Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Ramos.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, this all started 8 years ago! I was working for a greeting card company in Los Angeles, California and I was a creative developer which I got to design and illustrate greeting cards and apps. I was with that company for 3 years and I had in mind that I will grow old with that company. The company decided to close the L.A. office and it was the saddest time in my life!
I felt like I broke up with a boyfriend and I was crying not knowing what would be my next job. While I was applying for jobs I took the time to explore what my ideal job would be. I knew that I wanted to continue illustrating, creating fun, cute artwork and that’s when I found textile design. What is a textile design you ask? textile design is creating designs and patterns for woven and knitted fabrics, carpeting, upholstery and other patterned or printed surfaces.
I started looking at blogs, took some online classes to learn how to create repeat patterns and once I learned I took off! I had a goal that I would create patterns and put together a portfolio so I can attend this event in New York that it’s all about textile and surface designs. My goal was to show my portfolio get some feedback and network with other amazing, creative people.
I wanted to see if people would love my artwork so I started using some online shops where you can upload your artwork on some templates like T-shirts, bags, rugs, and blankets. People started purchasing my art and then I was ok I need to turn this into a business. I decided to open my Etsy shop in 2015 and the service I was providing was creating cute save the date illustrations. I used social media to promote my work and I was reached out by a wedding magazine that wanted to feature my save the dates illustrations as 2016 save the dates trends.
I was so excited and it gave me a little more exposures. I continue doing my save the dates and then I started to explore the whole enamel pin world. I decided to create some cute pins which my first one was a cute space unicorn, then a zombie unicorn, then my two sisters sugar skull girls. Then I started exploring embroidery!! Embroidery for me is time to relax and just have time to clear my head from all the stress from my full-time job and life. Oh! I forgot to mention that I’m doing all this while I’m working full-time at my 9-5 job, also being a mother and a wife.
So blessed to have my husband helping me out and being so supportive. So going back to embroidery I decided to create fun, creative, latina, and sassy embroidery. My business is still growing and I’m always challenging myself to be fearlessly creative.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. While I’m doing my small business I’m also working full time, being a mother, and wife. My husband has had surgeries that affected him from working and I had to take the responsibilities to provide for my family.
I’ve learned so much about myself from being strong, a hustler, learning how to manage my money, and taking care of my family. There were moments that I just wanted to just close my little shop but I would lecture myself that I have to show my daughter that I can do it and to never give up.
We are strong latina women and we can do anything if we work hard to reach our goals!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Claudia Ramos Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
My shop is called Claudia Ramos Designs. My shop features family, couples, pets portraits, cute lapel pins and Sassy, Latina inspired embroidery. I’m a graphic designer and illustrator, who has worked on everything from web design, greeting cards, and fashion apparel to signage. I know there’s a lot that I do but one thing I do know is that I love creating artwork that is cute and iI love spread joy with my work. I want people when they receive my work they feel joy and empowered.
I think what I’m known for is my work is fun, cute, and sassy.
I think what sets me apart from others is that my work reflects my personality. When people first meet me they see that I’m really a humble person, silly, fun, and I that I truly love uplifting others. I’m not afraid to share with other my secrets regarding my manufactures and answering any questions. I love giving back to the community by looking at students portfolio and doing art shows.
I remember one time somebody said a word that describes me that I’m a bubbly and social butterfly.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel that the industry is always changing. This year I’ve been attending summits and social events to see whats going on and also to network. I really don’t like saying network but more make friends. I feel when you meet people that have the same thing in common you want to actually get to know them. I want to get to know who you are, your goals, and support each other.
The big shifts I’ve seen that this year is all about women helping each other and showing that we can do it! Also being latina there’s so much opportunity to stand out and show that united we can have a strong business and make a big impact. This year has been a big shift in politics and I feel people are using this time to be more supportive, and united. That’s what art is all about making people feel some type of way and that’s what my work is all about joy, united, strong, latina, and just be yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaRamosDesigns
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/claudiaramosdesigns/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/claudiaramosdesigns
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cramosdesigns
- Other: www.claudiaramosdesigns.com/my-cute-blog
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
