Meet Lilian, Katy-area My Maria Victoria Distributor
I was introduced to My Maria Victoria through Lilian and fell in love with the brand and its mission immediately. The bags are stunning, handwoven recyclable plastic and are the ultimate accessory for mamas who want something durable, long lasting, and fashionable!
The company was founded by two friends, an architect and an industrial designer, who shared a profound passion for art and design since the moment they met. They are also very proud to be Mexican and we felt the need to show the world why Mexico’s art is considered to be one of the most interesting, as can be seen by admiring art-lovers worldwide. Every corner of Mexico is rich in traditional artistic handcrafts that go from wood and plastic to textiles and jewelry. They offer a unique selection of Mexican handcrafts, each individually made by hand by dedicated Mexican artisans. This company truly empowers women through fair trade and ethical practices.
Lilian is a local Katy mama of three and is so passionate about this brand. From handbag parties in your home, to porch pick up options in the Cinco Ranch area, you can get your accessories fast and feel, try on, and shop before you buy! Lilian also has set ups at local markets and does pop ups, so you can catch her in and around the Katy area throughout the year!
I adore Lilian and she’s one of the most giving, kind women I’ve been lucky enough to meet! I’m thrilled to share her full interview below and make sure you check out the special Katy Moms discount!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Katy?
I am from Chihuahua, Mexico. Ive been in Katy since 2013 and in the US since 2005
You’re a mama of course! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have 3 amazing kids; they just turned 10, 11 and 12.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Katy?
It feels like we live in a painting out of a children’s book. There are amazing families all around us, great schools for my kids which is the main reason we moved here.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
Cooking
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I was part of a Belly Dancing group that performed in College, and I lived in France for 8 months.
Favorite local things to do in Katy/Richmond/Fulshear? (With kiddos or just for mom!)
Ride our bike around the greenbelt, play and chill outside with my incredible neighbors.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
Ferso’s Tacos, Fuji Sushi, Kolache Factory
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
We rotate kitchen chores for my kids. Load and unload dishwasher, and the trash. They do 1 all week then move to the next.
Tell us about your passion for My Maria Victoria Bags and their mission!
I’ve always liked to help others and work, but for the last few years raising 3 kids with my husband and starting our own engineering firm left no room for me to do any of the volunteering I liked to do before. Therefore this “job” was a perfect combination for me.
I heard the story of the artisans, who are part of a social rehabilitation program in Mexico. It employs ex-convicts and helps them get back on their feet, while weaving beautiful bags. I loved the mission and was offered to be part of it. I was asked if I wanted to become Houston’s distributor and I said YES! I had no idea how or when I would sell them since i had a 6,7 and 8 year old and a brand new Engineering Firm.
What makes these bags different?
The Mexican pvc plastic bags have been around for decades and you find them at markets in Mexico. The difference with Maria Victoria bags is the pattern and colors designed by the owners. The unique styles and collections are beautiful and have an aesthetically pleasing look. The hands that weave the bags is what makes the most difference.
How did you find out about this company and when did you get into the business side and selling?
I met Paulina, one of the 2 owners of Maria Victoria in 2017. She mentioned she was selling Mexican Bags to friends, just as an outlet for the pain she was encountering by having recent miscarriages, and the interest in promoting Mexican art and crafts since she learned about this social rehab program from her hometown. She asked if I wanted to start selling bags to my close friends here in Houston, and I said YES 🙂
Harvey had just hit Houston, so it was a difficult time for everyone; I started looking for small markets and events and started selling regularly. I opened the market for MarIa Victoria Bags in Houston and surrounding areas by attending craft fairs and gift markets, as well as through my own website Maria Victoria by Lilly Chic. There were weeks where I attended 3 or 4 markets per week , managing my engineering firm and being a mom of 3.
I love meeting new people at the markets and selling them something that is useful and durable while helping so many artisans back home.
You do a lot of markets and shows, but you also can do an at-home event for moms, right? Tell us about this!
Yes , I do from small events like gift markets, church events, and larger markets like Sugar Plum Market andNutcracker Market . One of my favorite formats is a house Pop Up party; it’s fun and a great way to have friends over to shop and enjoy a fun night while shopping our products!
Since covid hit, I started hosting online facebook parties where Our hosts earn a gift certificate to shop the day of the event. It’s easy and rewarding for our clients.
If you are interested in Hosting you can email me at: [email protected] to arrange and schedule a date that works for you.
What did you do before getting into My Maria Victoria?
I was a full time mom, and I opened Fractal Structural Engineering firm with my husband in 2015. Then I added María Victoria into the mix 🙂
How important is it for you to have a passion outside of being a mother?
It helps me to be motivated and do things outside of the routine of the house, kids, and activities. It’s a brain workout. I love what I do and I can work until 1am. I find myself forced to stop working, booking markets, packing bags and so on, but it is difficult because I enjoy what I do. I like knowing that every bag Sold translates into an artisan having a job.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My Mom she is amazing !
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Don’t be so hard on yourself, you can’t expect things to be perfect all the time ~
Make sure to follow along with Lilian and shop products on her website. She even gave you a special Katy Mamas discount code to use!
Shop online at https://lillychicboutique.com/ Use Discount code: KATYMOMS for 10% off your bag purchase.
IG and FB : @mymariavictoria.lilian
email: [email protected]
DISCOUNT CODE: KATYMOMS