Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month: A Story of Generational Strength, Fashion, and Love

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and my wedding anniversary during the colorful month of September. My garden begins to change and the vibrancy of the season prompts me to stop, take account of the year, and give thanks for the wins and losses that have transpired; nowhere can I reflect and prepare like I do my garden. My mother's grandparents and parents farmed lands in Texas and northern Mexico. I come from a line of people who truly felt the earth in their hands every day.  Generations ago, when my ancestors emigrated, Mexico sent its absolute best. I come from the grittiest and healthiest of roots.

I grew up in a multi-generational household in which my grandmother pedaled away on her sewing machine making my sister and me matching outfits.  I remember visiting the fabric district in downtown Browsville and procuring yardage for her projects.  She delighted in dressing us as she had in dressing my mom in their home on their remote farmland. She was resourceful and always ensured the delivery wagon contained fabric and craft supplies. She and my mother ensured that we were always impeccable in our dress and cleanliness no matter how humble the cloth.  These women engrained in me a sense of pride in my presentation.

I grew up healthy and loved and was the first member of the family to pursue college away from home.  It was in my current hometown of Houston that I met my husband of 24 years.  We hail from lands thousands of miles away from each other and are from different religious backgrounds. Because we are a mixed family, I felt that there were a million introductions into every aspect of each other's background.  Every opportunity in which we were included, I felt that I had to put my best foot forward as a representative of my culture. I felt that these introductions involved an optimism supported by an outfit I could feel confident in. As a young wife and professional in the early 2000s, I searched for a fashion direction. I am grateful for the talented woman behind Chammeli who presents us with opportunities to dress confidently and beautifully. Where have you been all my life?!

I am grateful for this month which celebrates the contributions of my hardworking people and highlights the beauty of our home lives and traditions. I also, thank God for another anniversary for our family.  And lastly, I am grateful for nature and the changing seasons.  As my Texan grandmother commented when we set our wedding date, "It's hurricane season, girl!" Praying for a peaceful end to this season.