We had the good fortune of connecting with Yanet Almaguer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Yanet, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Looking back on how I used to be, the paths life has taken me to, and the decisions I have made along the way, I think it isn’t just one, but multiple factors; perseverance, self-confidence, and the need to share my experience with other people.
I have never been a stranger to risk, but pushing forward no matter what and knowing that to get the things you want, you have to keep on trying, has made me the confident and empathetic woman that I am today. I feel that more than showing off my achievements or celebrating my goals, I have a responsibility to share my experiences, especially with other women. For me, life has made it clear that everyone can and should pursue their dreams at their own time and pace. I never imagined myself designing clothes, running a business, or driving a truck; nonetheless, here I am. That is why I firmly believe that my story is a clear example that limits don’t exist.
Hence my invitation to all to keep on trusting yourselves and make the most out of your creative potential and your desire to grow.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well, there is a lot to unpack here. My business is created for women, it’s not just about selling clothes. My purpose is that women can feel free to use whatever they want regardless of prejudices; to love and value each other, we own our lives. I wake up every day so excited to grow so that I can inspire other women around me. I’m proud to see how my business allows everyone to buy whatever they want without worrying about any ties.
Sometimes it is amazing to look back. To think that I got where I am thanks to my willpower and willingness to help, thanks to my tolerance to risk. Everything I do, I do for my deceased daughter, because life has given me many bad moments, but those moments have served me to be the woman I am today: courageous, ambitious, independent, enthusiastic; with a spirit of sacrifice, with the capacity to take risks. I think they are the most indispensable factors to start a business and thanks to all that I own two, my truck and my online clothing store.
Was it easy? No, it wasn’t easy at all it isn’t yet. I see every day as an opportunity to learn something new. That’s why I educate and culture myself, I accept criticism and advice. I have cried, stopped sleeping, and got depressed. I thought it couldn’t work out, I was afraid. But I overcame all of that thanks to my way of seeing life because I believe nothing is given away for free, but we can achieve everything if we set our minds to it. I never let myself be defeated by negative comments or bad moments, I just trusted myself. I am the owner of my life, I am my leader, I am my inspiration, I am the only one who can overcome my fears and insecurities. All of that is what I would like to see reflected in my products.
I have learned a lot and I’m still learning. I’ve been through everything you can imagine, all kinds of horrible things. I have seen death face to face, had hunger, lived betrayals, lost people. I have seen myself with less than 20 cents. I have even slept in the streets. However, I’m thankful for all that, I learned that life is beautiful, you just have to know how to live it and see the bright side of things, despite the bad things that can happen to us, everything has a reason. It’s all a lesson.
That’s why I would like my brand to be recognized as the revolution of successful women! Strong and determined, the “LE ZACHAS” of the future. In addition to that, I would also like to make a book about life for it to serve as inspiration for other women. I would like them to know that like me, you can be a multifaceted woman, adapting to any situation. I, being a truck driver (a job that for many is seen only for men) have never let myself be guided by prejudices or stereotypes. That was my first business, where I spent four years on top of that rolling monster, risking my nights and getting no sleep. Everything I’ve been through has made me strong and who I am.
I created my online clothing store, my second business, in honor of my daughter Zacha. I lost her when she was six months old. As a result, one day I dreamt about her. She took me to a field. I was crying and she helped me to get up. When I looked around, everything was full of gorgeous and happy women. They were dancing and helping each other out. I woke up peacefully, and I decided I wanted to do something for women. I started by opening my store, but the idea was not so much to sell, but through it, social media and short videos to deliver a message; that it is always possible, that we own our lives, that we are warriors, that no matter how difficult it is, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and many beautiful things to fight for. I have accomplished all of this day today and I see the results of it through the messages I receive on my page; that thanks to me someone gets up wanting to keep on fighting. That fills me with joy, and that’s what I want you to know about me, that I’m like everyone else, and that nothing stops me. That’s my story.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For starters, I would take them to Little Havana so we could have a look around and finish at La Carreta for lunch. Afterwards, we could visit Miami Beach and spend the evening on the sea. Of course it doesn’t just end there, as the dancer I am, we would return to the 8th St in search of some good live music and amazing cocktails at Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar, a must visit for me.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father. He was my hero and mentor. The man who taught me to trust myself, be confident on my decisions and that there is not a single obstacle or stereotype that could stop me as a woman.
Website: www.lezachas.com
Instagram: @lezachas13
Facebook: Le Zachas
Youtube: HelloYaCa