Tessa Guerra, CEO, Roo & Me Children’s Boutique

What do you do? I am the owner of a children’s boutique in The Pearl. I design children’s wear, select all the merchandise for my store and work here as well.

Length of time at this job: My business has been up and running for four years.

What do you like best about your job? I love helping my customers find the perfect baby shower or birthday gift for a little one. I especially love it when they return to the store and tell me their gift was the hit of the shower or the little one’s favorite!

Education/Major: I have both a BFA and MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

What career path led you to where you are today? I specialized in children’s wear design and textiles during my graduate work. This led to my next step — creating a children’s store that is representative of my aesthetic.

Who were your mentors? I had two mentors while in school — my professors, Sarah K. and Bob Haven.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I have always wanted to be a Broadway actress.

What person do you most admire? My cousin Michael is my very best friend and someone I truly admire deeply. She is someone I can talk to about anything and everything, and she knows me best, better than anyone.

What are among your favorite social media apps? Instagram, Pinterest, Heads up and FIT Radio.

What do you enjoy doing on a day off? I love taking my dog for walks along the San Antonio River Walk, shopping at Target with my mom and spinning.

What is your favorite vacation? San Francisco, I left my heart there.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I love spinning, making healthy meals and hanging out with family and friends.

What book/books have you read lately? Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon and Vivienne Westwood by Ian Kelly.

What is your all-time favorite book? There’s an Alligator Under My Bed.

What’s the best movie you have seen in the last year? McFarland, USA.

What is you all-time favorite movie? It’s a toss-up — Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof and Toby Tyler.

What type of music do you like? R&B, John Legend and Beyonce.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally? My Mom and Dad.

What brought you to San Antonio? It was my store.

What do you like most about San Antonio? La Raza.

What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? Animal Rescue.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Bliss.

Do you have a favorite dish? Arroz con Pollo.

How do you find balance in your life – career, community and home life? I’m still working on it!

What is your favorite relaxation strategy? It’s spinning.

What are your goals? For myself, to live a happy and healthy life. For my store, to bring children’s wear to the next level in San Antonio.

People would be surprised to know that I … LOVE to put themed Lego sets together. I’m always helping my 6-year-old nephew.

What is the best advice you have ever received? From my Dad: “I don’t care what you do in life as long as what you do brings you happiness.”

Photography by Janet Rogers