photos courtesy Sara Alarcon
Sara Alarcon is proof that a new outfit can inspire confidence and, in her case, a new beginning. On the run from an abusive boyfriend with her 10-month-old daughter in tow, she found herself in Texas 14 years ago with only her car, wallet, and two small boxes of clothes. She soon faced another obstacle when she began working at a San Antonio car dealership that required business casual attire she didn’t have. “When I got my first paycheck, I went to Kohl’s and got just a cheap blazer but, holy heck, when I put it on, I remember feeling so good because it was mine and it was my first professional job.”
I was doing something for me and Misa by myself. That blazer will always be in my head—something about that was a foundational moment…I realized I’ve got this. I can do this on my own. I can start over. I had taken my power back.
That shot of confidence not only helped Sara meet a job requirement—it emboldened her to build a new life for herself and her daughter, launch a clothing boutique, and ultimately, share her story with the world.
It is a story she has heard many times from other women, of feeling too afraid to speak up about domestic and sexual abuse and masking pain with a smile. Having grown up in an Arizona home untouched by drug addiction, 16-year-old Sara wasn’t prepared for the summer romance that turned violent when her boyfriend collided with meth. “When I was 17, there had been instances where I woke up in a hospital by myself,” she says. “I felt alone. I didn’t tell anyone because he said there would be consequences, and he would find me if I ever left him. I was too scared.”
Over time, the violence escalated and Sara was raped; she ultimately chose to give life to a daughter, Merlissa “Misa” Jane. They fled to Texas to live with her brother, where her ex fulfilled his promise of coming after her, leading her to seek refuge in a marriage that ended in another heartbreak. Her now-husband Tyler Alarcon became her “saving grace” after her divorce, when she finally felt at peace to tell her story to her parents and immediate family. Today, the couple is on a mission to break the cycle of abuse by raising four strong daughters who are all aware of the realities of domestic and sexual abuse.
A VISION BEYOND CLOTHING
One of Sara’s daughters is already helping further that mission through fashion. Misa, now 11 years old, has been lovingly doodling eclectic outfits and embellishing model sketches since she was four. She announced to her mom one day that she wanted to go to fashion design school, a creative flair she may have inherited from Sara, who used to sell hair bows and dresses on Etsy. Wanting to encourage her daughter’s dream, Sara figured, “Why wait?” and launched Misa Jane Boutique online in 2018. Together, the mother daughter team sells modern bohemian clothes and accessories with a feminine twist.
CONCRETE GROWTH
This April, Misa Jane Boutique added a brick and mortar location.
When Tyler walked into the Southern Sun Boutique on Town Center Boulevard in Jarrell in search of a gift for Sara, he noticed the shop didn’t offer many clothes or accessories. Unlike her previous husband, who gave her an ultimatum, “Your business or me and your family,” Tyler is one of Misa Jane Boutique’s biggest cheerleaders—he asked if his wife could sell some of her merchandise in the store. “We can do that,” the owner said, “or you can just buy this place.” Less than two weeks later, the couple had the keys to Misa Jane’s new location.
It was a scary decision that turned into a blessing, Sara says, because it was easy to overlook her business sometimes when it was just online. Being in a physical location helped her focus on the boutique, get to know the Jarrell community, and discover the need to empower abuse victims during a time when their voices are often muffled. “At the end of the day, I might have my story out there, but it’s not about me,” she says. “It’s about taking a stand for other women, other people, men too, who don’t feel like they have a voice. My mission is to remind women and young girls that they are worthy, valued, loved beyond measure, and never alone. We can do this together.”
GIVING FORWARD
A portion of all Misa Jane proceeds is donated to charities with a mission to transform society’s response to domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation, support survivors’ healing, and end that violence forever. Sara plans to collaborate with the Jarrell Police Department on self-defense classes for women and teenage girls, as well as Pastor Jake at Wayfinders Church to add a drop-off center at the boutique for clothing and supply donations for women’s shelters.
Catch Misa Jane Boutique’s grand opening from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 11. She promises an afternoon of fun with games, music, bounce houses, vendors, Touch a Truck with the Jarrell Fire Department, swag bag giveaways, a cocktail bar, and other fun activities. Military and first responders will receive 30 percent off merchandise.
Misa Jane Boutique • 181 Town Center Blvd. Suite 200 • Jarrell, TX 76537 • misajane.com