Meet Jacqui Argueta | Fashion Designer/Business Owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqui Argueta and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacqui, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my own business came to me during the pandemic. My mother died and one month later I lost my job. I had to look internally and find some peace and joy during this difficult time. I found some of that joy by painting. My mother was a great artist and through the painting process, I felt close to her. Then I started to combine art and fashion by painting various colorful designs on sweatshirts. I also wanted to create some positive words attached to the art so I began adding uplifting words in crystal letters to the sweatshirts. When I would look at the colorful artwork with the positive wording , I felt good and thought others would too. I continued to make many more designs and created a loungewear collection. I began to show it to friends and family and got very positive feedback about the collection. It seemed like the right time to take a leap of faith and open my own company.
What should our readers know about your business?
My collection is called LA MONTE which is my family name from Sicily. It has the meaning of “the highest peak” in Italian. It is a metaphor for life and it’s challenges.We all have a mountain to climb and hopefully our brand can bring some positivity along the journey. The women’s and men’s collection mixes fashion and art with messages of positivity, joy and love. It has unique loungewear separates including hoodies, pullovers and joggers that keep you comfy and chic. I am most proud that I have done everything myself from initial concept, creation to promotion of the entire business.
I have worked for over 35 years in the apparel business starting as an assistant towering my way to a Vice President of Design for many brands, It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and belief in yourself. You need to keep moving forward consistently, no matter the circumstances and set backs. Follow your passion and love what you do.
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?
In Soho you will find very interesting people, shops and restaurants. San Ambrose Soho, Balthazar, Jack Frieda are just some of the best eating spots in NYC. Some of the best shopping is here. You will find the top brands such as Louis Vuitton, Aime Leon Dore, Givenchy, and Prada.
West side in the 20’s you can find some great art galleries for inspiration such as David Zwirner and Gagosian galleries. They always have the most interesting up and coming artists.
Visit the Met and MOMA museums for the latest art exhibitions. The Museum of Natural History has just created a new Gilder Center which includes a butterfly exhibition.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother who guided me to be a fashion designer. Her strength, immeasurable courage and incredible talent inspires me everyday.
Website: la-monte.com
Instagram: lamontewear
Facebook: LA MONTE Loungewear
Image Credits
/Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/IMG_5645.PNG /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/LA-Monte Chelsea0012.jpg /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/IMG_4477.JPG /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/lamonte 080322_0007.jpg /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/LM_124_newpink.jpg /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/LM122_0003.jpg /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/lamonte 080322_0006.jpg /Users/jacquelineargueta/Desktop/Love 5.jpeg
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