If you’ve ever just been scrolling through Instagram, chances are you’ve either seen, wanted, or bought something from Jen Zeano Designs. The Texas-based, Latina-focused brand is one of our favorites. From their iconic “Latina Power” tees to inspiring mirror stickers, this Latina-owned business comes with serious attitude and all the cute things!
See our interview below with Jen, co-owner of Jen Zeano Designs, which she runs alongside her wife Vero.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and flow.
Jen & Vero, y'all are so relatable through your social media platforms and in the products and messages y'all put forward. What was it like starting JenZeano Designs?
Well, first of all thank you so much! Starting JZD was both fun and terrifying. To be completely honest, we didn't know anything about starting a business. We made so many mistakes and pivoted a few times. In fact, we started out by hand drawing on coffee mugs but once we created the Latina Power tee, we realized that was exactly what we needed our business to be, and so we became a Latina empowerment brand, and we haven't looked back since.
JenZeano Designs is described as a South Texas based lifestyle brand and we love it! Tell us a little bit more about what inspires your designs.
We are based in Brownsville, Texas which is a border town and a huge part of our brand. We find inspiration all over our city, from our food, our gente, our families, our friends, our music, our beach, literally everything!
We saw you recently moved into a warehouse - congratulations! What is some advice you can offer aspiring entrepreneurs that look at your brand as #businessgoals?
Thank you so much! It still feels so insane to be in this space, but we are so grateful for it! I have two little bits of advice. One, just start. I know that sounds so cliche but so many of us want to wait to launch until we have everything perfect, and we are ready for all situations, but the truth is that things constantly change. In my humble opinion, it's better to start and then figure out things as they come to us. Two, figure out your why and then always remember it. Whatever it may be, make sure that your "why" is always at the center of all the decisions you make for your business. We are all rooting for you, so just start!
You're intentional about sharing your struggles as well as your wins - why is that important to you?
We think it's important to share ALL the moments because we never want to portray a life that is perfect. Life is messy and tough and while we wish it was all rainbows and unicorns, the struggles and tough moments make the wins that much sweeter. We like to be completely open, and we pride ourselves in saying that we've built an honest relationship with our followers and customers. We love them like we do our friends, and we talk to them as such. Life is a lot more fun when you share it honestly and vulnerably. Plus, our followers feel so connected when we share our struggles. Our brand is about creating representation for our community and that applies to all areas of life.
Tell us our must haves from your shop for the spring and summer!
Our current best sellers are our Fuerte necklace and our Vibras Bonitas tees! We also have fun new things launching for summer like drinkware and tank tops!
Where can we follow you and your business adventures?
Check out our website and all our socials @jenzeanodesigns.
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This interview is part of the Luz Media's Alpha Latina: Small Business Saturday series. This series highlights the accomplishments of Alpha Latinas making a difference in their communities through their small businesses. Interested in being featured? Contact Us
