The Bronx Puerto Rican Parade committee named Embroidery Zone owner Estrella Negron its Businesswoman of the Year at the 21st Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, May 17.
Negron founded Embroidery Zone, located at 2849 Middletown Road, five-years ago. The business was founded with her husband Colbert, who works in federal law enforcement. Her son Colbert III often pitches in to help his parents.
When it began, Embroidery Zone was more of a hobby. Today the business has hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue and is considered the go-to place in the area for custom shirts and jackets with personalized logos. The shop does all types of embroidering and screen-printing.
Negron has remained grateful about all her success, and this latest recognition from the parade committee.
“I am surprised that I will be marching in the parade,” Negron said. “I think it is an honor to be marching along with so many powerful and influential Hispanic business people. To be recognized in the borough of the Bronx, with all of the other businesses they could have chosen, is a real honor.”
Negron said that she embroidered sashes for the parade this year and last, and will attend the parade with her family.
“My boys [husband and son] are going to be there; I don’t do anything without my family,” Negron said before the parade.
As for Embroidery Zone, Negron said that the business grew out of a hobby that kept her occupied while she was a stay-at-home mom.
Prior to owning her own business, she worked for Chase Manhattan Bank from 1989 to 1998, attaining the rank of assistant vice-president. She grew up in Pelham Bay, where she attended P.S. 71 and resided on Edison Avenue. She often spent time with family in Puerto Rico. She currently lives with her family in Co-op City. In addition to her son Colbert III, Negron has a 21-year-old daughter named Selena.
“Our business has grown through word-of-mouth, and our product speaks for itself,” Negron said. “I get to be my own boss, and my family runs the business with me. At the same time, if I have to run to Villa Maria Academy to pick up my son, I am nearby. I have met some wonderful customers over the course of the past few years, many of whom have become my friends.”
Colbert III said that he is proud of his mother.
“My mom has accomplished a lot in her work and really does deserve to be honored,” he said.
To reach Embroidery Zone, call (718) 430 – 1100 or visit them on the web at www.bxembzone.com.
