Meet Annaly Gonzalez | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annaly Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annaly, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I always love answering this question because there is somewhat of a story behind it. I was born in Chicago IL, but moved to Dallas when I was a baby. During my childhood years, my family and I actually moved to Mexico and I got to experience life in a whole different country. After three years, we moved back to Dallas and the rest is history. I would say that the whole process of moving to a different country, and being able to fully understand my culture is what led to me being who I am today. I take pride in my culture, as well as all the hardships I went through with the moving to one place to another. Even when we came back from Mexico, we would move from city to city, school to school. Now that I think about it, I think this is one of the main reasons why with my small business, I have a lot of variety to offer, and can’t really stick to only one craft. It allows me to be creative with different outlets.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The item that I am most proud of is my Mariachi Snoopy. It made such an impact on me personally, because I never thought that combining one of my favorite characters with my culture would have an impact on the community. People loved it so much, that it became my very own little icon. It took a while to where I am today with my small business, and I still have so much to give and grow in. I have so many ideas that are still in the works, because I want my small business to not only focus on my main item which is my Mariachi Snoopy keychain, but to also have a sense of identity with my art through various pieces. It has definitely been hard because I always thought that artists have a small window to develop their own style, but I am learning more and more about myself, and I know that soon I will be able to showcase my own art style.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhhh I love this question! Simply because I still have a lot to explore within the city because there is just so many places to go. I would start off with visiting a super cute and cozy coffee shop, and I would have to shout out Olmo Market. They are located in Oak Cliff, and they have such a strong sense of community. Not only that, but their drinks, especially their “La Bandera” drink which is a strawberry Matcha is so good! I would also take them to Funny Library, simply because the vibes of that coffee shop is super cozy, and it is such a great spot to catch up. I would then say to take a stroll to Bishop Arts. It is the perfect combination of a location that has small businesses as well as delicious restaurants. And last but not least I would have to say the reunion tower…you know that tower where you can see the city view (I still have to go see it myself but haven’t had the chance to yet!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shout out to my friend Nelly. She was the one that made all of this possible. She is such an inspiration due to her putting all of her blood, sweat and tears to her business that uplifts Latinas all over the world, no matter their background.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeByChiquitaShop

Instagram: @madebychiquita

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@madebychiquita