We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alicia Ybarra. Check out our conversation below.
Alicia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of building a dream production and design studio! Twenty-five years ago I traveled to New York City on a student trip where we had the privilege of touring couturiers. Fast forward to today, we just moved into a building that I purchased, renovated, and turned into my dream space. Clients don’t always get to see behind the seams but my team is obsessed with the design space they get to work in every day. Since moving in, my team’s efficiencies have improved significantly and they are having so much fun bringing our brides dreams to life!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Alicia Ybarra, CEO of Vanya Designs Bridal Couture, based out of Wichita, Kansas where we bring our client’s dreams to life by creating custom couture wedding dresses. We also offer vintage heirloom re-design services, dress restoration, and Bespoke suits as well as a full service alterations and tailoring department.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
As a child who grew up on a farm, work was always a part of my life. Work was equated with survival and rest was equated with slothfulness. As a result, my identity was formed early on in finding my value from the work I accomplished. While now as an adult I realize that was not a healthy way to form an identity, it did teach me valuable lessons. I learned not to quit when things got tough. I learned to problem solve. I do have a tendency to be a workaholic, but as I’ve grown older I’ve learned to set boundaries for myself in order to manage a healthy work/life balance.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would find my younger self and tell her how talented and beautiful she was. I would tell her not to be so hard on herself – that beauty lies in imperfections. I would tell her she would find people who love her for her and that she doesn’t need to work so hard to earn love and acceptance.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As a business owner in the bridal industry for over 25 years, I’ve watched fads come and go. I am always watching bridal and fashion industry trends, economy shifts, and the political climate to help recognize when things are shifting in a new direction. Shifts have a tendency to occur with generations. Fads come and go with the seasons. I’ve had the privilege to serve brides now for 3 generations! I find it fun to navigate communication preferences and meet clients where they are at. For instance Gen X was all about individuality, straight talk and clear pricing structures. Millennials cared about their experience, and Gen Z wants to research everything before making a purchasing decision. They also rely heavily on what their friends think. I began to notice the shift when my selling techniques stopped working – immediately after the pandemic. So not only did we experience a huge cultural, political, and economical shift but we also had to learn how to communicate to a younger buyer. Bridal fashion does have a tendency to shift more slowly than traditional fashion so it’s easier to spot those shifts coming down the pipeline!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can 100% say with certainty I am doing what I was born to do. As a woman I was raised in a culture that taught a woman’s job was to get married and raise kids. Sewing was a life skill – not a career. Fashion was fleeting and not a great financial choice. Maybe I was never told these statements directly, but they were firm underlying belief’s that my generation was raised under. When I was 6 years old, my great aunt made my aunts wedding dress and my flower girl dress. One of my earliest memories was the awe of seeing my aunt clothed in all her wedding radiance, in my great-aunts home, surrounded by fabrics and laces and sewing machines. I truly believe the passion and desire was set in me before birth. I believe the talent I have for design and sewing was instilled in me from God before birth and the wisdom for running the business has been granted as I’ve looked to him for guidance every step of the way. I’ve been fortunate to get married and raise a family while building this business. My husband and kids have supported me every step of the way. In fact, my husband even works full time at my company now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vanyadesigns.com
- Instagram: @vanyadesignsbridal
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-ybarra-8b856362
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanyadesigns
- Youtube: @vanyadesigns
Image Credits
Golden Hour Film Co.
GXG Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
