This week, Alessandra and I were discussing why we started Mestiza in the first place. Did we want beautiful dresses? Of course, but that wasn’t the subconscious motive behind it.

When thinking about why we wanted to start Mestiza, one of the deep-rooted reasons for me was a sense of purpose—carving my own way and making my family and loved ones proud. When conceptualizing the brand, we always found ourselves returning to the feelings of pride when looking at old family photographs of our mothers and grandmothers. Some of our most prized possessions are the dresses and heirlooms left to us by them. These heirlooms worn by inspiring women made us feel as if there’s a higher power out there watching over and rooting for us, no matter our endeavor. It’s the reason that drove us to launch Mestiza. We aimed to create nostalgic, meaningful pieces that stand the test of time, allow you to experience life in grace and then get passed on to a new generation.

Louisa in the Georgiana Gown and her daughter, Clementine in a dress that was once Louisa's.

In a world where it’s more important than ever for women to support each other, we feel that it’s imperative to impart our own lessons onto you and our community. Maybe you are trying to launch a new business, switch careers or focus on your health. Whatever it may be, it’s empowering and comforting to know you’re not alone and that there is a higher power, or a tribe, that has your back.

This week, Alessandra and I launched a new Mestiza initiative called “The Heirloom Project.” Seasonally, we partner with underprivileged High School Seniors to share our entrepreneurial story and gift them a dress of their choice for all the occasions they will encounter as they enter the real world. It is our way of giving this incredible new generation of women an heirloom so they know there is a tribe rooting for them as they embark on their great adventure! On Friday, we kicked off with a local St. Louis High School with a few more to go this month.

Our hope is that our creations will land on the bodies of amazing women who will pass them onto new generations, letting them know, they have their back.

What are some of your favorite heirlooms?

xx,