We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, I went to school for Fashion Merchandising and had worked in retail for about 5 years. I had left retail for a couple of years because I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. After not working in retail for about a year or so, I realized that I actually had a passion for it. I just wanted to be the one in control of creating everything. As I began the process to start my own business I knew that I had a clear vision of creating a brand with clothing and accessories that would be versatile. I knew that I wanted classy and chic pieces with a bit of an edgy feel that multiple people with different styles could style it their own way. It was also very important to me that I be the one to start this business from the ground up and make decisions for my brand.

What should our readers know about your business?
I sell women’s clothing and accessories online and at pop-up events. I think what sets me apart from others is my degree in fashion merchandising and experience in the retail industry. I’ve taken my knowledge and experience to build my brand to really be focused on what customers are looking for: not only in merchandise, but experiences.

I am most proud of my journey to get to where I am today of owning my business. It was extremely difficult at times and often I wanted to give up, but this was always my dream and couldn’t help but feel like this is what I’m meant to do. I put myself through college and earned my Associate’s degree in Fashion merchandising and a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management. At times I worked two jobs and went to school at night. Other times I attended school online at an accelerated pace. I started in retail and worked my way up to become an assistant manager and executed all of the merchandising for the store, window displays, and event displays. I also worked with setting up events with local charities like UMOM, United Food Bank, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital; just to name a few. I had graduated from Arizona State University and felt extremely proud of myself for obtaining my Bachelor’s degree and then I left retail and thought I was on my way to my dream job. After 2 months, I found myself with no job and questioning everything I had ever worked towards. Eventually, I found what was supposed to be a temporary job and learned so much. I thought long and hard and had to really evaluate what I wanted and I realized I was the only one getting in the way of fulfilling my dreams. I took a leap of faith and began working towards creating my business. There was hiccups in the process and times where I felt incompetent, but I pushed myself to keep going. I always reminded myself that if anyone could do this it was me. I often reminded myself of my favorite quote, ” Keep going. You did not come this far, just to come this far.”
I’ve learned to really appreciate every process of owning a business. It’s not as glamorous as it seems at times, but I’m enjoying every step of the way, the good and bad. I can finally say I’m a business owner and that is something that I didn’t think was possible so I just try to find an appreciation for every experience I have with my business. I know one day I will look back and the hard moments won’t seem as bad and I will be able to see how far I have not only grown as a person, but how far I’ve taken my business.

What I would like for the world to know about my story is that you too can go after your dreams. To know that it is never too late. It’s going to be really hard and it’s not going to be easy, but I promise it will be worth it. I hope that in some small way that I can influence others to go after their dreams, whatever that may be. Lastly, I would like the world to know that I am a proud Latina business owner.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am all about supporting local businesses so I would definitely have to take them to local pop-up events like Sidewalk Saturday, Market on Main, and AZ Mujeres Mercado. Hiking is a must! I would definitely have to hike trails in Sedona and explore through Slide Rock State Park. A dance class at Z Room Dance Studio would be on the itinerary. As far as food, I would have to try local taco spots in Mesa or Phoenix, all you can eat sushi at Juun Sushi in Tempe, and Moreno’s Mexican Grill for Sonoran hot dogs. I can’t forget one of my extended family’s restaurant/bakery called El Sol Bakery. My 94 year old uncle still wakes up early in the morning to make pan dulce. Cool places to hang out would be Churchill in phoenix, speakeasies like Stardust pinbar, and downtown Gilbert is always fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my siblings. They have helped me out at every single pop-up event that I have participated in and always make sure to show up for me. Without having to ask they are always there either helping me set up or take down my booth or just keeping me company. My sister without hesitation has assisted me in every single event and is the most supportive. I can go to her for anything whether it’s encouragement or thoughts or opinions on merchandise I should buy and is in the trenches with me setting up, selling, and taking down merchandise. My brothers always show up whether it is to support me, help me pack up my items in their truck, and help with the setup and take down of my pop-ups. I really couldn’t do this without them and hope I can repay them one day for always supporting me and I hope I make them proud.

Website: http://unapprld.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unapprld/ https://www.instagram.com/unapprld/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-sarinana/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unapprld

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@unapprld?lang=en

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