Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Oregel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Zuri’s Collections is the name of my company and we import Spanish Leavers Lace Mantillas – veils worn by women to show reverence to God. The idea of this store came to be after receiving many compliments and requests from women at my church asking about my veils and where they could purchase them.
During my travels to a small city named Hermosa Provincia in Guadalajara Mexico, I used to bring veils back as souvenirs for others and some for myself. Whenever I traveled back to Mexico I always got requests to bring back veils in different colors. As I began to search for veils in various colors and patterns, I started to notice that the options here were extremely limited as well. I felt a sense of disappointment and thought about how many other women felt the same disappointment when not being able to find these veils in the states. Even with the internet at our fingertips and being able to find almost anything online, these beautiful veils were hard to come by. The very few veils I was able to find online did not come close to the authentic Spanish Mantilla.
In August of 2012 after returning from a spiritual festivity in Mexico, I decided I was going to search for a supplier in Spain that could import veils to the United States. In my search, I came across a small boutique that sold me a veil that I had only seen once in my lifetime. I could not pass the opportunity up, so I decided to purchase all 50 veils that they had in stock – they only had a few in a variety of colors. I now had to figure out how I could sell them locally. With the help of my cousin, I created my online store: Zuri’s Collections. The name was very important to me because I wanted it to represent who I was and what the core of the company is. Zuri is the Hebrew diminutive for the name “Zurisadai” and it means “The Almighty is my rock and strength.” I decided to add “Collections” to my company because once you own one of these beautiful mantillas, you will fall in love with them and want to build your own collection.
After the launch of my online store I was able to sell the few veils that I had imported from Spain. They quickly became a huge success with my customers and through the power of social media, word of mouth, and referrals, my company began to grow. My dream of making veils accessible to all women in the States was becoming a reality. Today we ship throughout the United States and all its territories.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think most if not all entrepreneurs struggle when starting something new, myself included. I already had a career and a family and managing my time was already a challenge. But I wanted to make sure to run a company that produced quality customer service, while not neglecting my current responsibilities. My solution? Starting my days earlier. This also gave me time to meditate in prayer, give thanks and ask for guidance as I entered uncharted territory.
But business was not always great, especially when my customers were only family and friends at first. I knew this would not be enough to make my company successful; I had to bring in more customers. After my family and friends started posting on their social media accounts about my veils, I immediately realized that social media was going to be the essential piece in my business strategy – the main source of marketing. I try to give the best customer service possible and because I have happy customers, they have shared and repost about my veils on their social media platforms.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that struck Spain around late February/early March, I had to make the extremely hard decision to temporarily postpone importing veils. So little was known about the virus at that time that I could not take the chance of putting my beloved customers at risk of importing a product that could possibly be contaminated. Because of this, I was only able to sell what was in my current inventory. It was not long before the pandemic hit us here in the states as well and the stay at home orders began – all houses of worship were ordered to close their doors as well. I thought that because of this business would drop – but on the contrary business went up. Peoples homes had now become houses of worship. Thanks to the internet, everyone had access to church from the comfort of their home and my customers continued to buy veils.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Zuri’s Collections story. Tell us more about the business.
We primarily focus on women’s lace mantillas (Traditional Head-covering). Our mantilla’s beauty is clearly undisputed and known for using the traditional “Leavers Lace” and its transparent effect. Listening to our customers has helped set us apart from others. We quickly identify any problems and find solutions right away. For example, we found a group of women that needed a more economical veil. We wanted to make sure we were not going to sacrifice the quality of our product. We had to find an economical veil that would meet all expectations: beauty, quality, elegance and something that was soft yet durable. We were able to find an Italian embroidered collection that surpassed our expectations and made our customers happy.
Since then, we have started a variety of collections within our company to meet our customer needs and satisfaction. We have the “Limited Edition Collection” which provides women with a more sophisticated and unique veil. We also started the “Mommy and Me Collection” because we all know that little girls love to look up to their Moms and imitate almost everything they do, including what they wear. We are constantly trying to improve our products and after observing various women at Sunday school, I noticed how the veils would sometimes slip off or needed constant readjustment. I came up with the idea of introducing the option of adding a hand-sewn clip to the veil that could easily be placed onto any type of hair helping to avoid having the veil fall off or be readjusted. We also offer the ability to send a gift to another prayer warrior. You can shop with us and your gift is shipped within 24 hours of placing an order and gift wrapped by me with a personalized card.
One of our latest items to be added to our store are face coverings. A colleague of mine, Monica Mena brought the idea to my attention. She thought it would be a great idea to make a lace mask. We knew that because of the pandemic face coverings would be around for a while. But because I could not have them mass-produced in Spain due to the closure of borders and lockdowns, I recruited my friend from church Hilda Flores. I knew she was an experienced seamstress who would be able to help. The idea was a complete success! Never in the history of the Spanish Mantillas (which have been around for centuries) has a lace mask ever been made.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It would be a dream come true to expand my company outside of the United States. Zuri’s Collections has been shaped by women who have taken alike to our products and made it their own. Women who are not ashamed of their origin, who want to embrace their beliefs and want to feel empowered and look beautiful yet modest. This practice is not going anywhere and is here to stay. I believe that because of this expanding our company to other countries is a goal we will be able to achieve in the near future, especially with the growing popularity of our Spanish Mantillas.
Pricing:
- SPANISH MANTILLAS $35.99
- LEAVERS LACE MASK $15
- MAXI VEILS $60-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: ZURISCOLLECTIONS.COM
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ZURISCOLLECTIONS.VEILS
- Facebook: @ZURIS.COLLECTION
Image Credit:
MODEL Blond: LYUBA TASEVA, PHOTO: SABA GUIVI. Model (brunette): Kerlyn Saenz, Photo: Junior Toxqui
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