Meet Rachel Martinez | Bridal Designer & Seamstress
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought behind starting my own business came from offering a service to brides as a one stop shop for alterations and customization on veils.
This startup came to me in my prior days at working in a Bridal shop where I would see first hand brides and bridesmaids not coming in on time for alterations for their big day. Either not coming in on time to book an appointment or simply a small take in from the shoulder or waistband being simply too expensive and not have an alternative.
My mission is to alleviate the stress of worrying about the little details before the big day, not only for brides but also for bridesmaids, mother of the bride or groom, and anyone celebrating a special event. This is where I decided to name my business “One yes Away”.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey in education and path to where I am today is truly not your ordinary life story for entering college. At the age of 16, i embarked on a challenging adventure, leaving my Mexican household and traveling 1,400 miles away to pursue my dreams. The initial year at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandise was undoubtedly an emotional roller coaster, especially with my father’s deportation during my first semester. His advice was to focus on your education and persevere through the difficulties was invaluable till this day.
I embraced his guidance and dedication to my studies, ultimately earning two associates degrees—one in Merchandise Product Development and another in International Manufacturing and Product Development. These degrees equipped me with a diverse set of skills, from pattern development and Adobe software proficiency to effective communication with overseas manufacturers through technical packs.
I balanced two jobs, part-time studies, and an internship at Palladium, where I contributed significantly to their 2023-2024 Autumn/ Winter collection. The pandemic pushed me into adapting virtual collaboration with manufacturers, further enhancing my abilities in presentations and design pitches through using small presentation I would ship to them personally to have a feel of fabrication to feel the creativity of what is to come.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I gained valuable experience at a bridal shop, stepping into various roles and learning from exceptional mentors in the field. This multifaceted experience undoubtedly shaped my perspective and skills.
As I approached graduation, I recognized my passion for both the creative side of fashion and the desire to be my own boss. Through brainstorming and experimenting with startups, I solidified your commitment to pursuing my own venture, “One Yes Away.” This feels as it aligned with my creative spirit and provides the autonomy I seek.
Currently, I hold the position of a Store Team Leader at American Eagle Outfitters full-time, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for “One Yes Away” part-time. This marks the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, where I am meticulously building the foundation for my business, defining its mission, and establishing its unique culture.
My dedication, adaptability, and commitment to my future success are undoubtedly bode well for the world of fashion and entrepreneurship. This is just the first step on a promising path, and my determination and guidance is sure to lead me to even greater achievements.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It is impossible to repay parents for their tireless emotional and financial contributions, as they are priceless. Nonetheless, finding success and flourishing in your chosen career is a way to express gratitude and recognize their efforts. Therefore, my expressed gratitude to my parents for their unwavering moral support and constant guidance through every new challenge that arises in life. I truly adore my parents and know they wish and provide me nothing but the best
Instagram: Rxqu3l.mxrtin3z
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-martinez-22829b1b5
Other: One yes away Instagram @one_yes_away_
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