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

Hi Maria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process was more how can I incorporate what I love to do (fashion) , and what I believe ( sustainability) and be a mom working mom. By being sustainable I could create from what I find around me without much overhead, and with my creative skills I could make clothing & accessories, while being available to kids without having a commute.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most excited when customers discover our pieces and fall in love with them. Some people get it and some don’t, so I truly appreciate those who understand it’s not just recycle fabrics .
It’s keep these textiles around a little longer so we have less waste in the world and share nostalgic moments when people pass us and remember memories with these fabrics, which they can’t believe they are seeing. It’s like remembering summers at Grandma’s house. Or sleep overs when you were little and remember sleeping on your cousins lion king sheets.

How did I get here?
It has been a long road almost 20 years, I went to FIDM in downtown LA , everyone was into fashion, they all wanted to be the next brand. To me they were all soon to be fast fashion retail shops. I had a different idea, curate Vintage looks – and make them cool again. Why make more new clothing when there are plenty out there that have made it this far? I can’t say most fast fashion clothing makes it more than a year these days.
I started having shopping parties, to pop ups at events. Realizing I can do more that pick out key pieces , I can alter and sew them too.
I ended up having my own brick and mortar in the heart of the Arts District in Pomona for 10 years, where I worked on my craft.
After working for a friend’s also sustainable fashion brand. I got my mojo back and cut out all the Vintage clothing and just started working with materials others would have never considered.
Vintage Bedsheets and Upholstery Samples to name a few.
Lessons i learned along the way were to take breaks to refresh , enjoy the life as it’s happening. Not all work all the time.

I want the world to know I don’t just make clothing, I make memories, clothing pieces that are ice breakers, but most of all, we can all help slow down the climate change if we all contribute in some way. Maybe you don’t like reusuable straws? Well how about instead try Sustainable fashion. Every little bit helps to create a longer lasting future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places to eat would be Stacks! It’s a Hawaiian fusion brunch spot. We go to the one in Newport but there’s a lot one in Irvine and Laguna

Pasta connection in Costa Mesa! Small Family owned restaurant serving the freshest pasta. The have a Argentinian / Italian style menu.

Things to do – all the local outdoor markets there is always one every weekend in Irvine .
2nd weekend at Woodbury town center
3rd Saturday the district in Tustin
4th weekend Woodbridge village center in irvine
To discover all the upcoming local makers and vendors.

For fun cruise on our Mini Bikes down PCH. If you never heard of them look like Honda Ruckus and Honda Metropolitans it’s a whole community.
They modify and fix them up you can see them on @ruckusrepublic on IG

We also love Joe’s Italian ice in Anaheim.
But most of all Disneyland. Periodt.

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?
Ellerali – she also has a sustainable fashion brand. I worked for her part time to help her sew.
I was in a creative slump, and after working with her i saw her determination and love for the story behind her brand and being a sustainable brand.
I was inspired to keep going.

Website: Www.VintageRenewalsOfficial.Shopify

Instagram: Www.Instagram.Com/VRInstashop

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/VintageRenewals

Other: Currently in process of transferring our Etsy to Shopify. Www.VintageRenewals.Etsy.com

Image Credits
Disney photos : @theunbirthdayparty Modeling the Mens buttonup made to a dress : Izabella Torrijos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.