MONICA AVILA

Latina Mompreneur | Owner Luna & Leche Maternity

What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?

I am creative, goal oriented and funny. Growing up with two older brothers and a jokester dad, I always had to be witty and ready with a quick comeback.

What is your origin story and how do you identify culturally?

I am second generation Mexican on my dad’s side and fifth generation Mexican on my mom’s side.

My [paternal] grandparents were field workers who followed the crop between Mexico and the U.S. They traveled with my dad and his ten siblings until they saved enough money to buy their own land and grow their own crop in Reedley, [CA], a small rural town 40 minutes southeast of Fresno. My parents bought land from my grandparents to build our home.

Entrepreneurship is definitely in my blood. And growing up in an agriculture town, with cows, oranges and grape fields as my neighbors, has given me an appreciation of where my food comes from.

I am passing this on to my daughters, teaching them about the people who grow their food and make it possible to get it into grocery stores.

What was the inspiration behind your business Luna & Leche Maternity?

After I had my first child, Vera, I was searching for stylish clothes that I could easily breastfeed in. I ran into a department store one day, in between [my daughter’s] feedings, thinking it would be quick and easy to find something. But I couldn’t even find one top that worked for me. Then my baby woke up screaming [and ready to eat]. As I was standing there in the middle of the store, trying to figure out how to breastfeed her while fighting back my own tears of frustration, I realized I could use my degree and years of experience working in the fashion industry to start my own company and fill this need [in the market].

What were some of the personal challenges you had to work through to take your business from an idea to a reality?

It took me five years to actually start prioritizing the business. At the end of 2019, I made a new year resolution to stop letting excuses keep me from moving forward. I didn’t want to be in limbo with my idea any more.

Who inspires you?

My [paternal] grandmother has inspired the way I want to structure Luna & Leche. She was a farmworker with a third grade education who had to bring her newborn babies with her in a crate to the field. As I build my business, I want to be mindful about who I work with and create a foundation that is flexible and supportive for moms like me.

How has community supported you?

I had another name for my business before Luna & Leche, but when I was going through the trademark process I found out that I couldn’t use it. That really stopped me in my tracks and put me in a funk for a long time. This was all happening during the pandemic. I found community online (through We All Grow Latina and Wendy Amara) with other creatives who helped me brainstorm ideas for a new name until we landed on Luna & Leche. I still lean into these communities regularly. Through these platforms, I have made friendships and plans for future collaborations with some of the women.

How do you practice self-care and fill your cup as a Mompreneur and Creative?

Every morning, while my youngest daughter is still sleeping, I make myself lemon water and wash my face. After dropping my older daughter off at school I finish up my face routine, de-puffing my skin and applying sunscreen. If I can add more to the routine I do, but the bare minimum is my lemon water and a fresh, hydrated face.

If you could have a conversation with your younger self, what would you say to her?

I took things very personally when I was younger and I held a lot of stuff in. If I could talk to younger Monica, I would tell her that not everything is her fault. I don’t know if younger Monica would understand this, but I would tell her that when people lash out from their emotions, it is their issue not hers.

What are you most proud of?

When I first moved to LA I found a job making $40k [annually] and I was renting a place in Ktown for $600 a month. With the extra money I doubled my student loan payments and paid off my debt early.

If your life was a book what would the title of your story be?

The Weird Creative. I was an artsy person growing up. People thought I was weird and I embraced it because I enjoyed expressing myself though creativity.

Name one vision or goal you have for yourself.

We moved back to my parents’ house to save money for a home. My goal is to buy a house with an office where I can work on my samples and create. I envision the space having large windows that let in a lot of natural light, velvet furniture, jewel tones, and beautiful artwork.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Two weeks after graduating High School, I left for San Francisco to attend San Francisco Art Institute. I designed costumes for ballet, theater and film companies.

Follow @lunaandleche_maternity on instagram for up to date information on new collections and product launches plus behind the scenes captures of Monica’s creative process.