Celebrando Latinas Boutique celebrated its first anniversary as a space for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products and build a community of encouragement amid unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic.
About 30 female Latina entrepreneurs participated in the boutique's opening in March 2021, many of whom continue to use the space to showcase and sell their products.
“We have not done this before, but we have learned a lot. Some of the ladies had to change their products and be creative,” Miller said. “I think the ladies have learned that this doesn't happen from one day to the next; you have to be persistent, and be consistent with the business.”
In their first year of operation, the women learned about social media, networking, and helping one another, according to Miller, who is the CEO and President of El Latino Newspaper.
“it's evolved, but we still have a long way to go and there is room to learn. We have accomplished the main goal, which is to help entrepreneurs sell their products,” Miller said.
According to Miller, many Latina-owned businesses open, but some close within the first month, and most close within the first few years.
“It's a big accomplishment not only for the boutique to be open but also because we started during a pandemic. It's crazy to start a business and open during the pandemic, but we have made it,” Miller said.
Estrellita Crafts is one of the many small businesses showcased at the boutique. Buisness owner, Silvia Arteaga sells hand-made accessories and crafts that are custom-ordered or inspired by seasonal events.
Arteaga found the boutique through El Latino Newspaper, – San Diego's largest Hispanic-owned Spanish-language publication in California. In September 2021, Arteaga walked into the boutique to introduce herself, and her buisness with the intent to apply for a spot. She was accepted to sell her products from the boutique shortly after.
“It's going well for me. I’ve built a clientele and I have new customers now. I like it because I can unravel my creativity. I enjoy making things by hand,” Arteaga said. “I feel like a door has opened to learn more about business, and that is what I like the most. I'm still here and I feel like I can grow.”
There are four open spots at Celebrando Latina's Boutique, depending on available space. Call (619)426-1491 for more information about the boutique.
