Today we’d like to introduce you to Karol Lara.
Hi Karol, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother and aunts worked in fashion factories back in their home country of Honduras, where they were all very familiar with sewing equipment and garment construction. My mother eventually purchased an industrial sewing machine, and that’s where I first learned to make clothes for my Barbies.
As I got older, my love for fashion grew. I attended Cal State Northridge and graduated with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, focusing on Fashion Merchandising and Design. After graduation, I worked for several fashion houses and production facilities before joining a costume rental house for film and television. That’s where I fell in love with vintage fashion.
The warehouse was filled with period pieces dating back to the turn of the century—some originals, others replicas. I became especially fascinated with styles from the ’80s, ’90s, and, of course, the 2000s—the decade when I first began experimenting with fashion as a young girl. As I learned more about the vintage industry, my passion grew, and a year later, my little baby, Vintage Bunny Boutique, was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been easy managing a small business, especially when we are competing with large corporations. My main source of sales comes from flea markets and other in-person events. The challenge is trying to find ways to keep my small business going. I’m currently working on rebranding Vintage Bunny adding more high quality vintage inventory and handmade items.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a creative person. I love making things — jewelry, clothing, styled looks, refurbished items, photography, and more. I enjoy projects that challenge and stimulate my creativity. However, having so many interests and skills can sometimes feel overwhelming when I try to focus on just one thing. That’s why I love my little store, Vintage Bunny. It allows me to combine many of the things I’m passionate about into one space. I get to style vintage pieces to create unique looks, take photos for the website and Instagram, and clean, polish, and repair vintage jewelry and purses. I’m also hoping to start upcycling damaged vintage pieces and transforming them into something new very soon.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is 2002 me watching a show called Glow on the style network and Trading spaces on TLC. I just enjoyed fashion and DIY shows since I was young.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vintagebunnyboutique.com
- Instagram: shop_vintagebunny
Image Credits
Credit to my little sister Emily @_randomroman
