Today we’d like to introduce you to Matilde Caceres.
Matilde, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I knew I wanted to be in the fashion business since a little girl. I was mesmerized by watching my auntie San jua, who was a master seamstress and stylist in her younger days. I loved watching her construct from the pattern to the final piece. I loved going through her leftover scraps of fabrics and re-designing my Barbie doll’s clothes. I also admired how my mom, Matilde (we have the same name) would come up with new looks for New Year’s Eve. We were always receiving each new year with stylish evening wear my mom would make for us or pre-select for that occasion. My siblings and I would blow up balloons and put them on the floor and listen to Guy Lombardo’s, “Auld Lang Syne,” song in the background while my mom and dad danced away. It was magical, because we looked like movie stars all dressed up. My mom would say, even if you are staying home for your new year’s, one has to dress up to receive the next year fashionably.
When I moved back to Houston and would pass by the Art Institute of Houston, I knew it was time to go for my dream of being a fashion designer as now, I would have access to a fashion school. It was just the beginning of my fashion career. Late 2016, I created the website http://miczedesignstudio.com with designs from vendors I would represent that followed today’s fashion trends straight from the runways. Then, later, the following year, locals started to request alterations and custom designs from me. My dear friend and photographer, Dixie Dalton was my first customer to request a custom outfit from me. She looked like royalty when we were done. I knew after that, this is what I am supposed to be doing. I was grateful and accepted all requests after that as it spiraled fast. It was challenging, but, I was all in. This year, 2019 has been extremely busy in the custom design division. I love watching how people express themselves through fashion and buying at the store is no longer satisfying. My customers want custom staple pieces to be added to their wardrobe and are willing to pay the price for it. I have had grown women do a ballerina’s pirouette in my studio while wearing their newly created garment. The process is super exciting! I am always thrilled by each individual request. Every customer is so unique and that is the most rewarding part of being a fashion designer creating individual custom pieces.
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?
My journey has not been easy at all. I believe we over analyze and come up with our own obstacles. I remember not having a serger machine as one of the obstacles or the financial backing but, I would french seam every article of clothes until I would get my serger to finish off the edges of clothing to make them look professional. That is just one example. Therefore, my advice is to work with what you have and the rest will follow.
One of my former bosses advised, that if you are dreaming up a business, you just have to start. You are not going to have all the answers, but that is okay. You will find those answers as you go.
It is the truth, one must also have goals in order to succeed and expand your business. One must be willing to put in the hours into their business in order to see the growth and surround yourself with like-minded people to bounce off of. I put my heart into my business as it shows and customers see it and appreciate it.
Please tell us about Micze Design Studio.
I specialize in women’s apparel and custom made staple pieces. I love dressing women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. My goal is to make the garment transform my client. I am mesmerized when I have an extremely shy customer go from shy to exuberant confident the minute they put on their custom dress. Wow! I am in awe when my customer’s fall in love with a garment I created for them. It is an amazing feeling.
I create one of a kind pieces and I really like that. When a client comes up to me for a custom piece, my design is already sold prior to being made. I love that! I think that makes me a bit different.
I am proud to see my business grow little by little. I am having fun with it while it is still a small business.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
My recommendation to young women starting her career is to stay focused on completing one task at a time but, keep your eye on the long term goal.
Surround yourself by only positive people that have goals and are always improving themselves.
Get out of your comfort zone. I call that “danger zone”, the stagnation zone. One must never be satisfied, because there is always room for improvement, challenging yourself every day. Otherwise, you stop growing. Keep dreaming, have fun, be excited, have a plan, keep executing those dreams every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://miczedesignstudio.com
- Phone: 409-420-2163
- Email: info@mizedesignstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matildahtown/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matildahtown/
Image Credit:
Gem Lens Photography, Aerial bambi (bodysuit I designed)
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.
