We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sonia Barba Herranz. Check out our conversation below.
Sonia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
As a seamstress and designer, I’ve learned a lot from my clients about loyalty, friendship, and trust. Every piece I make is more than just clothing—it’s a way to connect with them. They trust me to bring their vision to life, and that trust means a lot. I see their loyalty in how they keep coming back, knowing I’ll do my best for them. The friendship grows through these shared moments and conversations, and I really value that. Trust is key in my work, and it’s built on honesty and respect. These lessons remind me that my work is not just sewing, but about creating relationships based on trust and loyalty. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from my clients through this process.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sonia Barba Herranz but I am well known like Sonia Herranz. I am a Spanish dressmaker and designer haute couture located in LA from 2022.
Since I was very young, sewing has been a fundamental part of my life, inherited with love from my grandmother and my mother. My passion for creating and designing custom garments has been with me ever since, and in 2008, I started my own journey in Madrid, where my life and fashion intertwined in my business.
Now, after relocating to Los Angeles, I continue dedicating myself wholeheartedly to each piece I create. I personally handle every step of the process—from design and pattern making to sewing—ensuring that each garment reflects the identity and comfort of those who trust me.
My true vocation is helping people feel identified and comfortable with their clothing, because for me, fashion is not just about trends but a way to express who you are. Together, we create unique garments that combine style, comfort, and authenticity.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before stepping into the world of fashion and haute couture, I actually wanted to pursue a career in computer science. I studied it for a while, but little by little, sewing won me over. I grew up watching my mother sew, and that passion eventually inspired me to leave computer science behind and enroll in the Higher School of Tailoring and Pattern Making in Spain. I spent three intense years there, balancing my studies with the work I did alongside my mother in our family business, where we specialized in clothing alterations.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that she was really consistent, responsible, and a fighter. Thanks to her willpower, she managed to juggle work and studies, even when it was tough and exhausting. I’d remind her that all that effort helped shape the person she’s become, and that she should be proud of herself for everything she did.
But I’d also tell her not to be so hard on herself — to give herself a little more kindness and patience along the way, and to enjoy the small wins instead of only worrying about what’s left to do. Life isn’t just about getting results; it’s about learning, growing, and appreciating the journey. I’d encourage her to trust herself more and enjoy the process, knowing that she was doing her best and that was already enough.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’m the same person both at work and outside of it. I think that’s exactly why my clients trust me. If something doesn’t feel right, I tell them honestly; if I don’t agree with an idea or think there’s a better way to do it, I make sure to share my thoughts. I never hide anything, and I’m always open about what I think.
I like to be transparent because I believe that honesty makes the relationship stronger. My clients can see it right away — it shows on my face whether I really like something or not, and that honesty helps them feel confident in the choices we make together. Over the years, this openness has built a lot of trust, and I think that’s something they truly appreciate. It’s not just about the work; it’s about connecting, sharing ideas, and making sure they feel supported every step of the way.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I believe what my clients would miss the most is, without a doubt, the quality and perfection of a handmade piece, with all the care and attention to detail that I put into every garment. They would also miss the advice I give them on how to combine different pieces to create unique looks for each type of event, helping them feel confident and special on every occasion.
But beyond the technique and creativity, what they would really miss is the relationship that develops over time: the trust, confidentiality, and friendship that grows after so many years of working together. That connection goes beyond fashion, turning each visit into more than just a fitting — it becomes a moment to share experiences, opinions, and confidences. That closeness and complicity is something that can’t easily be replicated, and I’m sure it’s something they deeply value and would miss.
In fact, even today, many of my clients in Spain tell me they miss me, and that makes me realize how special and lasting the bond I’ve built with them over the years really is.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herranz.sonia/?hl=es
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonia.herranz.14
- Other: I don’t usually use social media, because my approach with clients has always been personal and private. That’s also the reason why I don’t have many photos on Instagram or Facebook – many of my clients prefer, for privacy reasons, not to have their photos taken. Usually, they contact me by phone or email, and we set up private appoitments so I can give them individual attention.
