Meet Tara and Marlene Herrera | Co- Founders and Creative Directors of Little Lady B.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tara and Marlene Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara and Marlene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Little Lady B. was inspired by our then 4-year-old niece. At the time, we noticed a gap in the fashion market. We could not find clothing that fit our niece’s bold personality and that was sustainable, price conscious, made with natural/nontoxic materials while upholding eco-friendly practices. We decided it was time to put our skills to use and show the world our passion for fashion, which has existed since we were young girls!

Our mission at Little Lady B. is to create beautiful, timeless, unique, quality, stylish, pieces for young girls from their toddler years through their first school-aged years; that allows them to be bold, empowered, and confident in, while allowing their personalities to shine through.

Our pieces are designed, meticulously handcrafted, and made with love here in the USA by women for women and their little ladies, while using ethical practices, keeping sustainability in mind, and natural fabrics. We believe that fashion must coexist with our planet for future generations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

One of the key aspects that we love to inform our customers about is our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, Little Lady B. is designed and manufactured with love here in the USA.

It was important for us to establish Little Lady B. as a Made in America brand, having seen our parents dedicate their entire lives to working in the fashion industry. It served not just as a tribute to them, but also as a reminder of their sacrifices made in pursuit of the American dream, stitching together one garment at a time to ensure a brighter future for us.

That’s why we’ve made a conscious choice to prioritize sustainable garment practices in every aspect of our business while prioritizing ethical labor practices, ensuring that every person involved in the production of our garments is treated with dignity and respect. We also believe that fashion should coexist harmoniously with our planet for the benefit of future generations. One of our many goals is to inspire our customers to be better informed about the production processes of their garments.

This, however, has been one of the most challenging aspects Little Lady B. has encountered. Some may think we are “too expensive” or that we should “lower our prices,” nonetheless we need to ensure that: our staff is paid fairly, garments are made to last (slow fashion), and that sustainability is in every garment we design and produce. Fast fashion and disposable garments have a huge impact not only on the planet, but also on the individuals that are constructing the garments. When garments are “affordably priced,” we must question the paying wages as well as the working conditions for those individuals stitching the garments and the impact it has in the quality of their lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Preparing for an unforgettable week long trip with our friends would start with a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA) to be inspired by the beautiful exhibitions.

Since we are probably going to work up an appetite, our next stop would include Yamashiro. This restaurant is a hidden gem in Hollywood, not only do they have delicious mouthwatering food, but the view is simply breath taking. On one side there is the view of the Griffith Observatory and on the other side, all the shining lights of our beautiful city all while in the most serene atmosphere.

If dessert is one of your love languages, we suggest making a visit to the Pie Hole in the LA Arts District. It’s a cozy location with delicious pies’ selections. It’s a perfect place to catch up, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea all while indulging with a piece of pie.

For our next adventure, we would head on over and explore Descanso Gardens. It’s the perfect location to disconnect from technology and fuel the soul with nature. This place is surrounded with different types of gorgeous flowers and it smells absolutely amazing. A small reminder of the beauty this planet has to offer and how we take care of it.

Another must see place in LA, is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It’s an excellent location to enjoy a concert performance, take gorgeous pictures, and simply enjoy a night out on the town.

Little Toyko also offers delicious lunch and dinner options. Our last, but not least recommendation would be to head on over and support a small business, such as El Churro Panzon. Their churros are a must try! Our favorites are the “Churro bowl,” which includes vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and the Mexican style churro beignets with a side of vanilla ice cream. For the coffee lovers, El Cafe de Olla from the Providence Baked House located in Uptown Whittier, is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Absolutely, let’s begin with Tawny Sherrill, the woman that changed our lives trajectories to pursue a degree in fashion design. Without your unwavering support, your invaluable advice, and your genuine passion for nurturing fashion emerging talent, we would not be here. Before you we never dared to dream that we could develop a fashion brand. Your impact on our lives, especially in our careers, is immeasurable, we will forever be grateful to have had the privilege of being mentored by someone as extraordinary as yourself. Thank you for teaching us excellent garment construction; we will never forget that “a garment not only needs to look beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside.” This continues to be a fundamental motto at Little Lady B.

As we continue the journey we’ve taken with Little Lady B, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support and tough love our mother, Maurilia Herrera Lopez, has provided us with. Your encouragement has been the foundation upon which we’ve built our passion and our dreams.

From the early days of brainstorming ideas to the late nights spent working on designs and accessories, you’ve been there every step of the way, offering your wisdom, your guidance, and your unconditional love (and sometimes even tough love). Your faith and belief in us have been a pillar of support, motivating us to chase our dreams with bravery.

Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, you’ve been our rock, providing solutions we may have not seen or thought about, and a shoulder to lean on. Thank you for being our example of a smart, talented, independent, strong woman with a strong work ethic. Your faith in our vision for Little Lady B. has never wavered, and for that, we are truly blessed to have you as our mother.

To Stacey and Jay, your partnership has not only allowed us to expand our reach and grow our business, but it has also enriched our journey with your kindness and generosity. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with people as remarkable as both of you.

Thank you, for your unwavering support, your genuine enthusiasm, and your dedication to helping us thrive. Your impact on our brand and our lives is immeasurable. Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to be part of your community and allowing us to meet wonderful induvial along the way.

To our Little Lady B. team: Marco, Michael, Jennie, Atziri, Juana, Breana and Kylie, thank you for your tireless efforts, dedication, belief, and commitment to our shared goals. They are the driving force behind our successes.

Finally, to our Little Ladies, your trust, loyalty, and support mean the world to us at Little Lady B. Every purchase made is not just a transaction but a vote of confidence in our brand, our mission, and our values.

Your decision to choose Little Lady B. goes beyond acquiring a product; it signifies beliefs in quality, eco-friendly, authenticity, and the power of supporting small businesses. Your support allows us to continue doing what we love by creating products that bring joy and inspiration to your lives while keeping sustainability in mind. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and trust in our brand. It is because of our Little Ladies, that Little Lady B. can thrive and make a positive impact in the world.

Website: www.littleladyb.com

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Image Credits
Credit: Little Lady B. images