WHO ARE WE? MADRE E HIJA.
OUR STORY
In the cochinero that was our garage, we found ourselves enthralled with this idea of selling used clothes — fantasizing about an established business that could positively change our lives forever. We spent hours researching, planning and praying for what we affectionately named, De Nada Vintage. Through the paralyzing indecisiveness, bouts of imposter syndrome and a global pandemic, we inevitably realized that we’d wasted more than enough time dreaming. The simple truth was that our dreams were not as far from reach as we were forced to believe and worst of all, we had been the greatest perpetrators of our immobility.
Although in a time of extreme uncertainty, it was surprisingly easy to recognize our greatest dreams, mostly neglected by the noise of our own insecurities. The desire to take action was often overshadowed by the hereditary need to focus on survival. We grew accustomed to the idea that one should not attempt to achieve more through the pursuit of happiness— it was simply too great a gamble. As such, our cultural obligation to remain focused on subjective necessities became a looming hindrance that almost won.
This fundamental concept of creation driven by necessity has always been everything yet nothing at all. From our inception this theme has ignited us and continues to drive our desire for greatness for ourselves and our community from within. De Nada Vintage is a living, ever-evolving passion project brought to you by a relentless mother-daughter duo from the San Fernando Valley. With a passion for illuminating the preexisting beauty in the world around us, we bring to you a growing collection of treasures in the hopes that you’ll join us in celebrating their endless possibilities.
MARICELA MÉNDEZ
As a child, I recall seeing my mom working behind whirling sewing machines in a crowded sweatshop where she made beautiful clothing for department stores. At home, she crafted clothes for my sisters and I and mended my father’s workwear. Sewing was simpler then – a useful skill and a form of income. In high school, I filled my notebooks with sketches; amateur designs that would become my friend’s prom dresses. With time, sewing became design and design became my own personal creative outlet.
I studied Fashion and Design at FIDM with dreams of becoming a clothing designer. I felt empowered by my growing ability to transform simple ideas into tangible beauty. I received my Associate of Arts Degree, married and had my daughter. I remained eager to continue my studies, grow as a designer, and build a career. However, I was now a new and single mother and design jobs were downtown so my parents were unsupportive. Involuntarily, I'd become victim to a familial misconception of success and the dream of becoming a designer took place on the back burner.
I was working an office job when my sister told me she was applying for cosmetology programs and I told her I'd join her. What began as a mere weekend hobby would become a 25-year-career, showcasing my talent and creativity in a wonderfully unexpected medium – hairdressing. Transforming my client’s confidence through my work has been the most indescribably rewarding feeling and I’ll never take it for granted. Still, it wasn’t enough to satiate my love of design and I struggled to accept that.
Fortunately, I share my deep love for fashion and design with my daughter. We’d spend countless hours thrifting, ultimately amassing an unbearable collection of clothes. Eventually, I joined Poshmark as a seller and became instantly obsessed. I immersed myself entirely — studying designers and analyzing product details. Each sale was reassurance that I still had an eye for this. Nevertheless, I yearned to create my own pieces so with this newfound confidence I began to sew.
In time, I was liberated and no longer sought the approval of formal training or years of experience. I allowed myself to create at my own pace and for my own satisfaction. I had once lost myself in feeling that I had nothing to give and now find myself in realizing I have nothing to lose. Through De Nada Vintage, I honor a piece of myself that I had neglected for far too long. I dedicate myself to this ongoing journey of self love through self expression and will embrace the nothings that inspire me.
Fashion Designer & Curator
ALEXZIA GOMEZ
My mom used to wake up early and bake for me on Valentine’s Day before getting dressed for her ten, sometimes eleven-hour shifts at the hair salon. I proudly shared my heart-shaped treats with classmates. After school, I’d hop into my Papi Pedro’s cement-encrusted Toyota pickup after his long, hard hours on site. No matter how exhausted he was from work, he’d always insist on carrying my mochila for me. In grade school, I’d curiously watch my Mami Mela effortlessly create patterns for my Halloween costumes despite unbearably hot days in the sewing factory. She must have spent months perfecting them and I won all but one of my school costume contests.
It was in witnessing these simplistic, collaborative, family efforts— of making something from nothing— that the idea of De Nada Vintage came about. My love for clothing and antiques are mere compliments to my passion for the arts, sustainability, and community. But that wasn’t always so clear to me. Like many facing a quarter-life crisis, albeit in the midst of a global pandemic, I remembered our innate ability to achieve anything from nothing—de nada. It was the stark nothingness that surrounded me in these unprecedented times that illuminated the vast realm of opportunity within myself. It was the painful dissatisfaction with this nothingness that forced me into action… a practice well-known by my family for generations before me.
Once paralyzed by the fear of failure, I aspire for greatness with the help of selfless acts of kindness and Valentine’s Day surprises on an ordinary day. I no longer wish to remain crippled by the inevitable hardships or possibility of failure. While we may not always have what we need to attain the most polished version of our dreams— our heart’s deepest desires, I have chosen to work with these beautiful nothings until we have everything.
Le hechamos ganas y seguimos adelante.
Creative Director & Curator
GRACIAS
We are eternally thankful to everyone who has lent us their invaluable time by coming out to our shows. Seeing both new and familiar faces is incredibly empowering. We are grateful to those who have welcomed us into the community with open arms and shared their wisdom with us—we hope to return the favor as we continue to learn and grow. To everyone who has gifted us their support through the simple act of genuine kindness, we are deeply indebted to you and hope you will follow our journey.
Te lo agradecemos,
Maricela y Alexzia