TAKE FIVE:ECATERINA
Posted (05/22/2011) A Majeur Series ©
Lights, camera, action and the film starts rolling. Get the cast prepped and wardrobed, answer the cell phone and don't forget the fashion show. Leave the set and make sure you drop by and kiss the baby goodnight, then off to the next appointment. Life can be hectic but most exciting and rewarding. That is, if you're Ecaterina Perez. I was able to catch this busy-body recently and had the pleasure to interview her, as she shared some of her personal views, experiences and inspirations.
Majeur: Tell me about yourself:
Ecaterina: Well, I first fell in love with dancing when I was 8 years old after my mother enrolled me in Jazzercise and did that for a few years until I got into singing at the age of 13.I did talent shows in school and out of school until I started acting a couple of years later. I jumbled those three talents for a while until I got into fashion.
Majeur: Are these the experiences that led you into the art of designing?Ecaterina: Yes, all of them lead into fashion, film making, writing, and everything in between!
Majeur: Do you consider yourself successful?
Ecaterina: I do, I have done a lot since coming out into the fashion scene. Especially with film making, I used to keep to myself and just design for my closest friends and family. Something told me that maybe it was time to bust out into the public eye and put myself out there in all aspects of what I do. So here I am and I have met tons of amazing people!
Majeur: What have you done different this year to improve your work or designs?
Ecaterina: I have met new designers and see how they have used different techniques, and just sew until my fingers fall off or I have holes from straight pins.
Majeur: I know that you work in many different arts, which one are you drawn to the most? And why?
Ecaterina: To be honest, I can't chose any one in particular though I have gravitated towards film making, because not only has San Antonio not been able to get off the ground into Hollywood and make a name for ourselves, but it's a challenge to find good talent. In Fashion, I've seen that there are tons of designers here in SA.
Majeur: What is your greatest accomplishment?
Ecaterina: That's a toughie because I actually have two! Becoming an exclusive designer for Bikini Colada Swim wear and having a start up production company for film making.
Majeur: Tell me about your dream, related to your work:
Ecaterina: My dream is to end up Hollywood doing either or, the areas of design, film, writing, acting, etc. I'd love to be able to create something that someone loves to wear on a daily basis and they can't leave home without it. Or have someone come up to me and say, "I loved that film you did....." or "I just saw that film you did and I bawled my eyes out!"
Majeur: What goals have you set in order to reach those dreams?Ecaterina: I have high hopes in starting a small ready to wear line and go from there, expanding and letting others learn about me in fashion outside of San Antonio. I have also started writing a novel and boy once you start writing, you can't stop with the ideas! I also would like to start getting into the film festivals and hopefully one day make it to Cannes Film Festival and go for awards.
Majeur: What is more important to you, the money or your work?Ecaterina: I think money always plays a factor in anything anyone does, but I've done so many projects where I don't get even get paid and realized I love the work I do. But let’s face it, money will have to eventually come into play because the materials we use to create art are not free and in San Antonio, there are not that many people willing to help you out like they are in Cali.
Majeur: What or who has inspired you the most?
Ecaterina: In my eyes, everyone and everything inspires me. There are three people to be honest. My grandmother is my inspiration, for getting into fashion and becoming successful in it. I know if she could just see me now, she'd be excited in how far I've gotten. In film, a dear friend of mine who is younger than me has been my inspiration and goes by Sam. She's so passionate in what she does that filming is her life. She strives to be someone amazing and that to me, is amazing enough! Then there is my mother who raised my brother and me, by herself. She inspires me to be amazing and maybe one day I can pay her back.
Majeur: What has been your biggest disappointment?
Ecaterina: Seeing that talent of acting here in SA isn't as high as I thought it would be. So many of them expect everything up front and not only that, but its talent besides actors. No one gets what they want from the start and we all have to start from the bottom and work our way up. So many actors today have paid their dues and worked hard to get where they are.
Majeur: You recently were the feature designer for Fiesta Do! 2011 fashion show. How did you handle that?
Ecaterina: I don't think it really sank in until the week of, when I realized that I had to get all those garments in and get with the models to fit them. It was insane but when it came down to the show and the insanity calmed down, it all paid off. I was thrilled and excited to see the models wearing my garments. It was the greatest feeling!
Majeur: I know that there was a part of Fiesta Do! 2011 dedicated to your grandmother, tell me about that and what it meant to you?
Ecaterina: It was so awesome to know that she was hearing from up above and my mother was in the audience, she was so happy that I included my grandmother. My grandmother taught me a lot, and everything I do in fashion will be for her. It meant the world to me and I was so thankful, I felt I owed it to my grandmother.
Majeur: What was your reaction when you saw your work for Fiesta Do 2011 in the San Antonio Express News newspaper?
Ecaterina: I had to make sure I wasn't dreaming! I was definitely excited and felt I broke out into the fashion world in SA with a bang.
Majeur: What is the current project you’re working on? (Briefly tell me: when, where and what is the cause)
Ecaterina: I have a film that I'm working on and Bikini Colada; we will be having our launch fashion show on July 8th at Rumi Lounge.
Majeur: I know you are also a proud mother of a gorgeous 3yr old, how do you manage filming, design and motherhood?
Ecaterina: To be honest, I have no idea!! I do have a wonderful and spectacular mother who helps me out. My son goes to school, so during that time I get as much done as I can. It's tough but he's my world so I do everything for him.
Majeur: One final question, what is your philosophy?
Ecaterina: Do what you love to do from the heart! When you expect nothing in return because it's you're passion, the outcome will be that you get more in return.
For more information on Ecaterina Perez, see "Designers" on this website, to see her Fiesta Do! 2011 collection, see Fiesta Do!out Us
