We recently connected with Stefany Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stefany, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents instilled in me the values of hard work and dedication. As immigrants who risked their lives for a better future in the USA, they epitomize resilience. Their journey and sacrifices are a testament to their unwavering determination and strength.

Growing up, my parents made sure I stayed connected to my roots. Frequent trips to El Salvador from an early age profoundly shaped my identity. These visits not only grounded me in my heritage but also gave me a deep appreciation for the culture and traditions of my ancestral homeland.

My parents were committed to exposing me to valuable life lessons early on. They ensured I understood the contrast between my life in the USA and what it might have been had they never migrated. This perspective instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and a recognition of the opportunities I have been afforded.

They taught me to appreciate all the blessings in my life, emphasizing that nothing should be taken for granted. This outlook has shaped my approach to life, making me mindful of the privileges I enjoy and motivating me to make the most of them.

Moreover, my mother has always embraced and encouraged my independence. She empowered me to pursue education and, if necessary, work multiple jobs to make a living. Her support and belief in my capabilities have been instrumental in my journey, instilling in me the confidence to face challenges and the drive to achieve my goals.

Through their example and teachings, my parents have equipped me with the tools to navigate life with resilience, gratitude, and a strong sense of self. Their legacy is one of strength, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to family and cultural heritage.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am one of the founders of Estilo Latam, a dynamic fashion platform dedicated to highlighting emerging Latin talent. A native of San Francisco with deep roots in El Salvador, my heritage plays a significant role in shaping my perspective and drive.

With a professional background as a makeup artist spanning seven years, I have had the privilege of working in fashion shows, private events, and with major cosmetic companies. This experience not only honed my skills but also fueled my passion for the fashion industry.

Transitioning from makeup artistry, I embarked on a new journey as a content creator, focusing on luxury travel and fashion. This path eventually led me to become the COO of the Latinx Travel Club, where I continue to leverage my expertise and passion to promote and celebrate Latin culture and talent.

My diverse experiences and dedication to my roots have equipped me with a unique perspective and a commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community through Estilo Latam.

How’d you meet your business partner?

At a bustling networking event in Napa for women of color entrepreneurs, I met Rosario, my future co-founder of Estilo Latam. The event was designed as a safe space to share ideas and support each other, and the energy in the room was both inspiring and empowering.

As I moved through the crowd, engaging in conversations and exchanging business cards, I noticed Rosario passionately discussing her vision for authentic Latin representation in fashion. Drawn to her enthusiasm, I joined the conversation, and we instantly connected over our shared heritage and love for fashion.

We discovered that we both felt a lack of authentic representation in the fashion industry and shared a deep commitment to changing that narrative. Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we exchanged ideas, and by the end of the event, we knew we had found something special in each other.

That evening marked the beginning of our collaboration. With a shared vision and complementary skills, we set out to create Estilo Latam, a platform dedicated to highlighting emerging Latin talent. Our journey together has been a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the shared desire to make a meaningful impact.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I have always been transparent about how I started my business—funding it with the capital from my full-time job in public service. My story isn’t one of abruptly quitting my job to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Instead, I continue to work a 9-5 job that supports and funds my creative endeavors.

As a late bloomer in understanding business finance, it wasn’t until recently that I delved into the intricacies of financial literacy, particularly regarding venture capital funding and crowdfunding. This newfound knowledge has been instrumental in shaping the financial strategies for my business.

My husband has been a steadfast supporter and significant investor in my ventures. He has invested in the equipment we use to create content and has supported our business trips, playing a crucial role in the growth and development of our creative projects.

Balancing a full-time job while nurturing a creative business has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. It has taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of continuous learning. My story is a testament to the fact that pursuing entrepreneurial dreams doesn’t always require a dramatic leap of faith; sometimes, it involves steady, persistent steps supported by the stability of a traditional job and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wanderingstefany.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingstefany
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefany-hernandez-97567450?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.estilolatam.com

Image Credits

Rafael Hernandez
Giano Currie
Dezarae