This week we are featuring Mabel Cortez, the Co-Founder of Brave Wings Fashion Show, Co-Founder of The Fabric Studio in Tempe and the CEO of Mabella Chic and Finance Advisor. Learn more about this fashionable boss babe…
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
First job: My first job in the fashion industry was after I graduated from FIDM Los Angeles, I worked for a clothing manufacturer who made clothes for Forever 21, Roxy, and Wetseal (do you remember this store?). I was their production coordinator I was in charge of making sure everything the garment needed was ordered and managed the sewing process of the orders. All of the labor workers loved me, on my last day they gave me a surprise going away party, I will always remember that.
Favorite AZ restaurant: My Favorite restaurant is Gadzooks located in downtown Phoenix, my business partner and best friend Jenesis Laforcarde introduced me to this restaurant. I get their enchiladas with a sunny side egg on top, so delish!
Person who has impacted your life the most: My daughter Maya, she is the reason why I evolved my clothing brand Mabella Chic to be for The “IT” Mom. I now understand what Mom’s go through for the love of their children they tend to put themselves last and I wanted to make a clothing line that was an easy grab and go but still stylish to wear.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: When I started to create the life that I truly wanted, I had a couple of businesses started while working full time and when I decided to let go of the full time job and focus on my businesses. This has allowed me to create my own schedule.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: Becoming a mom, everyone talks about how beautiful it is and I agree 100% however there is a transition that happens and it’s not the easiest. I had to learn how to balance and prioritize my the important things in life and because of that I now work smarter not harder.
Someone who inspires you: Yael Aflalo is the CEO/Founder of Reformation of a sustainability clothing brand. She didn’t follow the typical and standard process of the fashion industry and she did not let anyone put her in a box. She felt strongly about her believes and made a clothing line that aligns with her own standards.
Favorite quote: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” -Dr. Suess
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Always operate in the mind set of abundance and be fearless. Life is too short to wish it away, take any action towards your goals and create your world how you want it to look. Being an entrepreneur is the hardest career to choose, there is a lot of commitment and consistency that needs to be put into it, be sure to surround yourself with positive influences that will get you through this tough journey.
What makes someone fabulous: Being humble and paying it forward.
