Last night, we hosted 25 tastemakers in Charleston for a Mestiza event.

Of course, there was content creation, a beautiful dinner and plenty of Mestiza dresses. But I also walked away with reflections on relationships, community, and the people behind the screens.

As founders, we spend so much of our time looking at metrics: follower counts, engagement rates, website traffic, conversion rates etc. But spending time together in real life reminded me that behind every account is a person building something, just like we are.

Here are five takeaways from the event:

1. Tastemakers Are Entrepreneurs Too

It's easy to think that content creators operate in a completely different world.

In reality, many of their challenges sound remarkably familiar to a fashion founder and the way they operate is very sophisticated, strategic and intentional.

They have real worries and problems, just like anyone else in the industry. They too worry about changing algorithms. They too struggle to keep up with content demands.

They're constantly looking for fresh ways to tell stories while staying true to themselves, just as we are. They want to respond to every DM, but there simply aren't enough hours in the day. Many are managing teams, partnerships, contracts, and the pressures that come with turning a personal brand into a business.

The more conversations I had, the more I realized that we're all solving similar problems and are in the trenches together. We may be building different businesses, but we're navigating the same landscape… and we’re not alone while doing it, which is always a good reminder.

2. Everyone Starts Somewhere

One of the most rewarding parts of the night was hearing how many women remembered the brands that supported them early on.

Several of the tastemakers we hosted have built incredible communities over the years. Yet many told us that Mestiza was one of the first brands to ever send them a gift.

In business, it's tempting to chase the biggest names and the largest audiences. But sometimes the most meaningful relationships are built long before someone becomes widely known.

Success is the result of years of sticking with it, being consistent, building trust, and creating value.

It's a good reminder to take chances on people. You never know where they, or your relationship with them, might be five years from now.

3. Versatility is More Important Than Ever

One thing was universally loved throughout the event: versatility.

The response to our Convertible Collection was immediate. Women loved the idea that one piece could be worn multiple ways, especially when traveling.

What struck me wasn't just that they appreciated the feature but how naturally they began talking about it to one another.

The enthusiasm for our prints was equally encouraging. Amid a sea of neutrals and basics, there is still a desire for clothing that feels joyful, distinctive, and memorable.

Women aren't necessarily looking for more, they’re looking for better!

4. Real-Life Connection is Everything

For all the attention given to digital marketing, nothing replaces meeting someone in person. You see which pieces women gravitate toward first. You hear honest feedback. You watch their confidence shift when they find something they genuinely love.

But the value goes both ways. The event gave us the opportunity to share our story, explain our mission, and introduce the people behind the brand. Instead of simply knowing Mestiza as a label on a garment, they got to know the personalities, values, and vision behind it.

Relationships deepen when people feel connected to a story or find a level of relatability.

5. Brands Come to Life When You See the Whole Picture

One unexpected realization was how powerful it is to experience a collection all together, in the same room.

Most customers encounter a brand one image at a time: a dress on Instagram, a product page on a website, a single post in their feed…or even just a small smattering of styles in a boutique. It doesn’t really tell the full visual merchandising story.

At the event, guests were able to see everything at once… the dresses, the prints, the colors, the accessories, the women wearing them, and the lifestyle surrounding them.

Suddenly, the brand became a world!

As founders, we spend years imagining that world. Seeing others step into it and immediately understand it was one of the most rewarding moments of the night.

Why Charleston Worked

And then there's Charleston itself! Some places simply know who they are, and Charleston is one of them.

The city has a strong sense of identity, beautiful architecture, incredible food, that welcoming, Southern hospitality, and endless opportunities for discovery. It attracts visitors from around the country while maintaining a vibrant local community.

For a brand centered around celebration and making memories, it felt like the perfect backdrop.

Not only does Charleston look beautiful in photographs but it also created a vibe where people wanted to slow down and just enjoy being with one another.

Final Thoughts

The biggest takeaway from Charleston wasn't about content creation, it was a reminder that business is ultimately about people!

People want to feel seen, connect and hear stories. They want to understand who they're supporting.

And after spending time with these remarkable tastemakers, I'm more convinced than ever that the strongest brands are built through relationships.

XO