Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lombana.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My passion for art and fashion started at an early age for me. When I was 12, I was greatly inspired by watching runway shows on TV, my favorite designers from the ’90s were Gianni Versace, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen. I would dream of being a fashion designer one day and started sketching bridal gowns. However, as I became independent at the age of 17, I forgot about fashion and focused on working and making ends meet. In 2013, during my third pregnancy, undecided to venture and embellish baby shoes for girls by hand. This little venture grew into a girls shoe company that started distributing to Zulilly and other local boutiques in Houston. After discovering my capabilities as a businesswoman and creative, I decided to take a chance and enroll at the Art Institute of Houston for fashion design. In 2015, I made a small investment of $300, bought some fabrics, made some swimwear sketches, and had a seamstress sew a small swimwear and bodysuit collection. My first fashion show was a success, despite the fact that many thought it was too scandalous, all sample pieces sold and it motivated me to continue with my brand. In 2016, I started having trunk shows in local boutiques and little by little started including dresses and apparel in my collections. I had over 10 fashion shows by 2018 and had my brand in five boutiques in Houston and 1 boutique in NYC.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I started from the bottom, worked my way up with what I could. Along the way, I learned how important it is to get feedback from customers and take their opinion into consideration when you’re creating. I’ve learned that as a creative I have a lot of room for improvement and it’s important to be humble and learn from others that are more knowledgeable than you. Being a Latina single mother of three has also been quite a challenge but I’ve made it work somehow. My biggest advice to young and older women, because I started my dream after my 30’s is to always be consistent, never be afraid of trying new ways to make your vision work and always be humble and kind to those who help you along the way.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m very focused on sexy, sleek silhouettes. I also specialize in beading embroidery by hand. My aesthetic is dark, sexy, and there’s always the use of the color black. I love seeing women who look like vixens, it’s my concept of empowering a woman and I think they look beautiful in black. I’m very proud of still having a brand that I started completely on my own for five years already, despite school, work, and family, I have managed to continue creating for my brand. What sets me apart from others is my desire to truly want to make women look sexy and bold, I show this through my silhouettes and the fit of my garments.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Books that contain art by impressionists like Monet and romance stories from the 1800s greatly inspired me. Gardens and being surrounded by nature inspires me as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessicalombana.com
- Phone: 8329944265
- Email: jlombana@jessicalombana.com
- Instagram: @lombanabyjessicalombana
- Facebook: Lombana
Image Credit:
Photographers: Mauricio Hernandez, Chris Spicks, Tony Aria, Giselle Yeung, Models: Brittani Branch, Jessica Zyrie, Emma Loverchaun, Kendall Setzer, Martina Goobar, Makeup Artists: Juan Jose Carrillo, Houston Training, MAC MUA’s, Shanti Spa, Wardrobe Stylists: April Ann Kohlmyer, Jessica Lombana
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
