An Interview With Martita Mestey
Failures are wins too, if you learn from them. I was rejected from my dream scholarship to Paris in college when I thought I’d win, but in the end, I learned that it redirected me to not only work harder but that I also needed to elevate my designs even more. I remember having a weak interview for the scholarship, and it taught me that I need to be able to walk into a room and communicate and own who I am.
As a part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing R’Bonney Gabriel.
R’Bonney Gabriel was the first Filipino-American to hold both the coveted titles of Miss USA and Miss Universe. Gabriel used her reign to advocate for ethical practices on a global level in the fashion industry by using upcycled and sustainable textiles to transform discarded material into beautifully handmade garments. In her spare time, she teaches sewing classes to women who have survived human trafficking and domestic violence, which helps them find sustainable careers through Houston-based non-profit; Magpies and Peacocks. Now that she has passed her crown on, Gabriel will continue cultivating her eponymous line — R’Bonney Nola — with her one-of-kind collection of upcycled blazers and her internationally known tees, “If Not Now, Then When”.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Igrew up in Houston with an open-minded outlook on life. Houston is so special to me and home to every culture and ethnicity. My high school experience was such a great time in my life. There was such a melting pot of students and I was fortunate to be friends with so many people with varied cultural backgrounds. I had several diverse groups of friends because I played volleyball, was in band and played the oboe and active in the yearbook class. This upbringing shaped me to accept everyone for who they are and showed me the beauty of so many people.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
My clothing brand R’Bonney Nola is all about creating eco-friendly pieces. The fashion industry is the 2nd largest polluting industry in the world, and I want to be part of changing those statistics. All of my clothing is made from pre-loved items, upcycled clothing, or sustainable pieces. I grew up thrifting/vintage shopping and I still love it, because it’s where I get most of my items and inspiration for my designs.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
I started sewing at age 15. My mother always took me thrift and vintage shopping to buy clothes. I loved it because I would always find unique pieces that would never fit me, so my mom would alter them on the sewing machine. She was the first to introduce me to how to take something and make it into my own- which is where I started up upcycling without even realizing it. After sewing for five years, I watched a documentary on the issue of pollution in the fashion industry, which opened up my eyes to issues within the fashion industry. From that day on, I realized I needed to be a part of the solution to make fashion more sustainable.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
That’s a great question — when I first got into pageantry, I participated in smaller, local competitions — and kept getting second place or runner-up. I had multiple periods where I wanted to give up or questioned if I should throw in the towel. Losing taught me a lot about myself, and I knew if I were to give up, the “what if?” question would linger a lot longer than the feeling of giving up. There was a moment in my life where I had to decide if I wanted to try one more time — or just accept my losses. I got up there and tried one last time, before I knew I’d age out, and ended up winning Miss Texas USA. That would for sure be my “aha” moment of knowing I am capable of accomplishing anything I set my heart and mind to. That decision shaped my life, and I was able to continue on and win Miss USA 2022, then eventually Miss Universe 2022.
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
I interned for 3 different fashion designers so I could learn the industry inside and out; and what it takes to run a business. I also studied multiple designers on YouTube and watched countless interviews. I also attended sustainable fashion conferences and even participated in multiple fashion shows to network with photographers, artists, designers — you name it — to constantly expand my knowledge, portfolio, and just overall network! Constantly trying to immerse myself in the industry and keep an open mind and learn more. I never want to stop learning.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
During my reign as Miss Universe, I really honed in on what it is I wanted to bring to the world. I knew the title would only be for a year — but I knew that I was destined to create something to not only jumpstart my own individual career; but that would last past my time as a title holder. I began working on my Boss Blazer Collection to keep my mind focused, because I knew how bittersweet it would be once my time with the organization was over. I’m not sure if people realize what a life-altering shift it is once your contract ends. I knew I wanted to maintain both my work ethic and connections so that it would make the transition as smooth as possible. There have already been a few moments that have been a little tough mentally. I’ve certainly had periods of feeling lost, but having something to call my own and having this project to work on has been so incredibly fun and rewarding.
It has been said, that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from that?
In the early design days, I used to embroider my own “If not now, then when?” quotes onto my clothing — and it was a very time consuming task. I would get extremely excited while making them, but there were a few times after where I thought I was done, but then I’d quickly realize they were either upside-down or backwards. It was definitely a humbling experience and taught me to be more thorough and intentional in my work, never try and rush anything or sacrifice quality for quantity. Since then, I’m all about quality work and attention to detail. I make sure to take the time to notice and appreciate all the hard work that not only goes into my own designs, but other artists, as well.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
Of course, I did! There are far too many to name them all, but one person in particular stands out and that’s my girl, Anna. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her influence and her pushing me every day to challenge and better myself. She saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself, and was the first person to mention that I could compete and be successful. She trained me so much during my pageant life and has invested so much of her time helping me with my clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Absolutely. Many things can be done at different levels.
On a government level, more laws could be passed to enforce sustainability, not only in fashion but in general.
Recycling should be made more accessible in communities.
Everyone could shop at more second-hand stores and support sustainable brands like, R’Bonney Nola.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
As someone who owns a small business, I feel it’s important to inform people about the importance of sustainability because it allows them to become a part of the movement for a better future. I’m learning that people are buying my product because they want to support not only me and my goals, but also believe in sustainable and eco-friendly designs.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. Always trust your gut. I’ve made design decisions where I listened to others opinions and the product didn’t do or sell well — I’ve learned to trust my creative instincts.
2. Don’t let other people’s opinions define who you are. This is something I learned throughout my pageant journey — I tried to be perfect, speak differently, and even dress in a different style and I found that was when my confidence was at my lowest.
3. Surround yourself with positive and like-minded people. I wouldn’t be where I am without my inner circle — I’ve learned how influential they can be in your everyday life — my coaches and mentors have reframed my mindset to believe we should never put a limit on ourselves — and learning that has opened up a world of opportunities that have changed my life.
4. Not every opportunity is a good opportunity. I used to think that everything that comes my way, I should pursue. But, I’ve learned to think thoroughly before moving forward or making decisions — I am working on being more intentional in my actions.
5. Failures are wins too, if you learn from them. I was rejected from my dream scholarship to Paris in college when I thought I’d win, but in the end, I learned that it redirected me to not only work harder but that I also needed to elevate my designs even more. I remember having a weak interview for the scholarship, and it taught me that I need to be able to walk into a room and communicate and own who I am.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I believe we all have a personal duty to contribute back to the world, and when you make a positive impact it gives you purpose, meaning, and energy; I think we could all use some good in our lives.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
It would have to be “If not now, then when?”. It is THE quote that I grew up hearing from my father. He inspired me to create a line of t-shirts with the quote. This is to inspire every single person who wears them, to not wait on their dreams. It also has taught me to always take action with my goals immediately, and never put it off until tomorrow. Because tomorrow can turn into the next day, and then the next and so on, and then may never happen. The message is so simple, yet strong and hope this is a constant reminder to others to never procrastinate on the things we want in life. We should always hold ourselves accountable to take action now.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Ah, great question! Right now, I’d love to link up with Rihanna. She is such an icon. She’s managed to expand her career from not only being a musician, but into a business woman, makeup mogul, fashion icon, and her own lingerie/clothing line. I love and respect her focus on inclusivity in ALL of her brands! It’s VERY inspiring and refreshing to see.
How can our readers follow you online?
Everyone can check out my site rbonneynola.com and I’m really active on all social platforms; instagram/tik tok/youtube @RbonneyNola. Come say “HI!”
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How R’Bonney Gabriel Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.