From Brainstorm to Business: My Oh So Latina Journey

¡Hola Amigas! Feli here, founder of Oh So Latina, a shop brimming with fierce apparel and sassy accessories that celebrate our cultura. But before these virtual shelves were stocked with awesomeness, it was just a dream sparkling in my head. Today, I want to share my journey from business idea to launch, and the amazing tools that helped me get there.

From Marketing Maven to Maker

By day, I’m a marketing whiz wrangling spreadsheets and data. But after hours, my creative side takes over. I’ve always loved designing and crafting, and for years, I poured that passion into blogs and websites (since 2008, can you believe it?). The turning point came a year ago when I realized I wanted to create something that spoke directly to my Latina heritage – something with a dash of humor and a whole lot of sass (especially since I couldn’t find t-shirts that I liked)!

Building My Business Dream Team

Taking the leap from concept to commerce wasn’t easy, but luckily, there are some incredible tools out there to help aspiring entrepreneurs like myself. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Website Hosting: While platforms like Shopify offer a convenient all-in-one solution, I decided to host my website independently. This gave me more control over the design, functionality, and future growth of Oh So Latina. There’s a learning curve involved, but resources like WordPress.org and Hostgator were invaluable in helping me set up my online store.
• Design Tools: Design software like Canva and Kittl were lifesavers for creating product mockups, social media graphics, and my designs! The user-friendly interface and vast library of templates made it easy to bring my ideas to life. And it is perfect if you are a design newbie too!
  • Canva : Canva is a free online design platform that revolutionized how I create visuals for Oh So Latina. From eye-catching product mockups to social media graphics with a pop, Canva’s user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates made design accessible and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting out, Canva empowers you to bring your ideas to life – and for free!
  • Kittl: This hidden gem was a game-changer when it came to creating the unique designs for my Oh So Latina products. Kittl offers an amazing library of illustrations, fonts, and design elements that I could easily drag and drop onto my canvas. Plus, their user-friendly interface made it easy to customize everything and create designs that truly reflected my brand. Kittl also has a free plan with some limitations and paid plans with more features.

From Brainstorm to “¡Dale!”

Of course, the tools are just part of the equation. Launching Oh So Latina required a healthy dose of research, planning, and late nights fueled by cafecito. But seeing my vision come to life, from the first product design to the very first order, has been incredibly rewarding.

My Journey Continues

Oh So Latina is still a young venture, but the journey has been an amazing adventure. And guess what? It’s not over yet! I’m constantly brainstorming new product ideas, expanding my online presence, and connecting with amazing Latinas like you.

So, what are your dreams, amigas? Maybe you have a hidden talent waiting to blossom, or a business idea bubbling away. Don’t be afraid to take the first step! The resources and support are out there, and who knows, your next big thing might just be a click away.

Go for it! And remember, you’ve got a whole community of Latinas cheering you on, myself included.

P.S. Head over to the Oh So Latina shop and check out some of the fierce styles we have to offer.