Scoring a goal in children’s clothing
Published 9:00 am Thursday, May 12, 2016
Freshly opened March 27 in Federal Way is what could very well be a little girl’s dream clothing store.
White formal wear and colorful princess-style gowns of red, yellow and blue with capes and gloves line the walls of Lluvia and Dahlia Clothing Store (1500 S. 336th St., Suite 10). Named after his two young daughters, this children’s formal clothing business is a world away from owner Victor Vazquez’s original occupation: professional soccer player.
As a defender for Team Tezos in Guadalajara and the Mexican National team, Vazquez, 44, uses the same hard work and dedication he displayed on the field in his new business endeavor.
“I put a lot of effort into soccer and made many sacrifices,” Vazquez said. “Living in Los Angeles, I traveled back and forth during high school and eventually graduated from the University of Mexico in Business Administration.”
The idea for Lluvia and Dahlia Clothing Store came to Vazquez two years ago.
“I was asked to be the godfather for my niece’s baptism and found very little inventory available in the area,” he said. “I ended up spending $250 for a baptismal gown!”
At Vazquez’s store, parents and godparents are able to buy unique, quality outfits designed and made in Mexico for a fraction of the cost at other stores. Baptismal gowns start at $45 and go up to $149. Vazquez, who has dual citizenship, communicates regularly with Mexican designers and finds clothing for youngsters from 3 months to 18 years old. Along with veils and tiaras, there are hand-crocheted blankets, white dress shoes and tuxedoes.
Presentation gowns are a vibrant Hispanic tradition. Children age 3 and up are presented during Mass for a life of divine protection, and following Mass is a celebration. Shoppers will also find baptismal gowns (or ropons), as well as confirmation and first Holy Communion attire for both boys and girls.
Vazquez is propelled at his store by the same passion that brought him to the 1992 Portugal World Cup. He works up to seven days a week managing all aspects of the business, and he’s already mulling plans to open another store in Puyallup and launch a Lluvia and Dahlia clothing line.
“Before opening this store, I did my homework,” Vazquez said. “I visited many different churches, including Catholic, LDS and Russian Christian, [and] looked at their traditions and found a market in this area.”
In a recent impromptu interview with clothing expert Sophia, age 6, she was asked to grade the quality and selection of Lluvia and Dahlia.
“I give it an A-plus,” she said without hesitation.
For information, contact Lluvia and Dahlia Clothing Store on Facebook or call 562-841-7607.
