Rising Stars: Meet Erica Lopez of Covina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Lopez.

Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m your typical wife and mother of two boys. I am also involved in full-time volunteer work. These boys are the reason I do what I do. They are my everything. They give me so much love and support; words can not express my gratitude. I started out creating folders and pouches. I just wanted to do something special for my fellow volunteer friends. I just posted on social media, and a friend commented, “if you’re selling those, I want to buy one!” I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted to do or if I could even do it. I started this small company to help support my family and volunteer work. Then, as I became more comfortable, I sewed skirts for personal use. Then others started inquiring about my skirts and asking when I would start selling them. I was a little nervous and somewhat apprehensive, but I tried it. Here we are, in the skirt business, and I love it! I love seeing the ones wearing my skirts and seeing them on social media. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to also add cosmetics and skin care to my little shop.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road, you know, anything you first start out doing has some ups and downs. When I first started, it was just a hobby. Something that helped me support my little family and my sanity. I work out of my garage. So during the winter, it’s freezing, and during the summer, it gets pretty hot in there. Slowly I have been able to cope with that. My husband purchased a portable AC unit for me on our anniversary, which was the best gift ever! Social Media has allowed me to reach more people. That brings brings challenges of its own because you have a demand that you feel you have to meet and certain expectations.

Since first starting, so many things have changed! We had our youngest son in 2019, and this year in 2022, we found out he has Autism and Global Developmental Delay. He is our main focus. It is a lot of work if you know anything about autistic children. A Lot of appointments, therapy, time, and money go into ensuring he gets the best care. I work my shop around my family’s needs, and as of today, things have shifted. I don’t have the flexibility I used to before he started showing signs of Autism. So having to work secularly, take care of my regular household duties, adjust to our new family circumstances with our youngest son, and run a small business has been a challenge. But I have a huge support system. My husband and oldest son, who is 14 years old, help me tremendously! When I have social media or in-person events, they are there to pick up the slack or help with my youngest, Elijah. Because it’s not just packing and sending out the products, but I have to make these items physically, they are amazing at helping me make this little shop a success.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve worked since I was 14 years old and married at 19 years old. I’ve probably had every job you can think of to survive, But I’m just a regular mom, wife, and hard worker. I’ve mostly had office administrative work. I’ve worked in Human resources for over 10 years, and I’ve done receptionist work. I’ve worked in the construction field; you name it; I’ve probably done it. I’ve never sown in my life! But I picked up the hobby when I wanted to make things as gifts; the rest is history. My grandmother was very good at it. When she passed, I received some of her tools; so every time I sew, I think of her, as lately. I have become a special caregiver for my 3-year-old Autistic son.

I am incredibly proud of the men in my life, my husband, Isaac, and my sons, Isaiah and Elijah. They are my whole world, so having them in my life has been truly a blessing. Isaac helps me with deliveries, takes extra care of the kids while I’m working, and allows me to spend time with my shop, which means losing time with me. Isaiah is an amazing big brother; being that Elijah is nonverbal, he is Elijah’s voice. He’s probably with Elijah more than anyone. Elijah is a huge part of my small shop. He touches every skirt that leaves my shop. Whether sitting on the fabric as I’m trying to cut and measure it, sitting on my sewing table, throwing the thread in the trash, or putting stickers on my packaging. He even drew on one of my client’s skirts, and she loved it! So now Elijah’s drawing is a part of my logo.

I’m also proud of being able to host and organize personal Popup events. A lot of time and work goes into setting up events. Some are so nervous or have never even done an in-person market, But allowing other small businesses to put themselves out there and gain more exposure is so rewarding! Once the event is over, I ask them how they did and see the excited look on their faces! It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something! It just makes my heart happy.

Honestly, I don’t know what sets me apart from others. I don’t think I’m the best seamstress out there; thousands of people out there can sew and are way more qualified than I am. If I had to think of one thing, I’m proud that I can bring comfortable, modest clothing at an affordable price to my clients. I’ve been able to expand the options my shop offers. Becoming a Farmasi Ambassador and adding cosmetics has been an amazing addition to the shop. I feel like it’s closed the circle to my little shop giving it a boutique feel.

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success doesn’t define you by how much you make or how many followers or views you have on social media. Success is at whatever level you want it to be. I always say, “you get what you put into it.” Mine is to be a good mom and wife and do what I love at the same time to be able to support my family. I can show my sons the importance of working hard so that they can do the same for them when they get older and have children. Being able to satisfy my customers’ needs and make them feel beautiful and confident that’s a success for me.

Pricing:

• Skirts range from $23-$35
• Dresses range from $45-$65
• Shipping cost: $6-$14.50

Contact Info:

• Website: www.el-collections.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.lcollections/
• Other: https://farmasius.com/Ericalopez2

Image Credits:

• JtographyMedia www.jtographymedia.com

• Angelica Mejia