Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia De La Rosa.
Cynthia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I originally intended to become a fashion designer, but with time, found my true passion for designing handbags.
I started making handbags for friends as gifts, and one of my closest friends; Alondra Gaytan, put me in contact with local artists in Ventura. She sold her items at local Artist Market and at an art studio, and that is when it all started for me.
Ever since then, I’ve met a community of welcoming artists who have inspired me to keep creating, and have also recommended other events where I have been able to do pop-up shops. Through word of mouth, my handbags have sold online to customers in Chicago, Brooklyn, Tucson, and Austin.
I am currently expecting my first child, but have not slowed down as far as creating goes, and I intend on expanding my brand towards the new found inspiration in my life: my daughter Luna.
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?
The road towards starting my brand was not as smooth as it seems. There was a time when self-doubt kept me from pursuing my goals. I kept on making excuses on why I could not make things happen for myself and tried to co-create a different brand. I was terrified of failure, which kept me from trying things on my own. These partnering ventures were unsuccessful for me, as I did not share the vision of my partner.
I am now thankful for that experience because it was then I lost the fear of starting a brand on my own. Once I started creating, I could not stop! You find more and more inspiration as you keep working. Although I have a full-time job, I make time to work on promoting my brand, making handbags, and shipping orders.
My work consists of making patterns for handbags and backpacks, as well as making each bag. On average, from start to finish, it takes me five hours to make a backpack. I easily lose track of time doing what I love and manage to get about five hours of sleep a night if I’m lucky.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I always knew I wanted to have my own brand, and use my last name as the name of the company. I decided to use House of the Rose, as De La Rosa is already used as the brand name of a popular candy. Skulls have always been a source of inspiration for my work, and that is how my logo came to be, with the crown of roses incorporated in the design.
This also honors my Mexican heritage, as Día de Muertos calacas are seen throughout Meso-American Art and Culture. I specialize in handbags and am mostly know for the zarape/serape fabric backpacks with the House of the Rose embroidered logo in the front, which is my best-seller. This is the item I am most proud of.
Every new bag I make, I test. I will not sell an item I feel is not functional or a bag I would not use. I feel that what sets me apart from other brands is that every bag, backpack and fanny pack is designed and handmade by me. All my designs incorporate a part of my culture but with an edgy modern twist. I feel my customers come from a background similar to mine and that is what attracts them to my brand.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and migrated to the United States when I was ten years old. Growing up between Mexico and the U.S. shaped me into the person I am today. I was shy as a teenager and always found a way to express myself through fashion. My grandmother was a seamstress and I feel that influenced my career choice.
I have always been a creative person and also grew up reading many Latin American authors. There was a time where I considered majoring in Spanish Literature, but garment construction has always been my passion.
Pricing:
- Zarape backpack: $55
- Sacred Heart Backpack: $70
- Crossbody bag: $38
Contact Info:
- Website: www.houseoftheroseshop.etsy.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @houseoftherose
- Facebook: House of the Rose
Image Credit:
Alfonso De La Rosa, Alondra Gaytan, Cristal Carrillo
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