Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Contreras.
Catherine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2011, I found myself a single mom or three amazing kids. Two of those children had been diagnosed with autism. I was looking for creative ways to make money to provide for them; but, also be as engaged and present for them as we explored the adventures of autism and single parenthood. In 2014, I was lucky to start a local t-shirt company called BarbacoApparel with my brother, sister-in-law and our good friend Richard. We are proud to focus on Texas and Latino culture and bring it to all of Texas. That business has taken off and we are now a regular feature in HEB and other stores across Texas.
As I was hustling to expand BarbacoApparel’s wholesale reach, I realized there was a lack of resources for small makers to reach small wholesale buyers. Not every small business owner can afford to attend the huge Dallas market to offer their goods to stores and businesses. Because of this dilemma, the HandCrafted Wholesale Market came into existence. I started this market to bring the wholesale programs of local artisans into focus for local buyers with a market-style format. Our third HandCrafted Wholesale Market will take place this summer. Continuing my journey on highlighting small artisans and makers, I recently started a new project with Cristina Martinez of Very That. We will be hosting quarterly makers markets at the Historic Pearl Stable. The first market will take place on April 19.
On top of all of these amazing adventures, I’m also the host of the She’s Crafty Podcast. A comedy and craft beer podcast that has been named in the top 7 beer podcasts in America. I was recently hosted by the city of Portland, Oregon for a week and I was able bring my podcast and love for craft beer to the great people of Portland.
In 2015, I met the love of my life and we are the proud parents of a two-year-old daughter and we have a new little bundle coming to us in September 2019, which will make me the mom of five kids! All of his has made my life the most amazing adventure and I hope to inspire other moms and autism parents to reach for greatness because anything is possible.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely been a challenge at times. All mothers (especially working ones) struggle with society’s expectation of “having it all”. I’ve learned over the years that it is impossible to have it all and do it all well…and that’s ok.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the BarbacoApparel, HandCrafted Wholesale Market, SA Local Market, She’s Crafty Podcast story. Tell us more about the business.
BarbacoApparel is best known for clever graphic tees that strike a chord with Texans and Latinos. We are very proud of the businesses we’ve built and to be able to share our favorite things with Texas and beyond. The HandCrafted Wholesale Market and SA Local Market are known for featuring the very best artisans in Texas in market style settings. Bringing local to San Antonio is very important to us as we encourage the city to buy from local artisans and makers.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
My hope is that the trend of buying local will only grow. I see many more big box stores beginning to find the value in carrying local goods according to region.
Contact Info:
- Website: BarbacoApparel.com, Txhandcraftedmarket.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @barbacoapparel @hcwmarket @salocalmarket
- Facebook: facebook.com/barbacoapparel, facebook.com/hcwmarket, facebook.com/salocalmarket
- Twitter: @hcwmarket @barbacoapparel
Image Credit:
Nydia Huizar
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
