LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — For many Latinas, a quinceañera dress is more than something you wear. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through many generations.
“You can always buy a car. But you’re never going to be 15 again,” said Brenda Karcz, owner of Zofia’s Dress Shop in North Las Vegas.
A dream rooted in family
“My parents are Mexican. So, you know, not having a quinceanera, first of all. It’s kind of like living your own dream through, you know, a young little girl’s eyes,” Karcz said.
After working in the hotel industry for years, Karcz said she wanted to bet on herself and live out her dream of becoming a business owner.
“And here I am today, still standing. And I don’t know how many people believed in me, but I believed in myself,” Karcz said.
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Preserving the culture behind the gowns
Behind the rows of colorful gowns is something Karcz said she didn’t want to lose: the culture behind them.
“They get inspired. They see their cousins having quinceañeras. And they’re like, wow, you know, I want to be that princess moment with a big ball gown, long tail, just big hair and just look beautiful, feel pretty for one moment,” Karcz said.
Giving back to the community
That moment can come with a price tag many families can’t afford, so Karcz has used her business to help. Throughout the year, she’s given away several dresses to girls in the community who may not otherwise have had one.
“But I do share my blessings with the community. And the community has been amazing to us. They have been extraordinary. There’s a really strong community here in Las Vegas,” Karcz said.
Karcz said that after more than 30 years of calling Las Vegas home, the community that helped her bring her dream to life is now part of the reason she keeps giving back.
“And, you know, I’m proud to be a Latina, a business owner, and to have my own boutique. And just really making little girls’ dreams come true,” Karcz said.
Karcz said she’s not done giving back and plans to give away more dresses to girls and families throughout the year.
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