Glam but first coffeeAn exclusive interview with the Petite fashion Brand’s Leon USA founder. Finding clothes that truly fit when you’re petite can feel like an endless struggle — sleeves too long, waists in the wrong place, and proportions that just don’t work. Firstly, that is why I have started to interview different Petite fashion brand founders before.
Secondly, that’s exactly why petite-dedicated fashion brands like LEON USA are changing the industry for short women worldwide. In this exclusive interview with the founder of LEON USA, we dive into how the brand was born, what makes their designs truly petite-friendly, and how they are redefining fit for women under 5’4”.
Whether you’re searching for petite clothing that finally fits, aspiring to build a fashion brand, or simply love behind-the-scenes founder stories, this interview will inspire and inform your style journey.
Tell me more about yourself. What did you do before launching your Petite fashion brand?
Before launching Leon, I was a sophomore in university studying business and journalism. I’ve
always been creative and extremely solutions-oriented, my teeth would literally grind at the
designs I’d see in stores and then my soul would shatter when nothing fit me. Dramatic? A bit.
But I don’t stay in problems too long.
Entrepreneurship is literally in my blood. My parents have been together building a transportation and logistics business for 30 years, not the easiest industry and as the eldest, I grew up watching them turn problems into opportunities. Leadership and creating things from scratch is second nature to me. My grandmother and great-grandmother were successful businesswomen in Colombia, and my father was an entrepreneur in the Dominican Republic at a young age. So it’s generational.
At 18, I had a vision and went abroad to China to meet my first supplier, and started learning
manufacturing firsthand, all during a study-abroad program. That trip was the spark, and that’s
where Leon was born!
How did you come up with the idea of creating your brand? What was the reason for starting your Petite fashion brand?
The idea came from endless in-store visits that always ended the same way: I either didn’t like
the designs, or nothing fit me. Eventually I got tired of choosing between bad options, so I
started sewing and making my own pieces. Then I got deep into YouTube tutorials, learning
everything from stitching to pattern tweaks.
My friends became my first models, my sisters and cousins helped me with early production,
and I built the website myself. Little by little, Leon came to life, a brand created out of personal
necessity and to fill a genuine gap in the market.
How tall are you? And what are the most common stereotypes about Petite women?
I’m 4’11. One of the biggest stereotypes is that Petite women are all one size like a “one-size-fits-all XS.” As a Latina woman, I can tell you that’s not true. I’m petite and curvy, and I often wear a medium. Petite is about height, not size.
At Leon, we make it a point to highlight the different types of Petite bodies, all under 5’5, whether they’re curvy, athletic, slim, or balanced. Petite women are diverse, and our clothes reflect that. Online we offer a smart Petite Fit Quiz that curates personalized Leon sizing recommendations for every customer, taking the guesswork out of finding your fit.
What fashion struggles have you personally experienced as a Petite woman?
My biggest fashion struggle has always been pants. They were always too long, no matter the
store, no matter the brand. I eventually gave up and started wearing a lot of pencil skirts, which I
ended up loving, but there was definitely a time when no retailer could get my pant length right.
Now I just create my own and problem solved!
Have you experienced any non-fashion struggles as a Petite woman — in the workplace, dating, or daily life?
Honestly, I can’t say I’ve had major issues in the workplace or dating. Either I haven’t noticed
them, or I just don’t give them energy. My mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother were all
Petite women who ran successful businesses and raised big families — my mom is one of six,
and so am I. I’ve always followed their lead. Our unofficial family motto is: I lead, they follow. It
just works.
I also don’t get questioned much because people can feel when someone is grounded. I’m
quick to say “I don’t know,” but when I’m confident about something, I don’t doubt myself so no
one else does either.
But the real struggle? Top shelves in my own apartment. That has become increasingly
animated. Tiptoeing is not enough and there’s usually a mini performance involved LOL
Tell me more about Leon — your Petite brand. What is the style of your clothes, and who is it for?
Leon is a fashion–tech brand dedicated to solving real fit problems for Petite women. We
combine design with technology including virtual try-ons, fit quizzes, and data-driven recommendations to help our Petite customers find the right fit every time.
Our aesthetic is chic, intentional, and engineered for proportion. Every piece is designed to
flatter the Petite frame: we lean into vertical lines instead of horizontal, precisely cut blazers that
elongate the neck and upper body, open-back silhouettes, and low-rise pants that balance
proportions. Nothing is accidental, every detail is thought through.
