Inspiring Conversations with Ruben Contreras of The Firehouse Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruben Contreras.

Hi Ruben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started in the streets of Richmond, CA as a young adolescent. Trying to find a place in life like everyone else. I was no different from my neighbor or any of my other friends. If you know the city of Richmond then you know statistically you are destined to fail. I’ve always been someone that loves to prove any negative statistic wrong. Especially when the odds are lined up against you coming from a minority group. I also remember my father encouraging me by always saying, “You have to work three times as hard because of it!” It always stuck with me until this day. I have never let up and I guess that was the reason for my motivation when I first started many years ago.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road… During my starting years as an entrepreneur, I was faced with many challenges. With little experience, they can become overwhelming and easily burn you out if you don’t know how to deal with them. I learned that it is important to properly measure your emotions and keep them aside from work. Although not easy to do at times, it definitely has paved the road for me in many situations. Thanks to patience, I have overcome many obstacles.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Firehouse Studio?
My latest business is a rental warehouse called The Firehouse Studio. Located in the Bay Area and soon in LA… We are on Peerspace and Instagram at @firehouse.studio for any rentals.

With a ten years background in events and production, it was only a matter of time before I married both fields together and from The Firehouse Studio. With over 20 years of experience as a creative in mixed arts, I can finally apply everything I learned in one single place and share it with others. Seeing my work used by others has recently been a new kind of satisfaction. It not only means a lot to me for people to appreciate my art but also pushes me to new heights and goals in life.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have many people to thank for their support and help in realizing our business. But one person that has pushed through with me all the way would have to be my partner, Mylene. She has been the burning flame behind our new operation. I don’t know too many people that can put up with me, but she has always been there no matter what, thick and thin. That is the other thing you need for a successful business, people that don’t give up and move on. Thanks doll for your constant support!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: firehouse.studio

Image Credits
Sybex Studio @Sybex_Studio