Meet Maria Velasquez | Bowtiste

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

Hi Maria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I love all things glitter and spooky. There isn’t really a shop or business that I could find that offered both, so I started making my own. My little girl, now a teen, was my muse. Everything I made, I did with her in mind. She embodied everything my shop stands for with a side of sassiness.

Also, I love creating and coming up with new ways to put a twist on the conventional kid and adult accessories. Adults as much as kids love to wear one of a kind hair art that show off their fandoms and flair for the unique. With all of this in mind I started Bow Rogue. Bow is for all of the hair accessories I custom design and make. I chose Rogue because my products deviate from the “normal” hair bow and t-shirts that include horror designs and cheeky humor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Each piece I create incorporates several elements. The design is dictated by the style I’m trying to create. Whether it’s a over the top hair bow for a special birthday or a t-shirt design for a family reunion, I always strive to make it unique.

I have grown my business with lots of hard work and late nights. I am always learning and perfecting my techniques so my end results show it.

Although my main focus is on all things glitzy and horror, my clients lead me on what they want. I try to stay with the trends and forecast what will or won’t sell. With my niche category it is sometimes a hit or miss. I just take the misses and see where I can improve and make it better for the next season or launch.

Bow Rogue is where you can get something for your little one, a custom product for a birthday or special occasion, and get a little spooky all year round.

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?
Well when you’re in Texas it is mandatory to eat barbecue! I love supporting local business so I’d take them to Del Torro’s in Mansfield for some Texas Twinkies and birria tacos.

Right next door is Twisted Root, one of the best burger joints my family and I have been to.

The ambience between both restaurants is a chill and relaxed. They sometimes have live music and the place is great for families to just hang out.

We love watching movies, especially horror and action flicks. I’d take them to the Mansfield Cinemark theater with the reclining seats and the Xtreme digital experience.

Because we also love seafood we’d definitely have to visit “El Viejon” in Grand Prairie, La Marea in Dallas or Rio Bravo in Arlington where they have drag shows or live music every weekend.

For shopping we’d have to visit The Galleria in Dallas, Grapevine Mall, The Highlands in Arlington, and The Stockyards in Fort Worth. A shop at Tecovas is a must! Can’t leave Texas without getting a pair of real cowboy boots.

Finally while in Fort Worth we’d have to stop by The White Elephant for a night cap. They have great drinks and music to listen to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, kids and family are all great supporters of my business. It was my husband who gifted me with the tools I needed for my t-shirt business. He and our kids encourage my creative outlet and understand that sometimes the process is long. They’ve seen me up late nights working to perfect an order and take over for me at home.

My family, including my parents, sisters, and cousins all help share my shop’s sales and new product launches. They refer all of their friends and coworkers to me for custom designs.

Lastly my clients keep me inspired and push my limits and help me be a better artist. All of my designs are my babies and I thank my customers for loving them. It’s their loyalty to my brand that’s kept me going.

Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/BowRogue

Instagram: www.instagram.com/BowRogue

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BowRogue

Other: www.TikTok.com/BowRogue