We had the good fortune of connecting with Margaux Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Margaux, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Chicano Nation Clothing brand is a family-owned business. Uncle George created Chicano Nation by making one single sweatshirt for himself, to represent who he is. I will always remember this, in middle school in the late 90s, a school official asked me to remove my sweater while on nutrition break. I remember looking at him confused and not wanting to remove my sweater. The sweater he asked me to remove was my uncles’s hoodies, “Chicano Nation”. The school official goes on to say the sweater is gang-related, it is against school policy, and demands for me to remove it. We go to the office and I remove my sweater to be picked up by my mother. I was still confused. Later it was explained or I learned that Chicanos were discriminated against and hated for having culture.

Chicano Nation Clothing is more than a brand it is a movement to bring together all Chicanos, in every sector…. Because Brown is beautiful!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Brillantes Emprendedoras Latinas de Los Angeles (BELLA) program has expanded my knowledge on small business growth and structure when I did not know much. This program has given me the support and confidence to overcome any barriers that I’ve crossed in the last 3 years of starting my business.

Chicano Nation Clothing encourages chicano/as to take up space and to wear culture with pride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visit Olvera St, Plaza Del Cultura Y Artes, little Tokyo, Mariachi plaza, Un Solo Sol restaurant

Summer nights on Whittier blvd, The arch or 6th street bridge various car shows

Eastside Cafe, Plaza de La Raza, Goddess boutique, Mercado Del Pueblo storefront in El Serena, Tia Chuchas, Mexes Cafe

Fitness Echo Moutain, Millard Canyon, Switzer Falls, East LA runners, Boyle Heights Bridge Runners.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Uncle Thunder Bear George – Tio George has taught me different ways to see life, our culture, and our people. He has taught me to respect, listen, and love our gente and Mother Earth.

Website: www.chicanonation.com or www.chicananation.com

Instagram: Chicano_Nation_Clothing

Facebook: Chicano Nation Clothing

Image Credits
Photograph 1 &3 – Diana Martinez
Photograph 4 – Lovely Hue Photography
Graphic artist – Riche Trues

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.