Today we’d like to introduce you to Oriana Oquendo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the Co-founder of Leccese Designs, a crochet beachwear brand that started as just a fun idea back In 2019. One day I asked my mom to crochet me a swimsuit. A few days later she had made one for my sister and I and we loved them! At this point, I proposed the idea to start coming up with designs that she would crochet and we agreed to work together. My mother had just recovered from breast cancer and I wanted to support her by merging our minds to create a brand that would give women self-confidence.
Aside from the fun and creative side of the business, there is also a sentimental aspect. My mom lives in Italy and this business has brought us closer although we are physically far from each other.
This is just the beginning for us, we have an online store and we do pop-ups in different locations, however, the goal is to have a permanent boutique store.
Alright, 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?
Yes and no. It has been smooth because we work well together and have the same goals for the business, however, the time change and distance make it challenging sometimes.
Getting out of our comfort zone and learning about the clothing industry has also been a big challenge for us. Ultimately, our passion for the business is what has helped us push through adversity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Leccese Designs is a family business. My mom and I design crochet swimwear and clothing, we release our pieces as parts of collections with limited stock. All our pieces are handmade in Italy.
We started this brand to instill self-confidence in every woman with unique and custom fitted pieces that suit the needs of each individual. We create unique pieces in every collection that can also be fully customizable. Our aspiration is that every woman, no matter her body type, can find the perfect fit to make herself feel beautiful and sexy.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The best about Houston are the opportunities and its openness to diversity. I’m grateful for this city because it opened doors for me and my dreams. Coming from Venezuela, I never thought I would live in this city and be able to grow and meet the awesome people I’ve met throughout my journey here.
What I don’t like about Houston is probably the weather. I like tropical weather with summer all year long!
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@leccesedesigns.com
- Website: www.leccesedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leccesedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leccesedesign/
Image Credits
Jonathan Guzmán (@jguzzmann)
