We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liz Landeros a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Liz, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic was shaped by the experiences and values instilled by my parents. Growing up Latina and in a situation where both parents were undocumented and facing challenges emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. The struggle for a better life or better things was so real! but my parents’ example served as a powerful motivator-they showed me diligence, determination, and resilience.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello, I’m Liz, and I’m the heart and hands behind Secondhand Seamstress, where I give pre-loved items a whole new tailored look. During the global pandemic, I rediscovered my love for sewing, appreciation for handmade items and grew into a new Liz! I even had the whole ‘Brittany spears shaved head’ moment and wanted to shed my skin, or something(I’m not really sure what I was going through). Which by the way, was one of the most powerful things I have ever done! It was simultaneously a humbling experience and confident booster and I would probably do it again. Anyways, I started making little things here and there, and found solace and confidence in transforming pre-existing garments to something bespoken for. I realized that wearing clothes that were tailored to my body not only made it a lot easier to pick my outfits but also carried a sense of empowerment. It made me feel somewhat like a boss, radiating confidence from the inside out. So I started to doing that to every piece I owned!
Secondhand Seamstress is not just about tailoring clothes but the ability to bring that same sense of empowerment and sustainability to others. There is magic happening when a garment is not just an item of clothing but a pre-loved tailored expression of confidence and individuality. As I continue this exciting chapter, I hope to inspire others to feel the transformative power of tailored clothing, making them feel like bosses in their own lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realize that maintaining a positive mindset, resilience, and having a strong support system are paramount. Embracing positive self-talk didn’t come natural for me; it’s a skill I consciously had to work at, often with the guidance of my therapist— a heartfelt thank you to them. At times, I found myself trapped in a cycle of believing that my circumstances weren’t conducive to happiness, leading to anxiety and depression. I once thought I was a victim of my upbringing, but I’ve learned to confront these misconceptions. Acknowledging your emotions is crucial, but it’s equally important not to let them hold too much power. After accepting your emotions, redirect your focus towards positive aspects moving forward.
I believe that cultivating positivity fosters resilience. Embracing the notion that everything happens for a reason has shifted my perspective. Understanding that hardships are inevitable and failures are part of the learning process is crucial. You can’t foresee the future, but you can control how you respond to challenges. As I navigate my personal growth, I’ve learned to appreciate the relationships I’ve lost, which, in turn, magnifies my gratitude for the ones I still have. Surrounding yourself with individuals who genuinely wish for your success is invaluable. In moments of mental turbulence, my support system has been a beacon of light, reminding me to keep moving forward.
My advice to whomever is thinking about wanting to pursue their passion would be to believe in your vision and be prepared for challenges, they are inevitable but often the stepping stones to growth. Surround yourself with a supportive network, don’t be afraid to seek mentorship, stay true to your values and never underestimate the power of positive thinking.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
There are a couple essential people that have influenced my skills, qualities and knowledge I hold today but I would say the most helpful person in my life has been my boyfriend. He’s been an instrumental figure in my personal and professional development. He’s the type of person to never quit, always preserve with the mentality of continual growth which is something I greatly admire and respect. His patience and persistence has aided in me believing in myself- fostering an environment where I feel empowered to evolve and embrace new challenges.
In addition to the support from my boyfriend, my former employers have played a significant role in shaping my vision for how I want to run my own business. Through their actions and leadership, they unknowingly showed valuable lessons on organizational culture, effective management, and the importance of fostering a positive work environment. These experiences have served as a blueprint for what I aspire to create in my own entrepreneurial venture.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Secondhand.seamstress
Image Credits
Johanna Cortez
