In this episode, Mervin will speak to Ronelli Requena of Zayvha Saria about her personal & entrepreneurial journey that led her to where she is at now in her life & career; her YLAI experience, and lessons learned. Her perspective on how COVID positioned her to innovate, adjust and expand her services. She will give insights on how she overcame the impostor syndrome and embrace her unique greatness; finally, they will talk about her products, services & the project she was a part of that took the traditional Maya embroidery and merged it with modern design; giving many Mayan women employment.
Listen to the audio:
KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE
- Ronelli’s transition from biology to fashion
- She shares her unique way of learning new concepts
- The journey of exploring and finding her purpose
- Starting new things from fitness to decorating
- The foundation for her business
- Ronelli talks about the shame of not being what everyone expected
- The inspiration for the fashion pieces
- What thrifting can teach you
- Tips for persons in the fashion business
- Finding your target audience
- Growing the business
- Support: the people and organizations that helped
- Improving the quality of the product and strengthening the business
- Working with indigenous women in Belize
- Marketing and what works
TWEETABLE MOMENTS
“I knew there was something else out there that was for me.” (21:39 – 21:41)
“Usually, people know what they want, and they execute; I knew exactly what I didn’t want.” (22:42 – 22:48)
“That year I made a decision that I would not trap myself again.” (23:20 – 23:23)
“If we’re not happy, how will we evoke that back.” (23:36 – 23:38)
“It was really refreshing to see that someone wanted to help without anything in exchange.” (32:21 – 32:26)
“I go back to the basics; I love me some vintage pieces.” (33:40 – 33:45)
“My inspiration was Saying Yes to the Dress and Project Runway.” (35:03- 35:10)
“Adding that Belizean touch is what makes some of my pieces very unique.” (39:00 – 39:07)
“How can I get the construction of these dresses to a level that is competitive not just in Belize but abroad.” (41:55 – 42:00)
“My main motto is quality over quantity.” (53:01 – 53:04)
“What has really worked for me is a collaboration with other creatives.: (53:39 – 53:42)
“Don’t be stingy, do a little investment every now and again on a course.” (55:10 – 55:15)
“The work speaks for itself so many times these creatives come to me at some point in time that they would love to work with me.” (56:19 – 56:30)
“I have been so, so lucky to have been a good matchmaker when it comes to collabs.” (56:40 – 56-46)
“Embrace that awkwardness of being uncomfortable and take the leap.” (59:40 – 59:44)
About Ronelli Requena
Ronelli Requena is a twenty-seven-year-old, self-taught Belizean designer and fashion consultant. She is the owner and fashion designer of the clothing company, Zayvha Sarai. She has been designing custom pieces for the past five years.
After pursuing her degree in Biology and working an eight-to-five job in that field she decided that was not the life she wanted. She wanted to build something for herself that would allow her to freely express her imagination and creativity. She resigned from her job and became her own boss. In 2019 she officially launched the Zayvha Sarai brand and the first Bridal Studio in Belize. She has built a good reputation for producing well-tailored and affordable gowns for brides all over the country. She is constantly pushing for the growth of the fashion industry in Belize. She has invested in networking with other designers, doing fashion consultancy, learning, and sharing her knowledge on new cutting-edge techniques in fashion. She remains driven by her purpose to grow the Belizean fashion scene and to continue to provide the best service to her client at home and abroad.
