Glam but first coffeeI was lucky enough to have an interview with the Pretty&Petite- amazing Petite fashion brand online. Do not forget to share your comments or questions down below and read other interviews I have done. For example, with the corset designer in New York. Comment down below your favourite Petite fashion brand.
Hello Sara. Please tell us more about yourself- your background, what do you do for living and your hobbies?
My name is Sara Ponce, I was born in Mexico City and moved to the US when I was 5. I studied finance at the University of Connecticut and have worked in the field for about 5 years now. Currently in my 2nd year of law school (I’m part-time so it’s a 4yr program).
I love to run and spend time with my petite pup – I have a 6lb Pomeranian named Popcorn.
Oh, and how tall are you? (I am 4’9)
4’10 on a good day lol
You have created amazing Petite fashion brand. How long do you manage Pretty & Petite?
I started Pretty & Petite, an online clothing store for women 5’3 & shorter in 2019, with the mission to empower and celebrate short women through clothes made for them. Long story short, no more hemming or DIY cutting.
Why did you start a fashion store, specifically for Petites? What was your motivation?
I’m 4’10 so growing up fashion wasn’t fun for me. Instead it made me feel worse about myself. I loved fashion, but I hard time expressing myself through it because I felt bound by the clothes that fit, not clothes I actually wanted to wear. The fashion industry long ignored short women, so I never really saw much petite representation. If models, celebrities, etc were petite, I felt as if this was never highlighted. This made me feel alone and even more insecure about my body.
When I graduated college, I moved to NYC where there is fashion inspiration on every block. I always wanted to wear the latest trends, but those clothes never fit me right. Up until my early 20s, I was still shopping at the kids section. There were stores that offered petite clothing, but I found most of them to be simple, or frumpy-looking. Other times, I would buy something “petite” but it was still too long on me because brands were using models ‘5’5-5’7 for their petite lines.
So, in 2019 I decided to start my own clothing store for petite women, with trendy petite clothing and models 4’10-5’4. Shopping shouldn’t be another #shortgirlproblem. Clothes should make you feel good about yourself, and my mission is to bring women confidence through Pretty & Petite because clothes won’t change the world, the petite women who wear them will.
I can resonate with that a lot! Does your store have a specific style? For example, there are brands doing more office wear, trendy pieces or clothing for women 30+. How would you describe your Petite fashion brand and it’s style in 3 words?
Dress how you feel! Fun, trendy, & versatile.
Tell me which is your favourite piece in your store and why?
Our ankle jeans! Growing up I used to have to buy ankle jeans/cropped jeans to fit me full-length. Now I can wear ankle-length jeans that actually hit at my ankle.
I am sure that having your Petite fashion brand and being a Petite yourself, you know a lot about styling. Your best three style secrets/tips for Petites!
- Follow the rule of thirds
- Balance oversized pieces with form-fitting items
- Match shoe color with pants
- Stay away from big prints
I have heard that shorter women can be “discriminated” in work place and not taken as seriously. However, I am that type of person that do not like seeing people or myself as victims and use it as an excuse. What advice would you give other Petites to overcome insecurities and fear in workplace?
Fake it till you make it – I live by that motto! Nobody really has it all together, it’s all about confidence.
What would you want to tell other women, specially Petite women, if they want to start their own brand or shop, but maybe they are nervous, overthinking, not convinced!
Don’t let big brands or a lack of capital scare you! Pretty & Petite has always been a self-funded business. A Latina entrepreneur I look up to always says, “make up in creativity what you lack in marketing dollars”. And it’s true! I don’t pay for any advertising because social media has made it really easy to connect with my target audience.
If you invest the time, the algorithm can really bring a lot of traction to your website, for free. Also, one thing I have that those multi-million dollar stores who just opened a petite line for inclusivity, don’t have, is relatability. I have first-hand experienced the #shortgirlproblems when it comes to shopping. I have the same short story as so many other petite women who have long felt-ignored by the fashion industry and I’m trying to highlight that through my brand. Little by little.
Is there anything else you want to add? (Tips, news, new launches, info?!)
Pretty & Petite is more than just an online clothing store, it’s a whole community. P&P would not be anything without all the incredible support from the petite community who have allowed us to be a part of their special moments, creative looks, and iconic wardrobes. So, I want to always keep our brand as transparent as possible by staying true to myself and P&P’s mission.
For example, I don’t sell something I personally wouldn’t purchase or wear. I also try to include trendy, yet versatile pieces to increase the life span of every piece and stretch someone’s hard-earned dollar. Additionally, although influencer marketing can help a lot of brands, it was never really something that fit our business model. Instead, we rely a lot on authentic word-of-mouth marketing. Which is why we try to make the unboxing process a special experience for all of our customers. We put a lot of thought behind our packaging. Every order is truly packaged con amor because it really is the little things.
Thank you Sara! 🙂
This was the Interview with the Pretty&Petite- amazing Petite fashion brand! Do you agree? Check out the webpage and stop cutting your jeans! Comment down below your favourite Petite fashion brand that I should interview next!
