Mercedes Hernandez embarked on her entrepreneurial path at the young age of 18, fueled by a deep passion for fashion. This passion materialized into Bow N Arrow Clothing, a women’s online boutique that established a physical presence in downtown Cotati in 2016. Her early success and inspiring journey led to invitations to speak at local schools and public events, sharing her experiences as a young business owner. In 2020, Mercedes Hernandez expanded her entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of SoCo Market, further solidifying her presence in the local business scene. Continuing her upward trajectory, last year marked a significant milestone as she realized a long-held dream by opening her second brick-and-mortar store, Holee Vintage, in downtown Santa Rosa. This vintage store adds another dimension to her retail portfolio and showcases her evolving business acumen.
Mercedes Hernandez, owner of Holee Vintage and Bow N Arrow Clothing, is featured in Mad Local Magazine for her entrepreneurial journey in Cotati and Santa Rosa.
Mercedes Hernandez credits her parents as her biggest inspirations. She admires their resilience and work ethic, noting, “Both of my parents were teens when they had me, and they made sacrifices for the benefit of their kids.” She emphasizes the invaluable example they set, teaching her “the value of working hard to accomplish whatever you put your mind to.” Grateful for their unwavering support, Mercedes highlights, “I’m really grateful that they never pressured me to choose a different career path. My parents allowed me to spread my wings, explore, make mistakes, and grow.” This supportive foundation has been crucial in her entrepreneurial journey.
When asked about joys in her life, Mercedes Hernandez mentions “My family, my pug, and laying out on the beach in Sayulita, Mexico,” revealing a balance between her professional drive and personal happiness. She candidly shares a pivotal decision, stating, “I don’t regret quitting my 9-to-5 job to pursue my small business (although I do reminisce about how much easier those days were!).” This sentiment underscores her commitment to her entrepreneurial path despite the challenges.
Looking ahead, Mercedes Hernandez envisions herself as a “full-time small business consultant” if freed from the fear of failure. “I love helping others start and/or grow their businesses!” she exclaims, indicating a desire to leverage her experience to empower other aspiring entrepreneurs. This aspiration aligns perfectly with her already established role as a mentor and speaker within her community. When considering instant skills, graphic design tops her list. “I enjoy creating flyers and marketing materials, but I don’t have the patience to learn how to use software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Having that skill would be a game changer,” she explains, revealing a practical perspective on business needs.
If given the opportunity to host an intimate dinner party, Mercedes Hernandez’s guest list reflects her diverse influences: “Jesus Christ, bestselling author Jen Sincero, girlboss Sophia Amoruso, and my mom.” This eclectic mix of spiritual, motivational, and familial figures provides a glimpse into the values and inspirations that shape Mercedes Hernandez as both a businesswoman and an individual. Mercedes Hernandez’s journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and a valuable example for aspiring business owners in Cotati, Santa Rosa, and beyond.
