Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rojas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Melissa Rojas, mother to Camilla & Owner of Chasing Camilla. A zarape inspired accessories and clothing brand.
With years of experience in the fashion industry, from interning day in and day out in Los Angeles then landing a job as a personal assistant to Lindsay Lohan in 2009. I had the opportunity to travel the world and witness Fashion Weeks in NYC and Paris. Later working for LA-based Fashion House, Thomas Wylde. At the same time styling Gina Rodriguez in 2011. I’ve always had my hands in the industry and tried to pursue my dreams.
In 2015 Camilla was born and my world changed, priorities shifted and my most important job ever was becoming a mother. After my marriage did not work and being left with nowhere to go. And nothing to my name, basically penny less. I relocated back home to Texas with Camilla.
It was then I decided to pursue this dream I’ve always had of creating my own clothing brand.
Chasing Camilla was born. My brand represents my love for zarape and Camilla. With two zarape s in hand, the help from my Godmother, the Santa Hat idea began. From there, we evolved to Easter bunny ears, Minnie Mouse ears and more cositas made with zarape. I now carry various imported and handmade artisanal items from Mexico in my shop as well. I travel to various parts of Mexico and other countries to source handmade artisanal items. Alongside with Arlene from Glamlindo Artesania, we meet directly with Artisans and bring business to their communities. Our purpose is to collaborate with each other and bring awareness to their beautiful work.
Another part of my business is my wholesale side. Chasing Camilla is also carried in specialty boutiques such as Casita Del Pueblo in California and numerous locations throughout the US. My merchandise has even been carried in a few Museum boutiques. Plus, I travel all over the US, selling my items at the biggest Markets and major Cities.
We have been featured on Pero Like, Parent’s Latina, SA Living San Antonio News, Mitu and other online publications.
We have also now expanded to a lifestyle brand and collaborate with major brands for content.
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?
Oh, of course not. My first Market event I made $75 and I wouldn’t get accepted to markets. Or I don’t hear back from specialty boutiques if I’m cold calling for them to carry my items. Or even certain items not selling and me losing in my investment. It wasn’t until 2020 when I was so terrified because of the pandemic. All the markets events I had scheduled were canceled until the next year. But I truly believed in myself and telling my story. I continued either way and figured out ways to evolve with my business. Meant shifting my main focus to online sales, like many of us did. I continuously came up new merchandise, focused on what the consumer was asking for at the moment. I was very consistent and very disciplined the most of ever been in my life. Thankfully it all fell into place and now here we are. Being turned down is just part of the business we can’t force anything and who wants to. Really what is meant for you, it will come but remember you have to work towards it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mommy in my brand that since the beginning specialized in handmade Zarape items. We focus on accessories and modernize them with our culture. Our handmade bunny ears are our top sellers, Camilla is the face of the brand. Telling our story along the way has resonated with our customers. I am a single mother that started my business during the “worst “time in my life. The products we carry are products that either Camilla or I love. Camilla my daughter is a huge part of the brand, she even gives me ideas on products and hosts most of our lives on Instagram.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love collaborating a huge part of my growth has been because of collaborating with other brands and influencers. Send me an email to chasingcamilla@gmail.com or a dm via Instagram @chasingcamilla
Contact Info:
- Email: chasingcamilla@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/market/chasing_camilla
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcamilla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingcamilla1/
Image Credits
Angel Ivan from Oaxaca Mexico @angel.ivan_photos Rachel @l.a.momma
