordable finds. To then in 2019, officially opening an online boutique of all affordable fashionable clothing, I was able to become a source and showcase my Looks.
Going back to my childhood and life in general, my sister played a huge role, she was my partner in all things but the one thing that differed was our sizes. I was petite and she was plus-sized. I hated the things I had seen her go through and struggles with clothing and self-worth.
Mind you, my sister is gorgeous!
So with that in my mind and heart, I wanted to use my clothing platform to be ALL inclusive. A place for EVERY woman no matter the size, budget or style! A place to gain confidence in your uniqueness. My slogan is to “love the look you’re in” based off loving the skin you’re in because I not only want to be the source of affordable fashion but the source of self-love and confidence through my clothing!
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?
It is no secret starting a business is very challenging, Struggles for me have always been rooted in doubt. Will I ever be able to fill my purpose? Is my business going to be successful? However I learned quickly through trial and error that although it may not always go smoothly, I find joy in it all because I am following my dreams and fueling my passion!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a boutique owner, I specialize in affordable yet current fashions for women of all shapes and sizes. I am most known for my confidence and being an advocate for self-love. I am most proud of the fact women turn to me for not only fashion advice but as a source of light and love. I am always spreading love and reminding women of their worth!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have always said I am not very lucky; I just work really hard. If anything, I feel very unlucky at times, but I have only used it as lesson for my future. I know everything happens for a reason!
Pricing:
- 29.99-49.99 all my clothing range
Contact Info:
- Email: ana.martinez1118@gmail.com
- Website: Looksbyanaalicia.com
Image Credits
@soshikaphotography
