Zoila Cruz comes from a big family of seven siblings – and they’re all business owners. Her pursuits of a better life, more opportunity and big professional dreams brought her to the United States almost three decades ago, in 1993, to New York City’s Garment District, where she’s worked as a couturier and has been sewing since.
The big move wasn’t easy; leaving the only place you’ve ever called home never is.
In her hometown of Cuenca, Ecuador, she studied business and economics and was already an entrepreneur. Her decision to uproot entirely was a reset, leaving behind her recognition and degrees to arrive at a country that would render those null, but would give her the opportunity to chase the entrepreneurial vision she always saw for herself.
Cruz spent almost the entire first decade of her time in the States working for other factories and companies, including renowned designer and CFDA member Angel Sanchez. After hours, she’d lend her expertise and services to be a contracted sample maker, taking work home from designers and other ateliers overnight to turn in the completed look the next day and make ends meet.
It wasn’t until she woke up one day in 2006, and after taking a look at her living room filled with samples of dresses, shirts, pants and other garments she was working on, that she decided it was time for her own business to see the light of day.
Zoila’s Sample Room opened its doors with a space measuring no more than 90 square feet – enough room for two machines, half a table for cutting, and a friend to help her on the job. Her faithful clientele followed, allowing her to launch and slowly build with their support and referrals to new and prospective patrons.
At the start of her business, she didn’t speak much English, but her clients came in and communicated visually in a language that transcended spoken word.
“The English language has always been a barrier for me, but never a big enough hindrance to block communication,” she said. “Clothes have always been my medium.”
Today, she has a space of 1,000 square feet and has given employment opportunities to up to 12 workers at a time, a big step up from her humble beginnings. She’s worked with graduates on inaugural collection launches, emerging designers including Jonathan Simkhai and Jason Rembert for Aliétte, and big brands on custom looks and samples for VIPs like Christina Ricci, Maye Musk, and Sir and Rumi Carter (yes, Beyoncé’s children).
Recently, Zoila’s Sample Room was a recipient of the third round of A Common Thread funding and received a grant as a New York-based manufacturer and domestic resource to our industry.
The biggest reward for her has been the opportunity to help other Latinx folk, especially women like her who come to this country as sometimes single mothers, and empower them with knowledge and skills for the trade. To Cruz, it’s her responsibility as someone with a platform to extend a helping hand, equipping others with the invaluable gift of career readiness.
“Latinxs have strong roots in work ethic, humility and honesty,” she said. “Together, we’re stronger than any company or corporation.”
(Pictured above: Zoila Cruz with model Maye Musk)
Editor’s Note: This feature is part of an ongoing editorial series celebrating Latinxs in fashion during National Latinx Heritage Month. Click here to access the series.
