San Antonio tailor stitches politics into her brand

Melissa Rojas did not plan to become a political figure. She started her clothing business in 2017 to support her young daughter. Now, her shop is a fixture on the Texas campaign trail.

The conflict began at a James Talarico rally in the Rio Grande Valley. Rojas said the candidate's message of hope and bipartisanship inspired her to act. She started making crop-top guayaberas with the words 'Go Vote' on them. She later expanded the line to include men's shirts embroidered with the names of Talarico and gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa.

Rojas said she does not work directly with either campaign. Both candidates are aware of the shirts and support the effort. Supporters have been seen wearing the garments at rallies from San Antonio to the Valley. Talarico and Hinojosa have both visited the store.

The business started with a small loan from Rojas' mother. Rojas, a Valley native, was a single mother trying to rebuild her life after a marriage ended in California. Her madrina also helped her launch the venture. She named the brand Chasing Camilla after her daughter, who was two years old at the time.

Rojas said she began by selling Serape Santa hats. The guayabera idea came from her travels. She wanted to create pieces that women like her would want to wear. The lightweight, embroidered shirts became a modern twist on a traditional Latin American style.

The business faced a disruption in April. The Painted Tree boutique, which housed the shop, filed for bankruptcy protection. Rojas lost her spot in that indoor marketplace. She found a new location on North Main Avenue with the help of local contacts. That space was too small for her growing inventory.

The shop is moving to 507 E. Houston St. The new location is near the Alamo. Rojas said the store opens on Sunday, Nov. 1. Customers can also order shirts online through her website.

Rojas said she believes in the candidates running for office. She wants her daughter to grow up in a world where she can speak her mind and achieve her goals. Rojas said she wants people to use their voices and vote. She also encourages supporters of small businesses to shop at her store.