With a funny and familiar name, Nacho Ann's Fabrics is Riverside's newest creative reuse store.
"Nacho Ann's is basically a diss track to the expensive price of Jo-Ann's," Teresa Buelna, owner of the fabric store, said.
The business was originally an online store, where Buelna began selling thrifted fabrics in February 2024. The online store started when a ton of fabrics fell onto her lap. She came across a social media post that was selling a large supply of fabric. The fabric originally belonged to a tailor from the '70s.
"If I just bought 10 tubs for $100, I would have fabric for an eternity," she said. "So, I went and I picked 10 tubs, I didn't even care what was in them."
For Buelna, the next step was getting advice from online fabric businesses. Buelna opened Nacho Ann's. However, the original name for the business was going to be "Seams Familiar," but ditched the idea when her husband reminded her of "Nacho Ann's."
"It probably wouldn't be as successful because the name wouldn't have been as catchy," she said.
Buelna describes the start-up months to be like a rollercoaster. Business was busy as more orders were being placed.
"What helped me be successful, is the way that I would describe the products," she said. "I don't care if it was a political joke, it would be the name of the fabric."
Buelna didn't anticipate the connection she'd build with her community.
"I'm a very vocal person, I'm not the kind of person who shies away from talking about current events and so my page wasn't just about fabrics."
Her social media pages centered on activism, inclusion and community.
"I started realizing how much I cared about the community that I was talking to," she said. "If I intend to have a store, I need to meet the people in the local community."
The business then transitioned into hosting in-person workshops. Buelna named the workshops "Dirty Art Brigade."
"The reason why I call it dirty is because so many people refer to thrift as being dirty and art of course and brigade just being a group of people with a common goal," she said.
The workshops took place in different locations starting in August 2024. At first it was difficult for Buelna to find affordable locations to rent. She explained that places would charge her up to $300 just to rent it for a few hours. This became difficult, because she didn't want to charge attendees a high price.
"I don't care about the people who could afford an $80 workshop, I want the people who could barely afford the $15 workshop because that's who I'm trying to reach."
"The workshops is what built the excitement for the actual shop," she said.
Nacho Ann's Fabrics, a creative reuse store at 3760 12th St. in Riverside, opened Feb. 7. From left: Workshop participants sew during a Couture Man Sewing event at the grand opening; shelves stocked with thrifted fabrics organized by type line the store's interior; and the store's A-frame sidewalk sign on 12th Street directs customers inside. (Marissa Perez)
The store opened in February. Buelna now invites artists to host their own workshops. The store sells fabric, tools and patterns.
More information: Nacho Ann's Fabrics is located at 3760 12th St., Riverside. Visit nachoanns.com and follow the store on Instagram at @nachoannsfabrics.
By Marissa Perez
