We recently connected with ANA CAROLINA SANDOVAL and have shared our conversation below.
ANA CAROLINA, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life was making the decision to move away from my home country in 2010. It was a huge, life-changing decision that shaped my journey in profound ways.
At the time, I was feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what the future held. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, my family, and friends was daunting, but I felt a strong pull to explore new opportunities and challenge myself in a different environment. The idea of starting fresh in a new country was both exhilarating and terrifying.
The backstory is that I had always dreamed of expanding my horizons and experiencing life outside my home country. I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture, meet new people, and push the boundaries of my comfort zone. The decision wasn’t easy; it meant leaving behind the life I knew and stepping into the unknown.
When I arrived in the United States, specifically Houston, I faced numerous challenges. From navigating a new city and adapting to a different culture to finding a job and building a new support network, every day was a test of my resilience and determination. Being away from my family, especially as a newlywed added another layer of difficulty. There were moments of doubt and homesickness, but I remained focused on my goals.
Despite the obstacles, the risk turned out to be incredibly rewarding. Moving away from my home country allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It opened doors to new opportunities and led me to start Maria Victoria, a brand that combines my passion for handmade Mexican handbags with my love for design and entrepreneurship. The experience taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and believing in oneself.
Looking back, I realize that taking that leap of faith was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The challenges I faced along the way only strengthened my resolve and helped shape the person I am today. I learned that taking risks, no matter how daunting, can lead to incredible growth and unexpected successes.
ANA CAROLINA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Carolina Sandoval, and I’m passionate about everything I do. Whatever I set my mind to, I pursue with unwavering dedication, never taking “no” for an answer.
The idea for Maria Victoria came about when my twins were about 18 months old. It started as a hobby and a creative outlet, but it quickly grew into something much more. I wanted to create something that was not only beautiful and high-quality but also meaningful and connected to my heritage. That’s how Maria Victoria, a brand of handmade handbags, was born.
Maria Victoria offers a range of meticulously crafted handbags that blend traditional artistry with contemporary design. Each piece is a work of art, made with love and care by skilled artisans. Our products showcase intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and exceptional craftsmanship. We aim to provide our customers with unique, stylish, and timeless accessories that tell a story.
What sets us apart from others is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We work closely with artisans to ensure that every handbag is made with the utmost attention to detail. Our brand stands for more than just fashion; it represents a community of women who support and uplift each other. From the women who buy our bags to the dedicated distributors who believed in us from day one, it’s this network of support that has made our success possible.
One of the main problems we solve for our clients is providing them with accessories that are not only beautiful and unique but also ethically made. In a world where fast fashion dominates, we offer an alternative that values sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Our customers can feel good about their purchases, knowing they are supporting a brand that values quality and ethical practices.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built around Maria Victoria. Seeing the love and support from our customers, artisans, and partners is incredibly rewarding. It’s this sense of community and shared values that drives us to continue growing and evolving.
For those getting to know us, I want you to understand that Maria Victoria is more than just a brand. It’s a story of passion, resilience, and the power of community. We’re dedicated to creating beautiful, high-quality handbags that celebrate craftsmanship. We’re committed to ethical practices and supporting the artisans who make our products possible.
Thank you for your interest in Maria Victoria. We invite you to join our journey and become part of our vibrant community. Whether you’re looking for a unique accessory or simply want to support a brand that values quality and authenticity, we’re here for you.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most challenging times for Maria Victoria was when COVID-19 hit. I had just returned from a tradeshow in Las Vegas, excited about the new connections and opportunities we had created. However, as the pandemic began to unfold, everything changed almost overnight. Clients started canceling their orders, and the future of the business suddenly seemed very uncertain.
With a heavy heart, I had to move all the inventory we had stored in a third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse into my garage. It felt like a significant setback, and I honestly thought it might be the end of Maria Victoria. Faced with this daunting situation, I knew I had to act quickly and decisively.
We began making calls to our clients, reaching out to understand their situations and to offer any support we could. It was a tough period, but it was also heartening to see that everyone was in the same boat and trying to navigate the challenges together. Slowly but surely, we started to rebuild from scratch. Our clients appreciated our proactive approach, and we worked hard to regain their trust and confidence.
Through determination and resilience, we managed to overcome the adversity brought on by the pandemic. The experience taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, perseverance, and the importance of community. It was incredibly challenging, but it also reinforced the strength and resilience of our brand.
Looking back, I am proud of how we handled that crisis and how it made us stronger. It was a test of our resilience, but it also highlighted the unwavering support of our community and the enduring appeal of our brand. We emerged from that period more united and committed than ever to our mission of creating beautiful, high-quality handbags that connect with our customers on a deeper level.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Maria Victoria began as a side hustle in 2017. At that time, I began by selling the bags to friends and family, and their support was incredible. Many of them opened their doors and hosted trunk shows at their homes, inviting their friends and helping spread the word about our brand.
One of the key milestones was when my husband helped me build our very first website. This was a game-changer for us, allowing us to reach a broader audience and streamline our sales process. With the website up and running, we started investing in advertising to get our brand noticed.
We threw ourselves into the hustle, attending every market and show around town. It was not uncommon for us to participate in one or two shows a day. Each event was an opportunity to connect with new customers, showcase our handbags, and build our brand’s presence in the local community.
As we continued to grow, what started as a small side hustle began to take on a life of its own. Our dedication and hard work paid off, and Maria Victoria gradually transitioned from a side project into a full-time business. Key milestones included expanding our product range, increasing our presence at local and regional events, and seeing a steady rise in customer support and sales.
One of the most significant turning points was when we faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It tested our resilience and forced us to rethink our approach, but it also showed us the strength of our community and the viability of our business model.
Today, Maria Victoria is a thriving brand, known for its handcrafted handbags and commitment to quality. Our journey from a side hustle to a full-time business has been filled with hard work, perseverance, and support from our community. We’ve grown beyond what I initially imagined, and I’m excited to continue evolving and expanding our reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mymariavictoria.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mymariavictoria
- Facebook: mymariavictoria
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maria-victoria-llc/
- Other: https://www.flipsnack.com/87598CFF8D6/mv-spring-summer-2024-catalog/full-view.html
Image Credits
all images are property of Carolina Sandoval