I design with purpose and ensure that every detail serves a function. I’m also deliberately
intentional about our designs, from the buttons to the placement of a zipper or pocket.
Everything at Leon exists to make a Petite woman’s life easier. And now we’re expanding into
accessories and new categories that fit seamlessly into our Petite universe. I’m really excited for
what’s coming next!
What price point does Leon have, and do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship internationally and are constantly working out the logistics to make it seamless.
We’re already planning our first international presence abroad in 2027, which is incredibly
exciting.
Our price point is intentionally affordable. Typically, tailoring adds $15–$25 per piece, but we cut
that out entirely by creating clothes that fit perfectly from the start. Leon is all about making
high-quality, well-fitted Petite clothing accessible — no compromises, no extra cost.
If you could sell or promote only one item from your collection, which one would it be and why?
My instant favorite is the High Tea Blazer, which I designed about two years ago. I wear it all the
time! it’s chic, comfortable, and flattering on the Petite frame. It’s the kind of piece that looks amazing in person and in pictures, and it really embodies the Leon ethos: thoughtful design, perfect fit, and effortless style.
Have you had any struggles or problems with the Petite fashion brand?
What were they, and how did you overcome them?
Like many brands, COVID-19 was a major challenge. I paused operations for about two years. It
was hard, because I missed my brand, but I used that time to gather inspiration behind the
scenes.
When I restarted, finding reliable new suppliers was a struggle. It took about a year to settle into
the right partnership. Manufacturing is always a trial-and-error process, especially when
designing for Petite proportions, but once you find the right team, it’s worth every challenge.
Now, Leon’s production is stable, and the experience made the brand stronger.
What is your vision and goals for 2026? Any new Petite fashion launches or special surprises?
2026 is going to be a huge year for Leon! We’re launching our very first perfume in February,
which is a dream come true! I’m also planning our Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter collections,
so there’s always something new in the works.
Also, we’re partnering with major retailers next year, which is a big milestone, and we’re even
planning for 2027! The fashion world moves fast, but that’s part of the thrill. Our goal is to
continue creating thoughtful, flattering pieces for Petite women while expanding our brand
internationally.
What would you tell other Petite women who want to start a Petite fashion brand or business? How do they get confidence, strength, and motivation?
My advice is simple: just start. Don’t wait to feel ready. I love this mentality from a motivational
video I saw: start it broke, start it hungry, just start it!
Whether it’s a business, a relationship, or even a new book, jump in! You owe it to yourself to
give it a try. If it succeeds, amazing!! If it fails, even better, you learn. When you start over, you
have experience, self-knowledge, and clarity about what you want and how to get there.
I always use myself as a reference point. Trying new things constantly lets me track progress,
pinpoint what works, and understand what doesn’t and that’s far more valuable than just reading
about someone else’s journey. Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.
Your TOP 3 Petite fashion brands/retailers
Leon draws a lot of inspiration from 70s style — I’m obsessed with the hairstyles, vintage details, and even hat boxes (which Leon is launching soon!). I also love seeing my mom’s style from the 70s in Colombia: vests, button-ups, and long pencil or mermaid skirts — super chic and timeless.
Your must-know style tip for Petite women
Length and proportion are everything. Finding pieces that fit your height correctly from
shoulders to waist to hem, instantly elevates your look. Vertical lines, tailored cuts, and
high–impact details make a Petite frame look balanced. At Leon, every piece is designed with
these principles in mind, so you look confident without trying too hard.
Also, we’re launching something really exciting: the Petite Fit Kit. It’s an on-the-go tailoring kit
to help you hem or adjust your non-Leon clothing so it fits perfectly. From cinching your favorite
top to pinning the sides of your jeans for a snugger fit, the Petite Fit Kit is going to be your new
bestie!
Anything else we must know about you and your brand?
Absolutely! We are currently fundraising to support our expansion! We’re looking forward to
collaborating with investors who believe in our mission and can help us bring Leon to broader
international markets.
LEON USA proves that petite women no longer have to settle for “almost fitting” fashion. With thoughtful design, real understanding of proportions, and a clear mission to serve short women, the brand is setting a new standard in the petite fashion industry. If you’ve ever struggled to find jeans, blazers, or dresses that truly fit your frame, LEON USA is a brand worth watching — and wearing.
If you enjoyed this interview with the founder of LEON USA, don’t forget to bookmark this post, share it with your petite friends, and explore more petite fashion guides, brand interviews, and styling tips for short women here on the blog. Your perfect fit starts with the right knowledge — and the right brands.
