Today we’d like to introduce you to Shivonne Subero
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Trinidad and Tobago to a Trini mother and a Venezuelan father, embodying a rich mix of cultures: half white, half black, half Latina, half Caribbean. From a young age, my unique appearance and bilingual abilities made me stand out. This diverse background instilled in me a deep belief in equality, allowing me to see and judge people based on their true values—kindness, patience, meekness, and love. This perspective is the cornerstone of how I treat all my clients, ensuring each one receives the same level of love and respect.
My father was an entrepreneur and the best salesperson I know. I grew up watching him sell Sebago shoes with such conviction that everyone believed it was the greatest necessity in life. I mimicked his style, and my earliest memory of selling was at six years old, standing on a table with shoes, confidently calling out, “A la orden,” meaning “I am here to assist.”
From ages 15 to 17, I worked with my stepmother at her boutique. She was extremely strict and particular with me, more so than with other employees. She taught me how to combine colors and choose the best styles for different body types. During those years, I dressed over 3,000 women. The most important lesson she imparted was that the customer is always right. My job was to be kind and assist, even if the customer was wrong, as long as they were respectful.
By the age of 18, I decided to step away from the family business and seek a stable office job. Thanks to my bilingual skills, I landed a receptionist role at a shipping company. Over the years, I climbed the corporate ladder, moving from invoicing to accounts and admin, then to sales, and eventually becoming an executive assistant to various company presidents. In 2018, I was laid off from my last corporate job. I had just graduated from college with an associate degree in PR and Journalism, with a minor in marketing.
Marketing quickly became my passion. However, despite my enthusiasm and qualifications, no one would hire someone with 10 years of admin and accounts experience for a marketing role. After numerous rejections, I decided to market my own product and prove those companies wrong. But what product could I sell?
Clothing! I called my aunt, who explained the family business to me and provided all the contacts I needed. I registered a business, and within a month, I was flying to LA’s fashion district to shop for my first collection. I marketed it and sold out within a month. From 2018 to 2019, I traveled to LA every two months. Despite my success, I dreamed of creating clothing that fit body types like mine—big bust and small waist.
In 2020, COVID-19 hit, and my dreams seemed to come crashing down. After a month of distress and uncertainty, I designed a breathable, reversible, stylish mask. I marketed it, and it was a total success, selling over 5,000 units in two months. This pivot led me to create loungewear and swimwear. Starting with a house machine and a seamstress working from my home, by July 2020, my 31st birthday, I had saved enough to buy my first two Juki industrial machines—the crème de la crème of sewing machines.
From there, the sky was the limit. I infused my Latina/Spanish essence with the vibrant colors of the Caribbean to design beautiful pieces and added the element of customization. These ingredients, coupled with my marketing skills, 10 years of corporate experience, self-belief, and faith in God’s guidance, helped us grow, innovate, and stay consistent.
Today, we have shipped almost all over the world, have a team of seamstresses, designed our own house label prints, have a beautiful e-commerce website, and dressed over 10,000 women across the Caribbean and the US. We are now preparing to open our first flagship store in our home island, Trinidad and Tobago.
None of this would have been possible without wisdom, grace, and help from Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would have been consumed with anxiety, depression, and worries. The entrepreneurial journey is not linear and is filled with bumps and holes, but faith kept me going.
I am thankful to Voyage Tampa for allowing me to share my story of unwavering faith in God. May we always choose faith over fear.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Staying consistent and knowing when to innovate has been one of my greatest challenges. There are times when no one is buying, when a collection doesn’t sell as quickly as I’d like, when my mind is tired and negative, and when the finances are not flowing. The list goes on! Each of these moments tests my resolve, but they also push me to find new solutions and keep moving forward.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Absolutely. The goal is to ensure that the world gets ethical, quality clothing designed in the Caribbean. Places like Australia, Hawaii, and Europe often draw inspiration from the Caribbean and achieve great things due to their unity and consistency. SS Label will ensure that the world knows quality clothing can also be made in the Caribbean. In 5-10 years, I envision SS Label as a global brand, renowned for its Caribbean-inspired designs, ethical production, and exceptional quality. We aim to expand our reach, setting new standards in the fashion industry while celebrating and promoting the rich heritage and creativity of the Caribbean.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shivonnesuberolabel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivonnesuberolabel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShivonneSuberoLabel/
Image Credits
akheil.albert.photography – https://www.instagram.com/akheil.albert.photography/
shannonbrittophotographyt – https://www.instagram.com/shannonbrittophotographytt/
