Meet Yesenia Villalobos | Owner, Designer & Remaker

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

Hi Yesenia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I created Mujer Desierto, a reworked fat fashion brand, knowing that my customer base is a relatively small group of conscious consumers who love fashion. Sustainability practices such as loving and caring for your clothes, taking the time to mend your garments when they require a little TLC, being a proud outfit repeater, thrifting and taking the time to purchase consciously from makers and brands that practice sustainability while also paying attention to the materials that the garments are made of are all impactful. These sustainable practices are trending and more people are becoming aware of these environmentally conscious clothing practices. I’m very excited to be a part of this movement and I hope to do my part in educating consumers that better manufacturing methods exist that don’t pollute our environment and actually create less waste. In the near future, I plan to offer other sustainable services as well, such as visible mending, custom embroidery, and custom upcycles. I currently sell my creations, preloved clothes and accessories at local markets. You can also find my reworked wearables online at The Slow Era (theslowera.com). This is an exclusive, limited edition collab that I will be a part of through Spring of 2026.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Phoenix based fashion remaker who has been reworking preloved clothing into one-of-a-kind fat fashion wearables since 2021. Originally, I worked in the education field for 20 years in various roles. My love of design kept pulling me into upcycling before, during and after my career in education. I received awards and was featured in magazine articles during my Lola & Lola years, my previous upcycling line. Mujer Desierto is the name of my new reworked fat fashion brand. I began this line after losing my mother to cancer. During such a difficult time in my life I felt lost and searched for a resemblance of myself in an old love, sewing. Mujer Desierto was born as a reminder that I am strong and resilient. I dedicate this line to my late mother who embodied resilience and strength as a woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother and feminista.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
OMG, I love this question. My best friend lives in Texas and we’re always talking about what we would do when she comes down to visit with her family.

Thrifting of course! On my side of town I would take her to Savers and some smaller local thrift stores.

We would check out local markets such as: Phx Fat Market, Mercado Tonalli, and Tiankizco Cultural Market.

We would definitely support some local spots: Palabra Bilingual Bookstore, Amor Collective, Grand Ave Records, Zia Records and take a crafty break to make rugs at TuTugether.

Of course we would stop and eat yummy foods! I’m vegetarian so I’m always looking for places that have good food for meat eaters and non meat eaters. These are some of my favorite: Butters Pancakes & Cafe (they have the best pancakes), Corazon de Agave (love their mole chilaquiles), City Tacos (love their tacos and gorditas with nopalitos), Las 15 Salsas (two words, mole negro), Otro Cafe / Gallo Blanco (many yummy vegan options), Testal Mexican Kitchen (their food reminds me of my mother’s and they have vegan options) and La Purisima Bakery (the best pan dulce).

Coffee spots we would have to stop to enjoy: Skoden Coffee & Tea and Tres Leches Cafe.

My best friend and I have kids around the same age so we would definitely find fun activities for kids. We would go visit the Burton Barr Phoenix Library, Ninja Kidz Action Park (super spacious indoor play park), Arizona Board Walk (so many fun kid events scheduled weekly), and stop by a Yogurtini for froyo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank Aidee Valenzuela for sharing my small business with the Shoutout family. I’m blessed to have friends that share my name “in a room full of opportunity.” As well as my mentor Vania Santos Soucy from @WardrobeSchool who inspired me to get back to upcycling after so many years. Remaking truly brings me peace. And a huge SHOUTOUT to my best friend, sidekick, homie, sister from another mother, Miriam Navarro Vega from @bymirivega who supports me in every way possible. She is the beautiful human that is behind all my achievements in small and big ways.

Website: https://mujerdesiertoshop.com

Instagram: @mujerdesiertoshop

Image Credits
Beatriz González, Yesenia Villalobos