The Founder
Dulce Pena
Growing up, I was mesmerized by the magic of transformation. Watching HGTV, I saw ordinary spaces come alive with creativity, and the idea of designing a space from scratch lit something within me. In those early years, a small but bright dream took shape—I wanted to become an interior designer. It was a dream I kept close, quietly cherished but rarely spoken aloud.
But as I entered my teenage years, my path shifted. Fashion became the focal point, and my curiosity turned into a passion. By my senior year in high school, I was fully immersed in learning everything I could about the industry, combing through magazines, studying trends, and soaking up the world of style. Yet, the more I researched, the further it seemed from reality. Fashion school costs were astronomical, and financial aid barely made a dent. Everyone I spoke to warned me: “It’s too competitive,” “You’ll need to be the best to survive.” For a young girl with big dreams but limited means, it felt as though my passion was out of reach.
Feeling discouraged, I decided to set the fashion dream aside. My guidance counselor was no help, either—her words only added to the doubt, and I felt lost, wondering if maybe it wasn’t meant to be.
But even then, fashion was an inseparable part of me. Strangers complimented my style; friends turned to me for advice, inviting me to shop with them or style their outfits. Somehow, others saw something in me I couldn’t fully understand. Yet, despite this, I didn’t know where to channel this energy, this spark that fashion ignited in me.
I chose what seemed practical—business administration. It was a “safe” choice, and I did well, earning top grades, yet the fulfillment I longed for never arrived. I felt like a shell of myself, going through the motions but missing something essential. Family obligations eventually took me out of school, and I saw it as yet another sign that this path wasn’t mine. I made a vow to myself—I wouldn’t return to university until I knew what I truly wanted.
Time passed, life settled, and I found myself in a steady job that covered the bills. To the outside world, I seemed fine. But that creative spark inside me hadn’t died. It lingered, waiting for the right moment. To fill the gap, I turned to abstract art, pouring myself into each brushstroke, teaching myself as I went along. I sold a few pieces, even copyrighted one of my final works, titled Explore. Art was fulfilling, but fashion still held a piece of my heart, tugging at me softly but persistently.
For years, I told myself that fashion was impossible. The absence of a fashion degree, the lack of industry experience—these became the chains that kept me still. But over time, I realized that sometimes, all you need is certainty in yourself. You don’t need all the answers upfront; you just need to trust that, in time, you’ll figure it out.
When I stopped suppressing my dreams, things started to shift. It was as if the universe had been waiting for me to be ready. Answers began to appear; inspiration flooded in. I felt driven, motivated, and finally, undeniably sure of myself. But the true shift, the real ignition of my journey, came with the birth of my son in October 2023.
Since the day he and I left the hospital, I began seeing “11:11” everywhere. On clocks, receipts, license plates—it appeared constantly. At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but soon I knew it was something more, a sign from the universe. My son’s birth was the catalyst I needed, filling me with an unshakeable belief in myself and my dreams.
Beyond the inspiration sparked by my son’s birth, my full-time office job became another driving force behind my decision to pursue my dreams. The daily monotony of sitting at a desk, feeling unfulfilled, weighed heavily on me. While I had climbed the corporate ladder quickly and earned a comfortable income to support my life, I couldn’t ignore the nagging question: What’s next? How much higher can I climb when the ladder itself feels so limiting? The environment at work became increasingly uncomfortable—favoritism was rampant, and I often found myself excluded from opportunities that others unfairly received.
These experiences only fueled my determination to break free, to stay consistent, and to create something of my own.
There was still one final piece left: defining my audience. For years, I had struggled with this question. Then, it finally clicked—I was my audience. I was the woman I wanted to design for. I was the woman I wanted to serve. That realization brought clarity and relief because anything else would have felt forced, unnatural. With that understanding, everything fell into place.
Today, I am here, inviting you into this journey with me. My designs are for the women who are resilient, who embrace every transformative stage of life. This isn’t just clothing—it’s a reflection of purpose, an ode to those who refuse to choose between luxury and comfort. For the mothers, the daughters, for the women who lead with elegance, who invest in timeless pieces that stand the test of time. My creations are for every side of you—the modest, the bold, the confident. Every piece is designed by me, for you.
An Invitation to Begin
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: if you have a passion, JUST START. Even if it’s only for ten minutes a day, start. Don’t let doubts, fears, or external voices hold you back. If you fall, get up, adjust, and keep going. But remember, always believe in yourself.
Let this journey of mine remind you that dreams are worth fighting for. I hope it inspires you to take that first step, to trust in your voice, and to embrace the power of beginning—even if you don’t have all the answers. For as long as you’re true to yourself, the rest will come. So, my dear, as you step into this space, know that you are welcome, appreciated, and understood. This brand was built for you —for the resilient you, the bold you, the modest you, and the sexy you — with every part of my heart poured into it.
With all my love,
Dulce