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

Luz Dayana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

In 2018, in the middle of a social conflict in my country, I had to flee with my entire family, abandoning my home in addition to 15 years of work, a job made up of a team work, machines and a workshop. We had to closed down in less than 24 hours, leading me to a deep internal mourning for more than 3 years since I could not nor did I want to start over with Andaluz, the company that had given me so many beautiful memories. And this is where I start with my first point: 1.- Yes, Take your time of mourning, but release your frustration, you do not always have control of things and anything can happen, it is not your fault. 2.- Understand the market a little bit, see if your product can be adapted again in the time and space where you are. 3.- It is normal to feel afraid and think that your product will not fit, but if you do not execute your project, that doubt will always remain pending. 4.- Be patient, businesses are built with strategies and also with a lot of patience. 5.- Adapt to the resources that are within your reach, if you need to ask for help to your photographer friend, your cousin the designer or your aunt the seamstress, do it; exchange knowledge and then take the first step, to be able to lead the way.

Luz Dayana, 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?

Hi, My name is Luz Dayana and I was born in Venezuela and raised in a multicultural family, I fell in love with sewing since I was a child. I watched my grandmother sew the colorful quilts that she gave to her granddaughters for Christmas and that’s how it all started. At age 12 I started experimenting with some skills, unstitching and sewing. At the age of 18 I started my studies at university and at the same time I created Andaluz when I made bags for myself and my friends asked me to make bags for them. I continued with Andaluz for 15 years attending events, fashion shows and media interviews. And in the meantime I was including more appareals and accesories into the brand

Any advice for managing a team?

I am one of those who thinks that your work team has to feel appreciated and motivated. If you provide respect and trust they will value it and it will be reciprocated.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Relationships, trust and Word of Mouth. I consider these three aspects to make their purchase an experience

Contact Info:

• Website: www.weareandaluz.com
• Instagram: Weareandaluz
• Facebook: Weareandaluz
• Other: Ticktock: Weareandaluz

Image Credits
Caterina Taronna IG: https://www.instagram.com/caterinataronna_photography?igsh=M3UyaWY2bGJ4a3o5