Entrepreneur Success Story - Nan Napier of Tres Mariposas

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An El Paso fashion icon shares her story!
Women’s Fund is pleased to share a congenial interview with Nan Napier of Tres Mariposas, originally a C.P.A. in profession – turned fashionista. Find out how this enterprising entrepreneur story came to be.

How long have you lived in El Paso?

Since 1965. The math is too hard for me to calculate so many years!

Where did you go to school?

Coronado High School and Southern Methodist University

How did you become interested in fashion? When did you enter the fashion business world?

I became interested in fashion because I was the middle daughter of three fashion-obsessed girls. I never even considered it as a career option. I did a sensible thing and became a C.P.A. upon graduation from SMU. Like most small business owners, I fell into my business. When I moved back to El Paso at age 24 my father-in-law offered me the opportunity to manage a "little boutique." I was too young and dumb to know better, so here I am! Lucky me

You own and operate one of the most popular and exclusive boutiques in El Paso. Where do you get your inspiration and what motivates you?

I love a challenge; I love a business that changes every day; I love the opportunity to mold a workplace into a fun as well as successful operation; I love the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our employees; I love sharing our profits with our employees.

You have become one of El Paso's fashion icons. What do you feel most comfortable wearing? What are some of your personal closet favorites? Why?

The longer you stay in fashion, the more you love luxury, which means my favorites right now are bright cashmere jackets from Escada. I can mix them up a million different ways.

Do you have a favorite handbag designer? Jewelry designer? Clothing designer?

Jude Frances is my favorite jewelry designer. The slogan for their line is "Everyday Diamonds." I probably bore people to death by wearing my favorite Jude Frances hoops with topaz briolettes. The good news is I can change the briolette / charm out, and I love the onyx briolettes too. Ellie Tahari is the most creative, fashion-focused designer. She amazes me season after season.

What are some style tips that you like to share with your customers?

Take fashion risks! Get out of your comfort zone. Try on styles you never think you would wear and see how you feel. Ask your friends where they would like to see you be more daring in fashion. It can't hurt, and it might be fun!

You give throughout this community in so many ways. What motivates you to do that? What inspired you to help the Women's Fund of El Paso and Power of the Purse specifically? Are there other philanthropies that are important to you?

I grew up in a community-oriented family. My mother was driving me to Newark Hospital in South El Paso when I was thirteen to take care of newborns. I thought that's what every family did. El Paso has amazing people that are involved in many community organizations and there are many that are very, very worthwhile. My daughter is very involved on an international basis. I have invariably gotten interested in her projects when she has been in places like Guana, Thialand, and Ecuador. Of course El Paso organizations started her on that path!

How and where do you like to relax?

I like the beach, the beach and more beach. I like to sit on the beach until all the thoughts are washed out of my brain. Well, then I love international travelling, which I get to do in chasing my kids around the globe. (I'm hoping to go to Japan where my son is in the next few months.) I love good books. I love massages. Oh, I could go on and on.

Congratulations on being recently married!

Yes, I did get married a little over a year ago after being single for eighteen years. Sammy Paredes is perfect for me because he lets me do my thing and be my self! Oh yeah, he's also perfect for me because he loves going on international trips with me to see my kids. (Marriage is all about me, right?)