Lucia Saldana Cortez is a Katy mama, originally from Bolivia, and been in Katy since 2007. She started a clothing line for children that, outside of her beautiful daughter, is her passion and joy.
Ama Wara is a hand sewn linen clothing line for babies and kids. Lucia teamed up with a best friend that she used to have growing up from Bolivia to sell the clothes here in the United States. The clothes are hand sewn and embroidered in Bolivia. The name “Ama Wara” means “Wishing to be a shinning star” in the Aymara Language.
The name was chosen because the clothing is for children and children are always thinking about being something big, full of illusions and imagination. Lucia says as parents, we tend to limit children many times because we do not want them to fall, or get dirty, or break something. Ama Wara the brand represents children doing what they want to do freely and being that shining star. Ama Wara is the dream of every child.
Ama Wara is a brand that prides themselves in helping the environment, as well. Each tag is plantable and they give you a bag for the little ones to reuse.
We are so excited to feature this mama-owned, local business and tell you more about her clothes. Read below for our full interview with Lucia!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Katy?
My name is Lucia, and I was born in Tarija, Bolivia. I came to Texas when I was 7 years old and have been living here ever since. I first lived in Houston for about 6 years, then eventually moved to Katy 14 years ago in 2007.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have 1 child, a four year old daughter.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Katy?
My favorite thing about raising a family in Katy would have to be how peaceful it is. I love the suburbs, and I know my daughter will love growing up here as well. Ever since we moved to Katy, we fell in love and that is why we are still here. The community is also very welcoming wherever we go.
Greatest gift about being a mom?
The greatest gift about being a mom has got to be how loved my daughter makes me feel. She is always there to give me her huge hugs and kisses and tells me how much she loves me.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
My least favorite mom job would have to taking my kid a shower. She is at that stage that it takes her 20 min to agree to take a shower, so I do not look forward to that daily for sure, haha.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am trying to manage starting two businesses and I am also studying to get my real estate license.
What is your go-to activity for just yourself for pampering or for fun, anything ‘mama’ time!?
I love to get my facials, nails, and lashes done to pamper myself when I have time for me.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
A mom hack would be putting meditation music so she can fall asleep faster at night.
Tell us a little bit about your business and what inspired you to start this!
I sell hand sewn linen clothing for babies and kids. I teamed up with a best friend that I use to have growing up from my country to sell this clothes here in the United States. The clothes are hand sewn and embroidered in my country, Bolivia. It is exported to me here and I oversee selling to all USA. The name “Ama Wara” means “Wishing to be a shinning star” in the Aymara Language. The name was chosen because the clothing is for children. Children are always thinking about being something big, full of illusions and imagination. As parents, we tend to limit children many times because we do not want them to fall, or get dirty, or break something. Ama Wara the brand represents children doing what they want to do freely and being that shining star. Ama Wara is the dream of every child.
Can you talk about your commitment to sustainability and being kind to the environment through what you do?
Linen fabric was chosen because it comes from the flax plant and it does not require much energy or water. Ama Wara wants children to grow up taking care of Earth. Children will get a reusable backpack to keep using and learn that they are in harmony with the environment. Ama Wara knows that tags are waste these days, so our tags are made from seeds. They can be planted, taken care of, watered, and one day become a beautiful lavender or chamomile plant.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
My favorite part would be constantly growing as a person, and making connections.
What age range do you have clothes for?
We are currently making clothing size 3M to 4T. Our clothing will run half a size bigger because it is wider and a little longer. We make sure our clothing does not include any extra fabrics so the child can be comfortable whether they are crawling or walking.
What are your future plans for your business?
I would like my business to grow, I would like to start importing many pieces at a time. I want to have brand representatives as well to get the world out. My goal is to be known all over the United States.
Best advice for moms who want to learn more about your business?
Message me regarding any questions you may have. I’m happy to help! Once I sell out of the in stock items I have, I will be ordering more so I can pre order anything if you have a certain style, color, and size you would like that I do not have right now.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My mom is my biggest role model. She influences me daily to be the best mom I can be. I don’t know where I would be without her.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
I just tell myself that I got this. I must be patient, sometimes counting to 10 and breathing it out helps a ton.
Here are all the different places to keep in touch with Lucia and shop her clothing line!
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmaWaraUSA
Social Channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amawara.usa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amawara.usa
USE CODE WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order!
