My name is Racquel Martinez and I am a Texas native, born
and raised in Austin but I have always had roots right here in Houston. I am a 37 year old recent graduate from Houston Community College with two Associates Degrees; one in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising with Highest Honors. I never thought I could go back to college. When I graduated high school I went to community college but had no clue on what I wanted to be, so I left school to join the workforce. After losing my job in 2016 my husband said why don’t you go back to school. I tried one sewing class in Fashion Design and I was hooked! My love for fashion and the arts started way before 2016 though. I have always loved art: Painting, sketching, crafts, and sewing. I am the youngest of 4 children. Needless to say, money was tight for a family of 6. My mother would make our clothes to save on money. She made an assortment of mix and match clothes in an array of colors. One of my earliest memories was when my mother taught me to sew hair bows to match my clothes. It was in the 80’s, so the bigger the bow the better. My mother went from migrant worker to earning her Bachelors in Art from the University of Texas at Austin. She instilled in us the importance and passion for the arts, in particular, the chicano, Mexican and hispanic art history. The colors, embroidery detail and rich history have always inspired me.

In December of 2017 I was inducted in the National Society for Leadership and Success. I also participate in Fashion Show Scholarship contests when I can. I am honored to have won Most Cohesive Fashion Collection for the Houston Community College Transcendence Spring Show of 2019. I would like to continue my education and transfer to the University of Houston to get my Bachelors Degree in Marketing or the University of The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio for Fashion Design. I have become an advocate of following your dreams and continuing college education for my entire family and friends. I am currently building my brand, The Texan Tailoress. The Texan Tailoress will strive to create well made, South Texas eclectic style clothing and accessories that you can treasure for a lifetime.