Today we’d like to introduce you to Aileen Fernandez Requejado and Amberlynne Fernandez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We are a mother and daughter team. We started a little shy of a year ago. We both have a love for fashion and shopping and found that all tough 25 years apart, we have the same sense of style, trendy and fun, yet suitable for both mother and daughter. We also like to bring awareness to self-esteem and self-love and show that you don’t have to have a particular body type to look your most fashionable. We also hope that our relationship brings more mothers and daughters together to find a common interest and build a beautiful bond.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been smooth at all. When we started this venture, we did not realize how time-consuming all the little details are. Doing the purchasing and shopping was effortless; putting it all together is a lot harder than it seems. Since we are online only at this time, we depend on social media and word of mouth to get out name out. Social media has been challenging; there was so much to learn: algorithms, content creation, copywriting, etc. So, Aileen (the mom) started another venture to learn all that there is. In the process, I earned a Master’s Degree from FIU, in Mass Communication. So, basically, we both had full-time jobs, full-time master degree students all while working this little store of ours and fulfilling a dream.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Spotlight Boutique – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I think I hit some of these in my answers before. We specialize in women’s clothing, ages 20-45. We carry trendy casual and business casual wear. We feel it is important to feel and look your best at work or while out with your girlfriends. We like to stress the importance of self-love and self-esteem and the important bond you can have been with your mother or daughter, regardless of the age gap between. The models we use are local girls who love to take pictures, social media, etc., not professional models, just your everyday girl. I am trying to create this “tribe” if you will, for my daughter to be surrounded by like-minded young women who are trying to step into this entrepreneurial world of fashion, retail and social media.
Is there anyone, in particular, you would like to recognize? Mentors, etc?
My husband (Angel Requejado), for looking the other way and not questioning all the boxes delivered to our door daily. His support has made this process easier.
My daughter (Amberlynne Fernandez) and business partner, for seeing this through and giving up her weekends at only 19 years old, while having a full-time legal job and a full-time masters degree student at FIU.
My mother (Luisa Fernandez) has been a seamstress throughout my entire young life, who would sew all through the night just to make ends meet and yet still finding time to spend with us. Who at one point created a network of around ten ladies, she was able to assign work to who would otherwise not have the connections. I learned from her all I know about sewing, retail and how important it is to have a connection of people you can count on.
Lastly, my models, I would not be able to do all of this without them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spotlightboutique.net
- Phone: 305-874-0558
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @spotlightstyleboutique
- Facebook: @spotlightstyleboutique
Image Credit:
Some photos taken by CFernandez Photography
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