Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Villasante.
Hi Alina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 1999, I began an annual tradition of gathering all the women I love in my life for what I called the Love Party. I designed and gifted T-shirts, jewelry, and pajamas incorporating symbols of peace, love, and happiness. The positive response I got from my friends and family inspired me to take my love for fashion to the next level. After 17 years in the Aviation industry, in 2009, I bought an excessive amount of inventory with no industry knowledge but a lot of passion and began Peace Love 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?
I’ve probably made every mistake in the book. I always say nothing lasts forever, not the good, not the bad. All the things I learned from all the times that I failed or all the times I said no. Don’t let anything stop you if it’s in your heart and soul and you truly believe in it. In this journey, I have worked with partners that were not in alignment with my brand and its mission and it almost ran me to the ground.
It taught me, the father of my children, and my children so much appreciation for one another and how important trust is in business. The biggest lesson of all through my failures was for my children watching. What they watched us go through was something that school can’t teach. We all are humbled and better people because of it.
We’ve been impressed with Peace Love World, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Peace Love World is a movement. Every garment is branded with positive affirmations and infused with love in the form of eight embroidered red dash marks, one dash for every letter in the words “love” and “amor.” The first Peace Love World retail store opened in South Miami in 2009 with additional stores quickly following.
The company’s emerging success allowed exciting collaborations with iconic brands such as Oprah Winfrey, Coca-Cola, The Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars, Pharrell, and the National Basketball Association. Today, the Peace Love World movement has built a community on QVC through the opportunity to be part of major campaigns, such as Giving Tuesday and International Women’s Day. The first collection with QVC launched on Giving Tuesday in 2016. Being chosen as the philanthropy arm gave me the chance to spread the energy through her voice.
Giving back has created a strong community of women who have been initially touched by the chance to empower them. These women stay connected because they want more positivity in their life. This energy is put into the designs and leads the movement by touching the person who wears it by inspiring them to give love. The partnership with QVC continues to expand into sectors beyond apparel and it all started with a message and a chance to give back.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I spend my time doing things that make me feel alive. Life is about making moments happy and treasuring them. Hanging out with my kids and my parents, working out, designing and the list goes on. Just waking up and having the opportunity to do it all over again. My faith is a true part of my happiness, always believing that there is something bigger than ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peaceloveworld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacelovealina/?hl=en
Image Credits
Peace Love World
