Vianca Riascos, E-Commerce Manager at Equinox

I interact with many different teams as the Managing Editor at Equinox. Very early on, I connected with The Shop team — specifically with Vianca Riascos, the E-Commerce Manager, who’s been my go-to whenever I have any sort of retail-related question or concern. Not only is Vianca warm, organized, and so good at her job, but she’s also a fellow Latina.

When you connect with someone who shares a similar cultural background as you, you immediately feel seen and at ease. You take a deep breath and realize you’re not alone. This has always been my experience, whether I’m in a social setting or at the office. The same rang true when I met Vianca.

“To me, being Latina means being a source of strength, passion, and love for those around me,” shares Vianca, who is Taiwanese and Colombian. “I am so proud to be Latina.”

I’m so excited for you to meet her! Get to know this mujer de magia below.

Grace Gavilanes: Tell us about your career trajectory. Is there anything you would have done differently?

Vianca Riascos: I had just graduated from college at San Francisco State University and I was working part-time at the Apple Store in Palo Alto, California. My cousin told me there was an open temporary Site Merchandise Coordinator role at Macys.com in San Francisco. I thought, “Why not? I’ll go for it.” I got the job, eventually converted to a full-time employee, and that’s when my career in e-commerce kicked off. After Macy’s, I worked at Apple where I helped manage digital content for the online store globally across 38 countries and 27 languages. Then, I moved to New York City and started working as a Project Manager at an e-commerce agency called One Rockwell. Currently, I am the E-Commerce Manager at Equinox where I manage the entire retail website.

I wouldn’t have done anything differently because I believe everything that happened in my career was meant to happen that way and I’m grateful for all the people and experiences I’ve gained along the way.

GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life? 

VR: The professional accomplishment that I am most proud of in my life is working at Apple. I am not one to give myself a lot of credit, and at the time, I wouldn't immediately disclose that I worked at Apple because I downplayed my accomplishments and didn’t put much importance to them. Now, I look back and I realize I had an opportunity of a lifetime to work at one of the top companies in the world. Amidst all the adversity I’ve experienced in my life and feeling like odds were against me, I am especially proud of myself receiving recognition for my hard work, gaining invaluable knowledge, and lifelong friends at Apple. 

The personal accomplishment that I am most proud of is moving to New York City from the Bay Area, alone. The thought of living alone was already a scary thought, but moving thousands of miles away from everything and everyone I know, was even scarier. Making this jump was daunting, but I knew it was necessary for personal growth and it turned out to be the best decision of my life. It forced me to embrace new challenges, put myself out there, find community, and new opportunities. Since moving to NYC, self-doubt has eroded, and I’ve gained a new confidence I hadn’t felt when living in the Bay Area. Now, I approach new challenges with tenacity, grit, and optimism because I trust myself that I can pave my own way.

GG: What advice would you give to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?

VR: One of my favorite quotes says, “When you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” If you don’t feel like you’re learning or growing, it’s time to put yourself in an environment that will challenge you to think more critically and drive innovation. Always stay curious, believe in yourself, be your biggest advocate, and be authentic. Also! Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Humility shows your willingness to learn and shows that you’re open to constructive criticism. I believe all of these things will take you far in life. 

GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?

VR: 100%. I sometimes discount my achievements for luck and have the tendency to downplay them. I defy negative thoughts by writing affirmations to remind myself that I am successful because of my own hard work, my capabilities, and my intelligence. I wasn’t given these opportunities, I earned them.

GG: Being Colombian and Taiwanese, how do you honor and celebrate your culture?

VR: I celebrate by eating at restaurants around the city, cooking my favorite home-cooked meals that remind me of my childhood, dancing to salsa, speaking Spanish, and visiting Colombia every year!

GG: What does being Latina mean to you?

VR: To me, being Latina means being a source of strength, passion, and love for those around me. I am so proud to be Latina.

GG: What would you tell 15-year-old Vianca right now if you had the opportunity?

VR: Don’t let your past define you. You’re more than capable of making anything you want happen in your life. And stop saying sorry!!!