Creating a Movement: Semiya's Untold Story

Picture this: You’re sitting in a corporate job that’s supposed to fulfill all your dreams. But spoiler alert, it doesn’t. Enrique and I (Elisa!) were both there, grinding away at our 9-5s in the heart of LA.

What kept us going? Well, it wasn’t the endless meetings, that’s for sure. It was our weekend hangouts with friends—laughing, catching up, and soaking in the magic of this beautiful city.

But something still felt... off. We missed a huge part of our hearts—our Mexican culture. It was like this invisible thread, constantly pulling us back home. So, naturally, we found any excuse to fly back to Mexico. Birthday? We’re there. Promotion? Yup, packing our bags. Tequila tour? Absolutely—any excuse would do! 

In between all this, we were two best friends, living our 20s, dreaming big, and getting deep about life. We talked a lot about our love for Latin culture and how one day—one day—we’d be our own bosses. It felt wild, right? Little did we know, that dream was about to become real.

 We started hosting these epic “Latin-inspired” parties in LA—think bold music, classic vibes, and endless dancing. Everyone who came left saying it was the best night of their lives. We were onto something special... and then, well, COVID hit. 😩

During lockdown, there wasn’t much to do except scroll and see what everyone else was up to—and  Latin brands were popping off, making serious statements, we noticed that LA, one of the biggest fashion hubs with a vibrant Latin population, lacked visibility for Latin brands.

The city buzzes with individuals confidently expressing their style, so we knew it would be the perfect match. That’s when we realized we needed to bring these amazing brands to the U.S. and celebrate our roots.

Initially, we weren’t sure what to expect when reaching out to brands in Mexico. None of us had any experience in fashion, so we were navigating uncharted territory!

When their responses started pouring in, we were amazed. These designers entrusted us with their most cherished creations, turning them into stories—labors of love crafted with care. The best part? They valued the people behind each piece as much as the pieces themselves. That’s when we knew we had to share this with the world.

Here’s the funny part: we were ready to launch, so I called one of my old marketing professors from USC and asked, “What’s next? Should we look for investors or create a detailed plan?” He simply said, “SELL. Just sell. That’s how you’ll find your customer and discover what works.”

We hit the ground running with pop-up shops, online drops, and more—and it clicked. Our customers weren’t just anyone; they embodied next-level, unique style. It was the perfect match. As we sold more, we realized this was about more than accessories; it was about building a community that celebrates individuality.

 Honestly, Semiya wouldn’t be what it is today without the amazing people we encountered along the way. Our clients were the true magic. Every sale represented a connection with incredible individuals—bold, confident souls who inspired us to reach for greater heights.

But honestly, none of this would have grown into Semiya without the amazing people we met along the way.

Our clients? They were the real magic. 

Every time we sold a piece, it wasn’t just about the sale. It was about meeting these incredible, unique souls—people with bold style, beautiful personalities, and a confidence that we admired. They inspired us to go BIGGER!

We realized it wasn’t enough to be just another accessories brand. We wanted to create something special for our clients. Because without them, Semiya would just be accessories on a shelf. They gave us a reason to build something more—a movement that celebrates uniqueness and empowers every person who wears our pieces. 

Enrique’s sister, Marilu, became the final piece of our puzzle. After attending a Vogue event in Mexico City and meeting some of the designers, she was hooked. She wanted in on the movement, and that’s when it hit us: this wasn’t just about a brand anymore. We were building a movement—one that’s all about owning your uniqueness, empowerment, and growing together.

 So, that’s our story. Semiya isn’t just accessories—it’s a feeling, a celebration of Latin culture, and a whole lot of heart. And we’re just getting started. 💫