Today we’d like to introduce you to Val Garcia.
Hi Val, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was captivated by my grandmother’s talent for sewing—watching her transform simple fabrics into beautiful garments for our family. I would sketch dresses and excitedly hand them to her, and she would bring my drawings to life with her own hands. That magical collaboration sparked my earliest love for design.
My passion deepened when I visited my uncle’s clothing boutique. Seeing him design, manufacture, and grow his own brand opened my eyes to the possibilities within the fashion industry. The creativity and dedication of both my grandmother and uncle left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.
I went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where I gained the tools to bring my vision to life. Mariposa is the result of that journey—a boutique born from family, tradition, and an enduring love for fashion. It’s more than just a brand; it’s a tribute to the people who shaped me and a way to share that legacy with the world.
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?
Owning a clothing boutique was always my dream. I didn’t have a set timeline—it was just something I knew I wanted to do one day. But the idea felt daunting, and I kept waiting for the “right” moment. I thought that if I waited long enough, I’d eventually feel ready.
For a while, I was fortunate enough to have what I considered my dream job, which meant putting my boutique plans on hold. I was okay with that—until the company I worked for unexpectedly closed. That difficult moment became the push I needed to finally face my dream head-on.
Starting Mariposa wasn’t easy. There’s no manual that walks you through every step, and figuring out how to register the business and handle the logistics was overwhelming at times. But once the paperwork was behind me, I got to dive into the fun parts—designing the website, curating the first collection, and shaping the brand I had imagined for so long. That’s when it all started to feel real.
I’m still learning every day, but I’ve truly loved every second of the journey. What once felt intimidating has turned into something incredibly fulfilling—and I’m just getting started.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I now run my boutique full time, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. Before launching Mariposa, I worked as a fashion stylist for an online fashion marketplace—a role that truly felt like a dream come true. My responsibilities included trend forecasting for each season, sourcing pieces for upcoming photoshoots, coordinating with vendors, and styling complete looks for our campaigns. I also contributed to the brand’s social media presence and had the exciting opportunity to represent the company on various morning shows across the country, sharing insights about fashion trends and the business.
That job allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It challenged me, inspired me, and introduced me to incredible people who became lifelong friends. It laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now and gave me the confidence to take the leap and build something of my own.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
As I mentioned earlier, my boutique was deeply inspired by my grandmother and her incredible talent and passion for creating clothing. Some of my most cherished memories are of watching her transform a simple idea into a beautiful, handmade garment. The care, creativity, and love she poured into each piece left a lasting impression on me.
Pricing:
- $25-$60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariposaclothing.com/
- Instagram: @mariposaclothingshop
