La Catrina Creations truly came into being from an entrepreneur’s spirit: Anna Montes was looking for something that she couldn’t find out in the world so she decided to make it herself. Starting with having an artistan make sarape stoles, La Catrina Creations has grown so much so that Anna needed to build a warehouse! You can learn more about Anna, her inspiration, and her work in her AccelerateHER cohort story.
How many days/hours of the week are you working on La Catrina Creations? What does a typical day look like for you?
It really depends on the season. Nearing graduation season I tend to work around the clock customizing stoles. However during slower seasons such as the beginning of the year I work more on the back side of the business with planning, sourcing new inventory and such. Typically about 4 hours a day is what I spend working on my business. Which is great as it allows me to spend quality time with my family.
How did you come up with your business concept?
My business came to be completely by accident. When I graduated college I wanted to wear a sarape stole but couldn’t find “the one”. I was looking for something authentic, very representative of my culture. I had to go without at my graduation but that idea is what sparked the light for what La Catrina Creations has come to be.
What is your background in? Could you tell us how each of these disciplines emerge in your work?
My heart has always been to help my community, that led me to pursue a degree in social work. However, life works in mysterious ways and I ended up getting my teaching certificate and working as a bilingual teacher in the same elementary school that I attended growing up. My journey through college and in my profession have helped me make connections with other Latinos that are going or have gone through similar experiences. I loved my time teaching but as my business grew I knew I could no longer continue to do both so I left teaching.I truly believe everything was meant to happen this way for a reason. I have some goals in mind as a way to contribute back into education in the near future.
How did you build up La Catrina Creations as a business?
It’s crazy to look back and think that this just started with an idea in my head. I was nervous to start but glad I took the risk. I started small by working with one artisan in Mexico who helped create the first batch of stoles for La Catrina Creations. Since then I have been able to meet and work with many more artisans all across Mexico. The relationships that I have formed with many of the artisans has been key in the success of my business. I hope to continue to expand and make more connects with other artisans.
How did you find your way into creating these custom pieces and the world of ecommerce?
A lot of the ideas come from my customers. They have a vision and we work with them to bring it to life. I get butterflies in my tummy every time a customer shares a glimpse of their big day with their sarape stole. Some clips are funny, others tear jerking but all are definitely inspiring. Ecommerce has allowed me to connect and given me the privilege of sharing these pieces with people all across the country.
What’s your favorite thing about your workspace?
I’m really excited to finally have a workspace that is outside of my home. My favorite thing about it is that I helped design what the building would look like. It was an amazing feeling seeing it being built and my vision come to life.
How do you see your business growing in the next year?
I’m both excited and nervous for what is to come this year. Finally I will be launching my own website. Also with the growth I want to be able to offer our customers more options so some product sourcing trips will be a must. I’m also thinking this is the year I hire some paid help here and there. A big shout out to my family that is always willing to come to my rescue without anything in return.
Name a woman, past or present, whom you admire or look up to. Why?
A woman that I greatly admire is my mom. She came to this country with nothing and did everything she could to provide for my brothers and I. She did so much without being familiar with the culture, having a formal education or knowing the language. Her journey has inspired me to take risks like starting this business. She is a key element in all my efforts and successes.