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

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name of my company is deeply rooted in personal meaning and family heritage, making it a heartfelt reflection of the journey that brought us to this moment. It is a combination of my second name, Victoria, and my mother’s last name, Leon. This deliberate choice carries a profound significance, symbolizing the unique partnership my mother and I share. From the very beginning, we worked side by side, supporting each other and nurturing the dream of building something special—a company that would embody our values, creativity, and vision.

By incorporating both our names, I wanted to pay tribute to the unwavering dedication and inspiration my mother has provided throughout my life. It represents not only our shared efforts but also our deep connection and mutual respect. Naming the company in this way is more than a branding decision; it’s a celebration of our shared story, our determination, and the realization of a dream we’ve pursued together. It serves as a constant reminder of the love, strength, and ambition that brought our vision to life and guides the company’s mission every day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My brand encompasses the desire to foster a better world with less pollution, promoting the principles of reusing, reducing, and recycling. At the same time, I aim to inspire and educate clients that it is possible to look spectacular while supporting environmental sustainability. After earning my fine arts degree in fashion design, I began creating pieces that embody my brand’s mission by incorporating eco-friendly fabrics, making a meaningful contribution to this cause.

From the outset, my cultural journey has been shaped by my roots, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors, rich experiences, and natural beauty of my country. I invite my audience on a cultural journey to explore different parts of the world. I specialize in offering swim and beachwear for women who appreciate art, value quality pieces, and are mindful of their environmental impact.

Today, my brand is undergoing an evolution that focuses on its essence and DNA, sharing not only the unique stories behind each piece but also a vision for sustainability and beauty. My designs and mission reflect the dedication to creating something extraordinary that uplifts both people and the planet.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

At Victoria Leon, we embrace the power of e-commerce as a vital tool for connecting with clients and showcasing our brand’s story and offerings. Our dedicated website serves as a central hub where clients can explore our full product range, learn about our journey, and understand the sustainable processes behind our designs. In addition to our main site, we maintain a storefront on Amazon featuring a curated selection of our products, allowing us to expand our reach to an even broader audience.

E-commerce presents numerous advantages that align with our brand’s goals. It enables us to reach a global customer base, breaking geographical boundaries and creating opportunities to connect with clients who value quality, sustainability, and artistry. The operational costs are significantly lower compared to maintaining physical stores, and the platform offers 24/7 accessibility, ensuring our clients can shop at their convenience. Furthermore, e-commerce provides detailed customer insights, allowing us to implement targeted marketing strategies, while streamlining inventory management for greater efficiency.

However, as with any business strategy, e-commerce also comes with its challenges. The lack of physical interaction with products can make it harder for clients to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of our designs. Security concerns surrounding customer data, shipping costs and potential delays, and the complexities of managing returns. Additionally, the high level of competition in the online marketplace demands constant innovation, and reliance on technology can occasionally result in issues such as website downtime.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

At Victoria Leon, we have implemented various strategies to identify the most effective methods for acquiring new clients and expanding our brand presence. These efforts have included participating in fashion runways alongside other emerging designers, showcasing our collections at local bazaars, investing in online advertising and digital marketing, and collaborating with digital magazines to enhance recognition and visibility. Each of these approaches has contributed uniquely to our growth and offered valuable insights into connecting with potential customers.

Among these strategies, I have found that local bazaars have been the most impactful. These events provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with clients in a one-on-one setting, allowing them to interact with the product, feel the quality, and try on pieces to fully experience the brand. This personalized connection fosters trust and creates a more meaningful relationship with customers, which is often difficult to achieve through digital platforms alone. Additionally, participating in bazaars helps build a sense of community, as it creates opportunities to network and collaborate with other local business owners who share similar goals and values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.victorialeonstore.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialeonstore/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorialeonstore

Image Credits

artketing studios – https://www.instagram.com/artketingstudios?igsh=MTF4enFtYmEyeTNkNg==