Today we’d like to introduce you to Meliza Vasquez.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I started my business in July 2020 amid corona. I was moving through life quickly (going to college, working as a research assistant, and being an unpaid intern as a Social Media Coordinator), and the pandemic, in an ironic way, finally gave me a chance to breathe and sit with my thoughts. I was laid off from my RA job, so I began freelancing as a social media manager and creative director for a tiny and local hand sanitizer company- that didn’t last long due to some change in FDA regulations, and the chemist had to go back to the drawing board. I was left with no job and no social media skills, so I decided to create my job. I began small, with about $160. I created my logo on Canva and my website on Shopify, and my goal was to become the hottest dropshipping boutique online! That was a failure- dropshipping is great, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve always been quality over quantity kind of gal. I decided to drop the dropshipping technique due to slow shipping and cruddy quality, but only when it made sense. After 6 months of drop shipping (and saving every penny possible to shift to better vendors), I flew to LA, California, to shop at LA’s Fashion District. I was a kid in a candy shop! I spent my whole stimulus check that weekend and can’t think of any better way to spend it. I finally felt like I was getting ethically sourced, quality, and gorgeous clothes. I got the hang of social media marketing, but with this shift came new challenges. I had to ship, package, and do everything myself. Also, the stress of having actual inventory was something to get used to, but a little fire under your ass to get things done always helps. Fast forward to fall 2021, and I’ve learned so much since. I also live around the city all week, hosting pop-ups at local markets, college events, and bars. Monthly sales have increased since I refocused in August after being in a TikTok content house this summer, but that’s a different story.
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?
It’s been a rocky road, but I make it look smooth. Hahaha, I’m a positive person, and grace is the best thing we can give to ourselves, so I try to take the bad as lightly as the good. They both don’t last forever. 🙂 The material challenges are the easier things to get through. I recently accidentally ordered too much of a top that is not selling – I noted it down & won’t do it again. It’s the emotional ones that get me. Sometimes I become very frustrated, as if I am not doing enough. I work almost daily, and I’ve been spread thin with my business growing the last 2 months more than I expected. I make the TikToks, model everything, shoot/direct/conceptualize everything, and package everything to be shipped out accordingly. It is a lot of work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I do have to wear a million hats, but the great thing is no one is here to tell me what I can and can’t do (so I can wear a million hats with roses and flowers and pink glitter, and no one is telling me I have to wear an ugly yellow hat to protect my head), and I think that’s amazing. It was also lonely at first, but through @shop.badgirl, I’ve found a community of creators, entrepreneurs, and bold, strong women like me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shop Bad Girl, LLC?
Shop Bad Girl is a fashion boutique supplying the hottest clothes and a message of mindfulness. If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you will radiate like a star – thus looking good. Our butterfly logo symbolizes growth and new beginnings. Our collections are designed for young adults and teenagers who may be going through a stage where they’re getting to know their worth and style, thus morphing from a kid (caterpillar) to a strong woman (butterfly)! Online we advocate for mental health; we are constantly sharing quotes and tips that could change someone’s day or perspective to live a brighter life. I am most proud of the community my followers and I have been able to create and the lives I’ve touched. When people let me know how I’ve inspired them in one way or another, I could cry every time. I want my readers to know I appreciate them so much, and if it weren’t for their support, I wouldn’t be growing in the way Shop Bad Girl is also, that they’re amazing, beautiful, and to chase your dreams!
Before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
I am currently looking for a full-time model in Houston! You can support me with followers, likes, shares, saves, and purchases from my store. I am also Latina-owned, so it’d be a great way to celebrate Latin heritage month by getting yourself something cute! You can work with me by sending me a DM on Instagram at @shop.badgirl or emailing me at info@shobadgirl.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopbadgirl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.badgirl/
Image Credits
Alexsey Reyes (the photos in the blue paisley top & pink camo set)
