By Kaylee Gonzales Menchaca
Amor Collective is empowering Latina entrepreneurs in Arizona by offering vital resources and a nurturing community to help transform their business dreams into reality. Among its inspiring members are Nadia Vasquez and Fabiola Montes, each forging their unique paths and making significant strides in the entrepreneurial world.
A Legacy of Passion and Purpose
Nadia Vasquez always knew she wanted to be a business owner. With her mother, Stephanie Vasquez, the CEO of Fair Trade Cafe, ELLA, and Amor Collective, establishing these organizations to empower and support the community, Nadia was raised with a deep understanding of entrepreneurship. “It’s in my family, in my blood,” she reflects.
While pursuing her education at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, Nadia launched her first venture, Vas Cosmetics, from her college dorm room. “I was in class my freshman year, and we did an exercise where we combined our passions with business. In that moment, I thought, ‘Well, I should start a business,’ and that’s how Vas Cosmetics was born,” she recalls, emphasizing that her passion for makeup was a key inspiration for her entrepreneurial journey. Nadia later earned her Master’s in Global Business at Arizona State University, where she realized she wanted to build on her family’s legacy, steering away from corporate America to embrace entrepreneurship.
As the Head of Marketing and Branding at Amor Collective, Nadia’s journey has come full circle. “Being part of Amor has allowed me to apply what I learned and give back to my community,” she says. “We’re creating a space where women uplift one another and grow together.”
Defying Doubts and Embracing Dreams
Fabiola Montes’s journey showcases her determination to build a future on her own terms.
The opportunity to join Amor Collective arose during its early stages, presented to her by Stephanie Vasquez, who invited Fabiola to be part of the organization once it was established. “I had no hesitation,” she shares.
As the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, Fabiola found a supportive environment that allowed her to flourish. “The sense of community here is incredible. We work together, share ideas, and celebrate each other’s successes.”
Fabiola’s journey into makeup began as a childhood pastime, playing with her mother’s cosmetics. After college, she reignited that passion by starting her own beauty brand, Fabz Beauty. “I realized that I wanted to do something I love,” she says. “Amor Collective gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and build my brand.”
Overcoming Barriers Together
Both Vasquez and Montes recognize the unique challenges Latina entrepreneurs face, particularly in securing funding and navigating systemic biases. Nadia shares, “Being in Amor Collective from the very beginning has allowed me to apply what I learned in college to real-life scenarios. It’s a startup, and though we’ve only been open for about a year and a half, the attraction is incredible. Through Amor, I’ve gained access to a network of incredibly supportive women.”
Fabiola adds, “I’ve seen the positive impact Amor Collective has on Latina entrepreneurs. Many have been searching for a community where they feel welcomed and seen, and this is exactly that. It offers support and a system that will help us in the future. Personally, I’ve been able to build numerous relationships here. It’s not just networking; it’s about forming genuine friendships—it feels like a family.”
The organization also hosts skill-building workshops covering essential topics like finance, marketing, and branding, which are crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs. “A lot of the Latina-owned businesses at Amor come from our Mujeres Mercado program, where many of the entrepreneurs start as pop-up businesses. Their dream is to have their own storefront,” Nadia explains. “Amor Collective provides them the chance to experience what it’s like to run a store every day without the financial burden of employee salaries, utilities, and other expenses. This way, they can learn, gain experience, and ideally be ready to start their own storefronts.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
Amor Collective is more than just a support network; it’s a powerful catalyst for a new generation of Latina leaders. By fostering collaboration, education, and unwavering support, the organization empowers women to transform their dreams into thriving businesses. As these entrepreneurs share their stories and skills, they are not only building successful ventures but also inspiring future generations to break barriers and embrace their potential. Through their journey, they redefine what success looks like in the business world.
Both Vasquez and Montes reflect on their journeys, they emphasize the importance of taking that initial leap into entrepreneurship. “Just start. Nobody knows what they’re doing; you learn as you go,” Nadia advises. Fabiola echoes this sentiment, encouraging fellow Latinas to embrace their fears. “You’ll never feel fully ready, but if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Your dreams are worth pursuing.”
