Cenia Paredes always knew she was meant to be a fashion designer. Long before she launched Cenia New York, her high-end women’s fashion brand, she spent her childhood in the Dominican Republic sketching dresses alongside her mother, a talented seamstress.
“I didn’t even know fashion design was a career,” Paredes shares. “We lived in the countryside, far from the fashion world, but I loved creating. When my aunt saw my sketches, she told me, ‘You’re going to be a fashion designer.’ That was the first time I realized this could be my future.”
With that dream in mind, Paredes pursued her passion relentlessly. After moving to the U.S. in 1990, graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York before working for top design houses, including her mentor, fellow Dominican, Oscar de la Renta’s lines. But despite working in the heart of the garment district, she always felt something was missing—clothing that truly fit women of all shapes and sizes.
Bridging the Gap in Women’s Fashion
Paredes’ journey as an entrepreneur began with a simple but game-changing realization: most fashion brands design with a “one shape fits all” mentality. As a woman with a curvier, pear-shaped figure, she struggled to find dresses that fit her properly.
“If it fit my bust, it was too tight on my hips. If it fit my hips, it was too loose on top,” she says. “I knew I wasn’t alone in this, and I wanted to create fashion that actually worked for real women’s bodies.”
Her designs quickly gained traction. What started as a side hustle selling to specialty boutiques turned into a booming business. In 2012, she won a coveted spot in the Workshop at Macy’s program, beating out 900 companies for a chance to sell her line in Macy’s stores nationwide.
Then came another breakthrough. Frustrated by jeans that never fit quite right, Paredes developed an innovative adjustable-waist jean, designed to accommodate different body shapes without the need for tailoring. The design was so revolutionary that she won HSN & QVC’s The Big Find competition, earning the chance to sell her jeans live on television.
“I had spent years altering my own jeans because they were always too big at the waist,” she explains. “I wanted to solve that problem for women everywhere.”
Bringing Luxury Fashion to Ridgewood
In 2023, Paredes opened her first Cenia New York flagship boutique in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The store offers her full line of designs, including elegant evening wear, tailored dresses, and her patented jeans—all crafted with the same dedication to fit and quality that made her brand a success.
Unlike department stores, Cenia New York provides a personalized shopping experience, something Paredes feels is missing in today’s retail world.
“I wanted to create a space where women can come in, get expert fit advice, and find pieces that truly flatter them,” she notes. “We also offer custom designs and special orders in over 150 colors and fabrics, something you won’t find at big-box retailers.”
Beyond her own brand, Paredes collaborates with women-owned jewelry and fashion designers, stocking her boutique with unique, artisan-made pieces that make perfect gifts.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Shop Local, Shop Thoughtful
With Mother’s Day around the corner, Cenia New York is the perfect place to find a unique and meaningful gift. Paredes has carefully curated a selection of fashion-forward pieces that go beyond the typical department store finds.
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Signature Fit Jeans – The perfect blend of comfort and style, designed to fit and flatter all body types.
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Custom Dresses – Made-to-order in over 150 colors and fabrics, ideal for the mom who loves something truly one-of-a-kind.
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Handcrafted Jewelry – A collection of stunning pieces from women-owned designers, featuring artisanal craftsmanship from around the world.
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Italian Leather Accessories – Beautiful, high-quality handbags and belts that add an elegant touch to any outfit.
“When you shop local, you’re not just buying a gift—you’re supporting artisans, designers, and small business owners who pour their passion into every piece,” Paredes says.
What’s Next for Cenia New York?
Paredes has big plans for her brand’s future. She is expanding her Mother of the Bride collection, offering elegant yet fashion-forward dresses that can be customized to fit each client’s style.
“I want to change the way people think about Mother of the Bride dresses,” she explains. “They should feel modern, elegant, and special—not like something off the rack.”
Looking further ahead, she has her sights set on franchising Cenia New York and opening locations across the country.
“I’ve spent years working directly with customers, and I know what they need,” she emphasizes. “Expanding the brand will allow more women to experience fashion that’s made for them.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For Paredes, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a statement of confidence. She encourages women to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles.
“Believe in yourself and your dreams with all your heart,” she says with a smile. “But dreaming isn’t enough—you have to take action. Get the skills, put in the work, and never give up. If you do that, anything is possible.”
With Cenia New York, Paredes is proving that fashion can be both beautiful and functional—designed for every woman, every shape, and every story.
Cenia New York
Address: 1 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood
Phone: (732) 357-0538
Website: cenianewyork.com
“But dreaming isn’t enough—you have to take action. Get the skills, put in the work, and never give up. If you do that, anything is possible.” - Cenia Paredes