Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Alarcon.
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story behind Misa Jane is a very personal one, but I want to share our journey with you – to let it be a reminder that women can overcome the most difficult obstacles and bloom into the strong, graceful and fearless individuals that God created them to be.
At the age of 17, my life was forever changed by domestic violence and rape. Despite that, I chose to give life and welcomed my baby girl, Merlissa “Misa” Jane into the world. Raising Misa as a single mother and wanting nothing more than to give her the best life I could, we fled to Texas to begin our new life together. Fast forward to the age of four, Misa expressed a strong interest in fashion design. She would doodle outfits and add embellishments on pre-drawn models to portray her very eclectic style. At 11 years old (now 14), Misa had expressed an interest in attending a Fashion Design School. Being a mother to 4 girls, it has always been incredibly important to me to encourage and contribute to their future success. So I decided to create the “Misa Jane” brand to set the foundation for Misa to build on in the years to come and also share our story in hopes to inspire and educate other women and young girls along the way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Oh, very far from a smooth road! First, since our story was about to launch publicly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I get hate? Because Lord knows my little heart was too fragile back then! Haha! However, it was quite the opposite. Love POURED in. But, what was such a huge blessing, also turned to be mentally challenging. I didn’t know what I was in for. Women I had never known or spoken to before started sharing their stories with me – domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking – some who began experiencing it as early as age 2. Part of all that made me feel absolutely broken, but I knew that taking this stand would establish a safe place for others to share. There’s so much beauty in the broken. I don’t always have the right words to respond with, but I’ve learned one thing is for certain – sometimes just being present in silence with someone going through those circumstances is so powerful.
Second, when starting out, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. The clothing style was all over the place, I was extremely inconsistent and utterly clueless with keeping track of all the numbers. A formula for disaster in the business world. I wasn’t aware at the time that juggling a full-time job alongside launching a business, being wife and mom to four, and wearing so many hats, would leave me feeling so unbalanced, unmotivated, and almost regretful. There were many consecutive weeks I would throw my hands up and go absent out of the blue, then come back like no time had passed. Over the last year, I’ve really had to go through trials of establishing the mindset of perseverance over irresolution and dawdling. Balance = Boundaries.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We started as an ecommerce store and moved into our first brick and mortar this year – April 9th, 2021! We now offer not only women’s clothing but have expanded to offer UV and spray tanning services as well. Our shop is filled with curated clothing and accessories, small gifts, and local handmade items such as lotions, soaps, body scrubs, and candles.
We strive to be active in our community and discover ways to have a positive impact on those around us. Raising four daughters, I believe in teaching them the importance of empowering and celebrating other women and young girls. I knew that when sharing our story publicly, it would also be a strong passion of mine to raise awareness for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Trafficking/Exploitation – to ensure other voices are heard. Most women flee an abusive relationship with nothing more than just a few belongings, little to no money, with children in hand. We are committed to donating a portion of all proceeds to local charities that focus on supporting these women and their children. By making a purchase through Misa Jane, you’re also contributing to changing lives.
What does success mean to you?
I’ve actually never been asked this question before, so right off the top of my head, there’s a quote, “We rise by lifting others” – Robert Ingersoll. Call it my life motto. Sure, money makes the world go ’round. A suit and tie can get you respect. But to me, success will always be a reminder to be the one who stands up for others, the one who spreads love, positivity, joy, laughter, kindness, the one who takes the time to truly understand, and the one who steps out in grace to help lead others. I feel that this is a genetic necessity to human survival. The fruits of generosity rub off as an abundance mindset and support you to be more wealthy in all areas of your life.
Pricing:
- Clothing $-$$
- Tanning Level 2: $10-$125
- Tanning Level 4: $14-$170
- Spray Tanning TBD ($35-$180)
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@misajane.com
- Website: https://misajane.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/misajaneshop
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/misajaneshop
