Start Small Bay Area Client Spotlight: My Fashion Design Kit

In 2017, VLSC partnered with Start Small Think Big, a New York nonprofit, to create Start Small Bay Area, a program offering free legal assistance to low- and middle-income entrepreneurs. Focusing on community economic development and business resiliency, SSBA has helped nearly 100 clients since its formation. Here is the story of one of those clients.

With a background in apparel product development, Marissa Lucero has spent the last few years cultivating her business, My Fashion Design Kit. The business’ mission is to utilize fashion design to promote STEM education and to empower girls, minorities, creative learners, and those with learning disabilities to think clearly and radiate confidence.

Marissa says that she grew up valuing offering help to others without expecting anything in return. As a result, she initially under-charged for her services, until she realized that this was not a sustainable business model. With support from Start Small and other organizations, Marissa has sharpened her business acumen and come to appreciate the value she brings to her business. Marissa has been working with SSBA for almost one year. She said, “when emotions and the fear of not having enough money to access the help I needed clouded my judgment, Start Small was there to support me.”

With Start Small’s help, Marissa’s business is currently focused on expanding its programs to additional Bay Area schools and building out its training programs.

For more information on the Start Small Bay Area (SSBA) program, please contact Mauna Minegar, Start Small Bay Area Program Manager at mauna@acbanet.org.