Boutique brings slow fashion and bold colors to the spotlight

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By Bianca Prieto | The SKUpe

In a charming adobe-style casita, built inside a multi-vendor market in San Antonio, Anna-Sophia Aguilar has transformed a small corner of her store into a vibrant showcase for  MexiChicSA, a one-stop-shop for her curated collection of modern Mexican designs. The SKUpe sat down with Aguilar to learn how she’s grown her boutique from her mom’s living room during the pandemic to working toward opening a new location with a maker’s space. 

How did launching during the pandemic shape MexiChicSA's growth and success?

We officially launched MexiChicSA in September 2020. Although we had been purchasing inventory well before that, the pandemic delayed our plans. Eventually, we realized that waiting for the "right time" wasn't an option, so we decided to move forward despite the uncertainty. To our surprise, the launch exceeded all our expectations. Since then our local news has featured us annually. The first time it happened we didn’t have our casita location yet and were operating out of my mom’s house. After that initial feature, there was a line outside our house, and my phone was buzzing nonstop. It was such a memorable moment and one of our first big milestones, it’s something I’ll always cherish. 

How has MexiChicSA expanded its reach beyond the local market?

Sharing our products with as many people as possible was important, so we began by hosting live sales on Facebook and then on Instagram. We’ve joined TikTok, where we found even more ways to engage with our audience. Our unique, handmade items are often available in limited quantities, and going live allows us to connect with customers, share the story behind each piece and create a sense of community in real time. We also offer monthly website drops to keep the excitement going. One of the greatest advantages of modern marketing is the ability to promote your brand on social media for free. It’s an incredibly powerful way to reach and connect with a wide audience instantly. 

How does MexiChicSA manage non-local sales and connect with online shoppers?

I’ve made it a personal goal to step out of director mode and get in front of the camera more frequently for live, virtual try-on events, giving customers a more authentic and relatable experience.  During these sessions, I answer questions in real time and personally try on almost every piece we sell. This approach has been incredibly successful, as it helps customers visualize how items look and how they can be styled, creating a more interactive and engaging shopping experience. 

How do artisans shape MexiChicSA's products and brand vision?

The artisans we partner with are the heart and soul of our business. Their knowledge, talent, and dedication to their craft are truly inspiring. I often say they have magic hands because everything they create is so beautiful and full of life.  We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with them to design and bring incredible pieces to life. Beyond the work, we’ve built lasting friendships, creating a bond that goes far beyond business. I deeply value these relationships and never take for granted the trust and connection we’ve cultivated while building this brand together.

Looking ahead, what’s next for MexiChicSA?

The next step for MexiChicSA is to open a new location very soon. This space will serve as a store and a creative space where we can produce content and work daily. We have outgrown our current space, and this move will let us expand further. This year, I also want to get back to the basics and focus on creating more exclusive collections. Over the past few years, we have been in a rush to grow our customer base, but this year, I want to put more emphasis on the design process, even if it takes a bit longer to launch new collections. I will not lie, there are nights when I cannot sleep because of all the ideas racing through my head, and I feel anxious to bring them to life. I also want to be more intentional with everything we do this year, embracing the journey and enjoying every step. My goal is to see MexiChicSA in a big retailer as a brand collaboration and to break the stereotype that Mexican-inspired attire is only for holidays, showing that it can be worn every day, as part of an everyday lifestyle. 

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