Cooking up Dialog: Cristina Martinez of ‘one-stop Chicana store’ Very That 

Cristina Martinez based Very That in 2013, creating enjoyable homewares, equipment and presents that commemorate San Antonio Latina tradition.

From espresso mugs emblazoned with “Help native chismosas” and tumblers designed to resemble Aqua Internet hairspray cans to coasters that includes pictures of Dangerous Bunny and Juan Gabriel, kitchenwares have lengthy been part of Martinez’s self-dubbed “one-stop Chicana store.”

We caught up the Saytown entrepreneur to speak about her journey to seek out herself and located that  embracing her id led to a well-liked thriving enterprise with a web based presence and a storefront at mercado-inspired South Facet area Pica Pica Market, 910 SE Army Drive. 

Are you from San Antonio? 

Born and raised on the South Facet.

Why “Very That”? 

Very That got here from a spot of delight. Very That’s derived from a queer time period. I had a greatest buddy who was a drag queen right here and “very that” was a time period round drag bars on the time. It additionally represents delight in my Latina tradition. There was a time the place you couldn’t discover something Spanglish anyplace when it comes to attire and presents. So, Very That stemmed from a pure love of pure Chicana and delight. 

What satisfied you to open Very That? 

I formally began in 2013. My mother being identified with most cancers impressed me to truly undergo with my dream and provides it my all. Years later my spouse — her nickname is Peaches — can be identified with most cancers. The 2 ladies which were most essential in my soul have been impacted by the ugliest phrase within the dictionary. However I really imagine you must discover the sweetness in life by way of the ache. Now my mother and Peaches have recovered, and Very That’s thriving. 

What was your coming-out journey like? 

It’s fascinating the place we discover ourselves with town and the Spurs. All eyes are on San Antonio proper now. I don’t stay removed from Southwest Army Drive. Our metropolis isn’t simply lovely after we’re successful, it’s quiet moments. It was the identical feeling with my coming-out journey. With my very own popping out, I got here out late. I used to be so afraid to be who I’m for the longest time. Popping out was the toughest factor I’ve ever needed to do, however I rebuilt myself from the shattered items of who I as soon as was, and I’m stronger than ever earlier than. It’s why I resonate with San Antonio a lot. Our metropolis is so complicated, and that’s the great thing about it. 

I write these love letters to the South Facet with my Very That [blog]. The gorgeous and the ugly. It’s essential for us to just accept the entire of ourselves, not simply after we’re successful. 

Did you ever doubt your self throughout your small business journey, and if that’s the case, what helped you bounce again? 

I couldn’t overlook my why. Individuals can discover themselves in my merchandise. There’s nonetheless area to reinvent and invent all of the elements of the enterprise when issues are sluggish. 

There have been undoubtedly a number of years the place I doubted I might maintain going with my enterprise. Then — I opened a storefront in Pica Pica Plaza — if you need genuine San Antonio tradition, cease by Pica Pica Plaza! I imagine Pica Pica Plaza saved my enterprise and part of my coronary heart. 

I noticed Pica Pica put up that they’d a spot open at their retailer final 12 months  — I responded to the put up instantly and had the keys by the tip of the day. 

What do you’re keen on concerning the South Facet? 

The South Facet is like this lovely cactus. We’re going to outlive in all seasons — the warmth, the chilly, ice, rain. We’re made up of so many lovely individuals which might be resilient. Right here on the South Facet and West Facet, you’ve gotten that deep-rooted sense of neighborhood and tradition that folks ceaselessly affiliate San Antonio with. 

Do you ever really feel pressured to talk on behalf of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood? 

I used to really feel a little bit of strain to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. However then I remembered this outdated activist saying that stated, “My existence is resistance.” Simply by dwelling authentically, I’m making a distinction. I believe simply being genuine to who we’re is essential. Me and my spouse Peaches are tías to others in our neighborhood. We’re those you possibly can depend on. Us simply displaying up is the novel queer existence. Authenticity is radical. 

Was there an “a-ha” second allow you to to just accept who you have been? 

Once I lastly got here out to my dad — old skool, conventional, tremendous respectful — I felt like I had marbles in my mouth and I needed to inform him who I actually am. I interrupted his workday — one thing I’d by no means do! — and requested him to take a drive with me. I lastly instructed him, and he stated, “I at all times knew. I used to be ready so that you can inform me.” When he instructed me that “I’ve at all times seen you,” I lastly stated, “I don’t give a fuck what anybody else thinks, my dad sees me.” I believe that’s once I stepped into full maturity. And that was it. I ended caring about what anybody else thought. 

What are a few of your favourite LGBTQ+–owned eating places and bars on the town? 

Chifladas on the West Facet is queer- and woman-owned! RIP to [longtime St. Mary’s Strip restaurant, bar and pandemic casualty] La Botanica. I believe we’d like extra queer areas. 

Are there any new merchandise you’re engaged on proper now for Very That? 

For years I’ve needed to supply our personal T-shirts. I’m engaged on a line of latest T-shirts and hopefully bringing again some fan favorites. I’ve invested in machines to make our personal merchandise. We’re a small-but-mighty group. I’m hoping to have a back-to-school attire line for college students and lecturers so they give the impression of being fly once more when faculty begins. 

Is there something you’d wish to inform somebody studying this who could also be struggling to return out to their family members? 

Discover a mentor. A queer tía or tío, even somebody who’s youthful than you. Somebody that can assist you stroll the trail. Somebody to stroll with you when life is unsure. I’ve been that to others. and I’ve had individuals in my life be that for me once I wanted it. 

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