Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Ramos.
Hi Ramon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When my grandma passed away back in 2019 I felt very sad and couldn’t find a way of coping with her leaving this earth. Although I knew I’d see her again and that she was probably better than I was, it was still a heartbreaking memory. Then the pandemic hit and it just made things worse. I wasn’t able to visit my family in Mexico because the borders were closed, it seemed like COVID was taking more lives away every day and all I could do was wear a face mask and not leave my house, I felt useless.
One time, during quarantine, I was looking at a photo album my mother had sent me from Mexico and several pictures of my “Abuela” was there. I started looking at all her outfits and how the clothes she wore were part of her essence and that’s when the idea of starting a handcrafted clothing business hit me. It was a magical moment where I finally felt connected to my roots, my ancestors and I felt useful in keeping my Abuela’s memory alive. I started working towards this dream and slowly developed my mission, my vision, and everything that there is behind the business.
I was sure I wanted to name it after my Abuela so I decided to go for “La Juana Salt Lake”. What is funny is that my Abuela actually never liked her name, in fact, she changed it to Yolanda Cruz, because she said there were too many Juanas in her city and she wanted to be different. Maybe, I should’ve gone with her chosen name for the store, but I think Juana really brings out the essence of Mexican roots and family bonds.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Because it all started as a small business idea, I tried keeping it very simple. I opened a social media page and started showing what I had to offer. My first clients were friends who were from Mexico but couldn’t afford to buy the handcrafted clothing they sell here because sometimes it is overpriced. And then I started selling more and more, people liked me because I would go to their homes and show my products instead of having them come to me. I’d say my biggest source of income came from friends telling friends, it was crazy how many people were contacting me.
Although I was lucky to have clients, during the pandemic it was hard to get it going since I couldn’t really go out much and I didn’t have the means to rent a location to display my pieces. Festivals or other events where I would’ve had this opportunity were not happening and it seemed like a dead-end, but I never gave up. Little by little things started working out and until today I still think my Abuela helped me get past all the obstacles.
After my brand started expanding to other audiences, not only Latinos, my next big challenge was the language. I barely spoke any English and communicating was very hard. Several friends helped me to respond properly during this time and I’ve made significant efforts to learn the language faster, right now I am more confident and although I don’t speak it perfectly, at least I can understand and people understand me back.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always been very passionate about arts, particularly theater. I think there is life on stage and being able to express through plays is one of the most beautiful gifts life has given me. I studied graphic design in Mexico and opened my theater school when I lived there. We had many students of young ages attend and we would present several plays throughout the year, the kids loved being in that environment and I felt like I was helping them find their potential through acting.
In Mexico, we tend to underestimate the power of theater but I think it is important that we teach future generations to appreciate this art. Coming to the US was a tough decision for me because I knew it meant I had to close my school, and although I didn’t want to leave my students alone they were all very supportive and understanding. Until today I treasure every single one of them in my heart. I know I can have a better impact on my society and family in a country where opportunities are given, and there is no better place to restart a life than in the United States.
My parents always allowed me to be who I wanted to be, and never followed any stereotypes for “boys” and “girls”. If I wanted to paint they’d let me paint, if I wanted to draw they’d let me draw. If I wanted to try soccer then they’d let me too, there really played a big role in the path of becoming that I went through, and in the same way through art, I express what I am with no fear of judgment.
I do photography, design, drawings, clothing crafting, dancing. Overall, I dream and I make my own dreams come true. I’d say I am my own prince charming, with a great support system being my friends and family. I don’t wait for things to happen, if I want them I put in the effort. I am not afraid of failing, failure is just a step closer to success and I am not scared of starting from zero over and over.
How do you define success?
I think success can be defined in many aspects of life, but it is mostly based on a person’s happiness. For someone who is really into financing and dreams to work for one big firm, I might not look successful, but for me, I am because I am doing what I am passionate about sending a message I believe in.
Success is a mental state, you decide when you’re being successful and what you need to do to get to that point. Each person has different goals and aspirations and success shouldn’t be defined in a global way based on your income or your position, it should be based on your happiness and joy.
Pricing:
- Ranges between 25-50$.
Contact Info:
- Email: lajuanasaltlake@gmail.com and ramos0292@gmail.com
- Website: lajuanaropaartesanal.simplesite.com/449781109
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lajuanasl2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lajuanasl2/
