We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lily Gómez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lily below.

Alright, Lily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I manage all of my own social media for Lil’ Lou Lou—from the photos and videos to the captions and engagement. I simply don’t have the extra cash to hire someone or a company to run it for me, and if I did, I’d absolutely consider getting that help. Social media can be a lot to keep up with—it’s hard to constantly come up with clever content, and I used to be really shy about showing my face or putting myself out there.

But in the past couple of years, I’ve really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I realized that if I don’t show up for my business, no one else will. I’m proud of what I’ve built, and I want people to see that the heart and hands behind Lil’ Lou Lou belong to me.

Recently, I hired my good friend, videographer Mike Rodriguez (IG @creativesantanero), to help me capture some behind-the-scenes footage. Because we have a close relationship, I felt more comfortable on camera, and that experience helped me feel more confident about sharing my story visually.

While I’d still love help managing the day-to-day social media side of things, I’ve come to really enjoy the direct interaction I get with customers and clients. It’s personal, and it keeps me connected to my community. My biggest piece of advice for other business owners is: be real. Don’t be afraid to show your face or share your story. People connect with people—especially in a small, values-driven business.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Lily Gómez, and I’m the founder of Lil’ Lou Lou, a first-generation Latina-owned business born from a deep love of vintage fashion, craftsmanship, and community. I started Lil’ Lou Lou in 2007 while studying Fashion at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. What began as a small collection of handmade pin-up and rockabilly hair accessories quickly grew into something much more meaningful.

One of my earliest and best-selling designs—the 4-in-1 headband—came to life while I was sitting in class. I’ve always had very thin hair, and while I loved the look of a tied bandana, it never quite sat right. It always felt bulky or awkward. I began sketching a solution—a versatile, flattering headband that could be worn multiple ways. Not only did it solve a personal problem, but I quickly realized it worked for so many others in the vintage community. That design helped me get my first boutique account while I was still in school. Thanks to the support of amazing pin-up and rockabilly gals at car shows and vintage events, I was able to pay for books and tuition, and proudly graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Apparel Merchandising and Management, with an emphasis in Apparel Production.

After the pandemic, I began offering made-to-order garments in addition to ready-to-ship items. My pieces are never mass-produced or made in sweatshops. Each one is created with care, using high-quality materials in small production runs. I work with independent sewing contractors and a small manufacturer who share my commitment to ethical practices and craftsmanship.

I run every part of Lil’ Lou Lou myself—designing, sewing, production management, marketing, and everything in between. Along the way, my journey naturally expanded into vintage hairstyling. Customers would approach me at pop-up events, asking for help styling their hair to match my accessories. That part of my business grew from there, eventually leading to styling at major events like Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, Dapper Day and personal such as weddings and baby showers.

My love of hairstyling actually started even earlier—back in high school, when I would do my classmates’ hair for school dances. I’ll never forget my own experience going to junior prom in 2002. I wanted a vintage hairstyle, but growing up in a small town, there weren’t many people who understood that look. I ended up at a local Supercuts, and while I left with some curls, it wasn’t what I had imagined. That moment really stuck with me. So now, when I offer vintage hairstyling, I do it with care and intention—making sure every client feels seen and radiant in the style they envisioned.

In Fall 2023, I took another exciting step in my journey and began teaching at a community college in Southern California for their Fashion Department. It’s been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Being in the classroom reignited my passion for this industry, and I feel honored to guide the next generation of fashion creatives. One of my proudest teaching moments was helping a student land their very first internship. It reminded me how impactful this work can be—not just as a designer, but as a mentor.

What I’m most proud of, though, is the journey itself. As a first-generation Mexican American, choosing a creative career path wasn’t always easy. Creative work doesn’t come with a clear roadmap. You often start from scratch, take risks without guarantees, and have to believe in your vision long before anyone else does. That kind of faith is hard to carry, but it’s also what has kept me going. Teaching has only deepened that drive, because I see that same spark in my students—and I remember exactly what that feels like.

Another meaningful part of my work is my involvement with Classic Pinups for Cancer, a nonprofit organization that provides free, vintage-style photo shoots for cancer survivors and fighters. We offer professional hair and makeup styling, wigs, photography, posing coaches, food, and entertainment—all designed to pamper and empower these incredible individuals. I joined the committee in honor of my mother Aurora Dueñas, who I lost to ovarian cancer in August 2022. Supporting this organization has given me a way to carry on her memory, her strength, and her fight—while giving others the chance to feel beautiful, celebrated, and strong. Each record hop and fundraiser we organize is personal for me; it’s more than volunteering—it’s healing, meaningful, and full of heart.

Whether you’re a follower, customer, or student, my hope is that you feel the heart and soul I pour into every design, every hairstyle, and every lesson I teach. Lil’ Lou Lou is more than a brand—it’s a reflection of resilience, creativity, and community. Like Selena Quintanilla-Pérez once said, “Always believe that the impossible is always possible.” That’s what I want people to take away from my work—that it’s okay to dream big, build slow, and lead with heart.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I truly believe that word of mouth has played the biggest role in building my reputation within the rockabilly, pinup, and vintage community. It’s a tight-knit space where trust and personal connection matter, and I’m incredibly grateful for every customer, client, and friend who has recommended Lil’ Lou Lou over the years.

What’s helped most is when people get to know me—not just as a designer or stylist, but as the person behind the brand. When they see the heart, care, and intention I put into everything I do, that connection grows stronger. I’m not just creating clothes or accessories/ styling hair—I’m building something rooted in love, community, and authenticity.

I never take that support for granted. I’m so thankful for everyone who’s shared my work, worn my pieces, book a hair appointment or told a friend about Lil’ Lou Lou. Their belief in me is what’s helped my small business grow in such a meaningful way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to express myself—whether it’s through fashion design or vintage hairstyling. I find so much joy in seeing someone wear something I’ve created or walk away with a hairstyle that makes them feel like the best version of themselves.

There’s nothing like witnessing that moment when someone lights up with confidence—a big smile, a spark in their eyes—because they feel beautiful, empowered, and seen. That’s the true reward. Clothes, accessories, and hairstyles aren’t just about appearances—they can transform how someone feels about themselves. Knowing that my work played a part in that transformation is what keeps me going. It’s an incredible feeling to help someone feel confident and radiant for their special event or everyday life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lil-lou-lou.com
• Instagram: @lillouloupics
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillouloupics/
• Other: Tik Tok @lil_lou_lou