Meet Dalena Vasquez | Founder | Entrepreneur | Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dalena Vasquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dalena, what do you want people to remember about you?
Legacy, that’s a loaded question. When I think of legacy I first think of my mom (she passed away 6 years ago) and what she left behind. She would have said her legacy was her children and though she is not here to debate with, I think her biggest legacy was spreading joy. So every time I think of legacy and my business, it is to continue spreading joy. I hope that through WowWow and in building my brand I am able to spread joy through my designs, through sharing my love for my cultura and my obsession with my Chocolate Labrador, Campbell.

Campbell is my constant reminder to enjoy the adventure, have fun, and come back to relish even the smallest of moments because life is too short. It has been so important to me to bring joy and smiles into peoples lives through WowWow’s products, content and use my business as a vehicle for good. Plus, who doesn’t love puppies?!

If I am only remembered as the LA Latina dog madre with the super cute chocolate Labrador who made you laugh, smile on a bad day, and reminded to have some fun, then mission accomplished.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
WowWow is a Latina lifestyle pet brand inspired by nuestra cultura. Our pups are an extension of who we are and just like familia should celebrate culture with us. WowWow provides high quality bandanas and accessories that are fun, stylish and have a little sazón. WowWow aims to spread the fun, love, and adventure we all experience as a pet owners through all its products and content.

I started WowWow because I saw a gap in how my culture was represented in the pet industry. I wanted my dog, Campbell, to celebrate culture with me in a way that I would be proud of representing my Mexican roots. I often found bandanas or dog apparel that depicted my culture in a stereotypical way that did not align with me. I saw it as an opportunity and that was the catalyst that inspired WowWow. I set out to design bandanas and dog mom apparel that would resonate with Latina dog moms and their fur babies.

The journey of entrepreneurship has been about the willingness to take risks, learn new skills, and get out of my comfort zone. WowWow has pushed my creativity, expanded my network and allowed me to meet amazing like minded business women. Getting out of my comfort zone and tapping into an industry I was unfamiliar with has not been easy, but necessary to grow my brand. Being an entrepreneur has taught me to always take my shot. Just go for it and try. This mindset has allowed me to be part amazing communities and networks that have opened up so many opportunities for me and my business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so much to explore! But, if you know me, you know you’ll have to experience a Dodger game and if you’re in town for Pups in the Park, it’s a must go!

I love exploring and trying new restaurants that our itinerary would be a list of good eats throughout LA and Long Beach. I’m a sucker for coffee so I promise we’ll be visiting cute coffee spots as well. My favorites are Alder & Sage, Viento y Agua and Coffee Parlor in Long Beach.

Lastly, you won’t leave without trying Yucatan Grill in Seal Beach because dare I say they have the best Cochinita Pibil next my grandma’s homemade recipe and it just reminds me of my childhood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this Shoutout to my familia. To my husband, Robert, thank you for being supportive, believing in me and continuously reminding me to chase my dreams. To my siblings (Espie, Lupita, Frankie), my dad and the original WowWow fan club, (you know who you are) I couldn’t have done it without you. Gracias for your love.

To the Jefas, the women I’ve met on this journey who continue to bring up my name in rooms and contribute to my growth everyday – I’m honored and grateful.

Lastly, to my mom and grandparents. I hope I’m making you proud wherever you may be.

Website: https://miwowwow.etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/mi_wowwow/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalenacortez

Image Credits
Kita Zuleta Photography