We recently connected with Melissa Rojas and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind my mission is to show others that “Eres Mas Fuerte De Lo Que Te Imaginas” (You are stronger than what you can imagine) I had just moved back to Texas from a failed marriage. My husband left me for someone else and it was a hard pill to swallow for a while. I relocated to my home town. Just my daughter Camilla and I, with nothing to my name. It was a now or never moment, a few months later after my move. I started Chasing Camilla with one single item, the Zarape Santa hat in December of 2017. Sharing my journey since the beginning, where it resonated with other women. My mission from the beginning has been to inspire and empower by way of fashion. By helping create and also carry Mexican clothing and style it with modern day wear. Because of my business, I am able to travel and personally source and meet with Artisans, in Mexico and South America. Where I am able to bring business to their community and help each other’s businesses grow. Our mission at Chasing Camilla has become bigger than us. Most importantly it shows our future generation to Dream Big and that we can create the life we envision, by wearing our cultura with pride.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Melissa Rojas, mama to Camilla and the one that chases Camilla. I’m originally from Michigan. I began my fashion career as an intern in Los Angeles. Working two internships at one time. After that landing a Personal Assistant Job to Lindsey Lohan, where I traveled the world. I worked for a LA based fashion house, Thomas Wylde, but laid off after two years of working there.Which I loved that job by the way, but it shows that one is never sure or safe. I also worked for Tilly’s headquarters, but they laid me off as well, and don’t think I was cut out for data entry. I also had a stint as a fashion stylist for Gina Rodiguez, before her stardom. So my brand, Chasing Camilla has always been a dream, since I took my first fashion course in High School. I have incorporated my love for fashion, culture and daughter into my business. Now my shop carries hundreds of handmade items. All of my items are handmade in house by women or imported from Mexico. I also now travel the world sourcing and curating the most unique products and working directly with Artisans. My handmade items have been carried in over 30 boutiques and museums. My brand has also been featured in SA Local Living News TV, Great Day SA, Parent Latina Magazine, Fierce by Mitu, Pero Like, Voyage Houston and Voyage Austin and more. I also travel all over the United States for pop up events. I have vended in some of the biggest markets. Such as Fiesta San Antonio, @salocalmarkets, Muertos Fest SA, Loca for Local Corpus by @sewbonita, Michigan state DDLM Conference, Spoiled Latina Summit, Pecan Festival Austin, @shopminimarkets in Austin and more. I now work with other brands as content creator and have been invited as a speaker to events. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others that have gone through a similar situation and remind them. Que “Eres Más Fuerte de lo que te imaginas”
Have you ever had to pivot?
2022 was one of the hardest years for me, I believe I worked the hardest ever. During the pandemic many small businesses soared including mine, customers were shopping online. But in 2022, everything shifted where what I was doing 2020, wasn’t working anymore. I had to pivot and try new marketing strategies, I also traveled more to cities for in person pop ups. Something I had done from the beginning and was a majority of my business when I started. But during the pandemic I wasn’t doing any in person events. So, this past 2022, I went full force. The thing with my shop, is I live in a small town. So, I would spend 4-8 hours driving for the events I was scheduled to vend. Plus, the labor work it takes to set up and take down and long hours. Customers trying to haggle my prices. It became mentally and physically draining. Don’t get me wrong, I do love in person events, it’s also a way to connect with our customers and grow. With changing my marketing strategies, social media strategies and doing more in person events. All of that combined, helped me come out on top. But it did give me a run for my money. I realized I needed a mental health brake, at the end of the year. My goal now for 2023 is to find a balance that works for me.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media presence is a big one. I strongly believe in the power of social media and one of the reasons Chasing Camilla has grown. What has worked for me, is sharing my story and being authentic. Don’t worry about sharing everything or making an expensive video. But just make sure to be yourself. I think social media is about sharing your story and instant gratification. So, you want to make your point short but sweet. A good clear solid image goes a long way. You don’t need a professional photographer, if your budget doesn’t require it. But put some effort into it. Simple things, as make sure the lens is clear, and you have a nice clean setup. I do get the “I don’t like to show my face” a lot from others that ask me for advice. I understand, I don’t like to show my face always. For those I recommend filming time lapse videos of your day, your hands. Taking product shots or asking someone you know to be the face.
Be consistent with your posts. I always shoot my content days or even months in advance. That way if you do have days you don’t want to shoot any content, you can use what you have. Customers, look forward to seeing you. Keep them coming back. If your content is way too sporadic then it’s hard for people to keep up.
Learn the new trends on social media, use all platforms as well. For example, storytelling is trending. People want to hear your truth or a story. Those are gems I’ve learned from researching and from friends in the industry. I’ve recently hired a social media expert and it has been a life changer. That I recommend as well, to invest back in your company with people that will help you grow. Also a gem I learned from my best friend, Linda from In Luz We Trust. Some of my growth has been because of the people I have surrounded myself with. Such as Arlene from Glamlindo Artesania. She has also taught me so much in regards to social media and always supporting my dreams. I recommend surrounding yourself with like minded people, it’s a great way to bounce off ideas. Hope this helps and inspires you to get social!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChasingCamilla
- Instagram: @chasingcamilla
- Facebook: @chasingcamilla1
- Other: Tik Tok: Chasingcamilla
Image Credits
Fuerte Image: Rachel By. L. A. Momma Photography Cream dress image: Ivan in Oaxaca Pink Set Image: Gerald @tacogear