25 Apr Nativa Brings Authentic Fiesta Fashion All Year Long!
Nestled in the Alamo Heights neighborhood, lies a colorful, vibrant and authentic Mexican clothing, accessories and home goods boutique that captures the spirit of San Antonio in the best possible way. If you haven’t visited Nativa, you’re in for a treat! Mexico raised, Tressa Castro, drew inspiration from her roots. With a degree in Textile Design and career in Graphic Design, Castro never imagined her path would lead to turning her passion into a career. Nativa brings not just clothing and goods, but an experience as authentic as visiting her home country. Carrying Mexican blouses for women, a large assortment of men’s and children’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes, and even home décor, they are also dedicated to sharing the voice and talent of amazing fair trade artisans located throughout remote villages in Mexico. The spirit of Fiesta, with a fusion of Mexican and San Antonio, is alive and well at Nativa. Get to know a little bit about Tressa and what Nativa stands for!
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SLTV: When did Nativa open and what was the inspiration?
TC: Nativa was opened 10 years ago (celebrating our 10th anniversary this year), inspired by a trip home to Mexico. My son’s friends wanted to bring home typical souvenirs and we had that “AHA” moment! We didn’t want to bring the typical Mexican plastic pyramids and tequila shots, we had to bring the best, real Mexico culture, so we came with beautiful guayaberas and hand embroidered blouses. After that, everyone kept wanting more so we were on a mission. With my background in graphic design and masters in Textiles, I began seeing the textiles and artisans in another light. We decided to create a business that would strive to create positive change in artisans lives and to showcase their beautiful creations while being socially, economically and environmentally responsible for the next generations. When we talk about something being handmade nothing fits the bill quite like this clothing. We only use cotton or linen blends, only hand embroider, only do hand woven on backstrap and hand held looms, and we always keep a personal relationship with the artists creating our women, men and children clothing plus our home collection. Nativa is now sold in hundreds of stores and museums around the country and Europe.
SLTV: How would you describe Nativa’s signature style?
TC: Nativa’s signature style is comfort, quality, tradition, and color. You should always feel alive, happy, and beautiful while wearing a Nativa piece. Each production has so much love and care within it, that it’s only natural to feel the love while wearing or displaying it!
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SLTV: Are your products Fair Trade? Why is this important to you?
TC: Nativa has been a member of the Fair Trade Federation for over 7 years. Our goal is was always to create opportunity for artisans, build skills, cultivate environmental accountability while developing transparent and accountable relationships with the communities who we pay promptly and fairly. We give our full respect to their cultural identity. It is truly a blessing to see how far some of the communities we work with have grown and to see and feel the difference in their lives, and how we have empowered generations of women to continue their studies, and foment the next generations to do the same, while being proud members of their communities.
SLTV: What is the feeling you want your customers to have when they shop at Nativa?
TC: We wanted Nativa to feel more like a modern museum, not a bazar on the border. We want each piece to be displayed like a work of art, which is what they are made from these artists. When you shop at Nativa we want our customers to feel the vibrance of color amazing color and love within each piece, and to see pictures of our artisans. We do our best to make sure each client has the best experience as we love to go above and beyond to try and meet everybody’s needs. Our clients fall in love with traditional pieces that we have given a more contemporary look, and specially if it has a story behind it.
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SLTV: What does the spirit of Fiesta mean to you?
TC: The spirit of FIESTA is unity and letting your normal inhibitions go regarding color and style choices within your wardrobe. We love having this spirit year round here at Nativa!! Viva Fiesta and viva Color!
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Find Nativa at 5124 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
Shop online at NativaShop.com! Follow them on Social Media!
