Veronica Bonilla Speaks on Her Fashion and Streetwear Inspirations
Veronica Bonilla Speaks On Her Fashion and Streetwear Inspirations, Her Love for the Sneaker Culture, How The Quarantine Affected Her Creativity, The Current Protest Movement Around the World, and More.
Photo Cred: Kevin Sanon/@ByKevinSanon
The past few weeks have been a difficult time for all of us. We’ve seen the injustices that have occurred around the country, videos of wrongful arrests during peaceful protests, and even bloodshed. We do not condone violence of any kind. However, as a brand that is owned and operated by Black millennials, we will forever stand with our brothers and sisters united against institutional racism, police brutality, and white supremacy.
To celebrate our 70th interview on The Lifestyle NYC, we wanted to highlight a woman that not only vehemently advocates for the Black community as an Afro Latina woman but has also gained a wide-range of recognition due to her sense of fashion and style. Veronica Bonilla, a creative and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, NY, uses her fashion inspiration from the 90’s to showcase her love for dressing. The fashionista and blogger has partnered up with notable brands such as Uggs, Nike, Puma, Reebok, and much more.
I was able to connect with Veronica to talk about our current climate. We also touched on her creative mind being challenged during quarantine, the rebrand that helped her discover her true self, making friends in the social media age, and her plans post-quarantine. Read the full interview below.
1 - What inspirations did you have growing up that got you involved in fashion and streetwear?
I grew up in Brooklyn. Streetwear was a big deal in my neighborhood, especially in the 90s. A lot of my inspiration came from looking at old photo albums of my mom and her brothers growing up and looking at the outfits they wore. It’s amazing to see how everything she used to wear back in the 80s/90s is coming back.
2 - At what age did you realize your true love for fashion and streetwear? How did that help motivate your passion?
I think it was around the time that I was playing sports. I was 15, a sophomore in High School. I just felt like it wasn’t worth getting all cute and girly when I knew I had practice right after class. It just didn’t feel like me, I’m all about comfort. I think what motivated me the most was the fact that I was also a huge sneakerhead around that time, and some of my friends were as well. We would always talk about the latest kicks and what outfit we would wear with them.
Photo Cred: Instagram/@verooobonilla
3 - You’ve partnered with a great number of brands like Uggs, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Macy’s, and more. What was your first major brand partnership and how did you land it? In what ways did that contribute to your personal name and brand?
My first major brand partnership was with a beauty brand called Almay. I was surprised when they reached out because around that time I wasn’t really doing much with makeup. I mean, I was doing a little here and there as far as makeup goes. I was more focused around my hair and skincare around the time but nonetheless, it was such an eye-opening experience for me. It opened the door for me when it came to beauty. I learned about makeup and the market behind it. Although the brand and I fell off, I’m forever grateful for that experience.
4 - In an interview you did with CNK, you said you loved being from NYC because it’s the birthplace of sneaker culture. The sneaker culture has changed dramatically throughout the years, especially with sneaker reselling. What’s your take on sneaker culture today?
Ah, man...I freaking HATE it. I remember waiting in line the day a sneaker dropped and buying them without a problem. That's longggggg gone now, and the resell prices are just ridiculous! I wish the sneaker culture went back to what it was. I wish I could go to my nearest Jimmy Jazz and cop the latest AJ1. SNKRS app really hates my guts--taking L’s daily on that app.
Photo Cred: Instagram/@verooobonilla
5 - We understand that this quarantine has been affecting a lot of us from a creative standpoint. How have you been able to stay focused on your craft, creativity, and still put out fresh content?
I’ve been going at my own pace. The first month of quarantine hit me hard. I was definitely depressed as I had lost my uncle around that time, so not being able to see him really hit me hard. Campaigns were being postponed or canceled. After the month, I started focusing on my rebrand for my site. Once I got back into the flow of things everything started feeling somewhat normal again.
Verobonita.com
6 - I’ve been following you for quite some time, so I’m used to seeing BrooklynPetite but a recent update on your website tells a story of why you decided to get rid of that name. How important was that transition for you, both personally and professionally?
It was important for me personally because I felt a sort of disconnection with the name BrooklynPetite. I didn’t feel like I was giving my full potential with the name BP. Professionally, I got tired of having to explain that BrooklynPetite stood for so much more than just me being from Brooklyn and that I was petite.
7 - I did want to keep this interview related to fashion, streetwear, and what you represent but I also want to be human and chat about real-life situations. In a recent post on your website, you spoke about friendships, the levels of difficulty in making and maintaining friends as an adult. You even told a personal story about a friend of yours. Aside from what you stated in your post, which happened to be a great read, what are your thoughts on social media and the struggles people face building and/or losing their friendships in the digital world?
Thank you so much for taking the time out and reading it! When it comes to social media I try my best not to take things too seriously. Building any type of relationship on social media can be tricky because you really don’t know if this person is genuine or not, but it’s all about patience and trusting your own intuition. Feeling the person out. I feel like meeting up is always best, that way you can get a better understanding of who this person really is.
8 - What have been some of your go-to streetwear brands since the year started? Also, why do you like these brands?
I’m very big on thrifting; vintage shops are my go-to when I want to buy streetwear pieces. Since earlier this year though I’ve been a fan of Eric Emanuel, AWAKE, and Y.T.G.
9 - If you could choose a person/brand to partner with, who would it be and why? Also, what would you want the project to be?
Nike for sure. I wanna be able to create a sneaker that represents my Puerto Rican culture and give back to the community. I wouldn’t even want the money for myself. Every single penny would go to Puerto Rico to help build up the schools they unfortunately had to close down.
10 - What are some of your thoughts on what's been happening around the world with the protests?
It’s a lot. I’ve been on a roller coaster filled with emotions. From seeing the videos of Ahmaud Arbery & George Floyd, the constant police brutality, I’m filled with anger and sadness. I’m happy that all 50 states are out there and protesting but damn, again?! We legit have to fight for basic human rights and that just doesn’t sit well with me at all! Like why is this ok? Why is killing innocent Black lives okay?! I just don’t understand it.
11 - How do you feel about the looting and the protests that turned violent? Do you agree with this, or do you think there's another way to get the message across?
I don’t agree with it. Of course, there is another way, BUT I understand the anger and frustration. This country does not care about Black lives so why should we care about their property? I get it but I also don’t want to give them what they want. They want to see us act out and give them more of a reason to kill us.
12 - We as Black people are praying for change, but from an individual standpoint, what does that look like to you?
Defunding the police and putting that extra fund into the school system. Teaching kids the REAL history behind America. Calling people out when they say and do racist things. I want people to understand that enough is enough--we’re not playing fair anymore.
13 - What piece of advice do you want to give to the aspiring blogger or influencer who may be reading this interview?
Be you and stay true to who you are! Don’t compare yourself to anyone else but your past self.
14 - Our current circumstances have forced us to reevaluate how we go about business and posting content. Do you currently have any projects in the works that you would like to share? If not, what can we expect from you and your VEROBONITA rebrand post-quarantine?
Yes! I am finally working on my vintage shop. I had to put it on pause for many reasons, but I’m happy to have taken the step back. I needed to focus on how to execute this next collection correctly! That should be dropping around July. Other than the shop, I’ll be sharing more controversial topics on the blog for sure. I like connecting with my community. It feels good knowing I’m not alone.
Photo Cred: Kevin Sanon/@ByKevinSanon