Life and Work with Rakela Lubonja Colon

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a love affair with fashion. It is crazy because I remember the prints, fabrics and styles that my mom used to wear. They are somehow engraved in my memory and I often find myself reaching for them when I am shopping. I get really excited when I put together a cute (and always comfortable) outfit and then think about all the possible ways I can wear it. That is why I created my little fashion corner on instagram, @mystyletales. My 9-5 is exciting but also very demanding, so this has become a place I come to feel inspired and hopefully help you maximize your wardrobe, on a budget too. I am pretty savvy when it comes to shopping because well, who doesn’t love a good deal! I always have the price matching strategy up my sleeve. Especially, when I can pile another coupon on top of it. A favorite tip I like to share is to always subscribe to your favorite stores for special promotions or free birthday coupons, often with no minimum purchase required. I would describe my style as casual chic. I live in jeans and flats and love adding bohemian vibes to my summer outfits. I tend to gravitate towards brands like Old Navy, Loft, Banana Republic and even Target for my basics. But I am also obsessed with T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, where I am always on the hunt for designer items that cost a fraction of the retail prices.

Has it been a smooth road?
A small but very important piece of advice I would like to share is to just START. Whatever it is that you are passionate about. Whether it is a business, a side hustle, a hobby, photography. Anything. Stop toying around with the idea of waiting for that perfect moment. There is no such thing. Start today! It has been very inspiring for me to be part of this supporting community and cultivate relationships with so many like-minded, talented women who share the same passion.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My goal is to always remain relatable and transparent with my readers because I am just like them. I am the girl next door who likes to share casual outfits that are mom-friendly, always affordable and make you look put together in no time. If I have somehow inspired you to re-think the way you wear one item in your closet, multiple ways, then my day has been made.

In addition to the fashion side, I also like to tie in a little travel to my feed to add a bit of personality and even history. An autumn outfit on the beloved Acorn Street in Boston sounds like my kind of post. I love to plan day trips or mini weekend getaways with my family. I stick to Boston and surrounding New England towns that are kid-friendly because let’s be honest, those are the places I can actually get to with my boys (7 yrs. and 16 months) without a lot of fuss. My happy place is Nantucket! I have yet to make it there for the Christmas stroll and daffodil festival.

While Boston is what I have called home the last 19 years, Albania is where my roots are. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, this small country, the size of Maryland, is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. I would love to someday share more of this hidden gem through my photography.

Who have you been inspired by?
My grandmother has continuously been a source of inspiration for me. She is 81 years young, pretty active on social media and was recently featured in a few interviews for the local media. For as long as I can remember, she has always loved to crochet and knit. If she wasn’t in the kitchen cooking up a delicious meal, she would be in her little corner of the living room crafting up her next piece of art. She loves to gift the handmade crochet centerpieces to friends and family but she also hustles to sell her work at the local artisan shops in Tirana. Her most recent endeavor has been creating art out of recycled materials like this pretty blue-eyed owl. She finds inspiration from Youtube and Pinterest, like most of us in this day and age. It keeps her mind busy and young, she says. Take a cue from this lady if you need a little inspiration in your life!