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“Mayerly Rodriguez sews dreams into reality” By: Gloria Turin

While most middle school girls spent their days playing with their best friends or worrying about being asked to the school dance, there was a twelve year old girl in Bucaramanga, Colombia who was starting her career as a fashion designer. Captivated by fashion since childhood and getting some key knowledge from family members who own the EULATAM Fashion Center in Colombia and Aruba, Mayerly Rodriguez, has become one of the greatest Fashion Designers of Colombia and the Metropolitan area at the age of 32. Mayerly was born in Bacarrancabermeja, Santander, Colombia. She practically grew up in her family’s Fashion Center, surrounded by dress forms and fabrics. Watching her family members sew and create garments entranced Mayerly and gave flight to her imagination. At the early age of 12, she began her training as a seamstress and learned to appreciate the art of sewing by hand. At 16, she began working officially at an atelier (workshop) making baby clothing. After being at the workshop for some time, Mayerly yearned to travel the world and decided to become a flight attendant. However, after earning her degree and coming back home to the wonderful world of fashion, Mayerly realized that this is where she belonged, and she wanted to be a fashion designer. She became a Production Supervisor at the EULATAM Fashion Center in Aruba where she had the opportunity to dress the Miss Aruba contestants and many Carnival performers for more than 10 years. Carnivals have become part of a Rodriguez family tradition, “Every year, I look forward to Carnivals in Aruba, family members from all over the world come together and we have an amazing time working together as one”, states Mayerly with great joy. Mayerly is an example to follow for many aspiring fashion designers. From sewing and decorating by hand to mastering industrial machinery to incorporating her insight into Colombian culture, she has created a global brand that is expanding in her new business. One of her greatest pieces is “El Sombrero Voltiao”, a two-piece dress that was made entirely by hand and took three months to complete. Its beauty and amazing work resulted in a nomination for “Best Traditional Dress” in the Miss Teen Summer 2011 pageant. Although Mayerly is currently designing clothes mainly for weddings and Quinceañeras or “Para las reinas,” she adds with a smile, she has designed for both genders in the past. Mayerly believes in making her client’s dreams into reality, and for that reason she has made a rigorous checklist to ensure her garments satisfy their every need. Although Mayerly is inspired by every client, she shares that, “My biggest inspiration is my daughter Gissell Botero, who has been with me through this journey. She was the one who gave me strength to keep going and become the person and mother that I am today.” In the near future, Mayerly would like to share her knowledge to potential candidates to generate more jobs in the fashion industry. Also, she will be taking her masterpiece “Sombrero Voltiao” on a European tour in 2012 and then donate the garment to the National Museum of Women in the Arts. “This is not an easy business but if you have the passion and drive to become what you want, it becomes easier as it goes. Set your mind in what you want and reach your dreams. Dreams should never wait!” shares Mayerly with enthusiasm. Currently, Mayerly is working on her new collection of dresses for all occasions which include bathing suits, formal, and casual attire for her “MGR Fashion Show”. This great event will be held in the officers club at the Ft Belvoir Military Base in Virginia on December 4th from 3-7pm. Mayerly tells Kesta Magazine that, “This event will be festive, I am preparing four hours of fun and authentic fashion, 25 beautiful models from all over the world, live performances, and special guests so you can’t miss it!” See you there!