Today we’d like to introduce you to Ranessa Villalba.
Hi Ranessa, 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 my business in 2007 initially, I was a clothing line called biker beauty clothing. I used to do pop-ups at local bike nights and car shows for many years. This was a nice side hustle because I was a single mom working full-time and doing this as a side job on the weekends. I had a lot of women riders who were supporters and loved the clothing line because there weren’t very many clothing lines for women bikers. As time went on, I knew that I was outgrowing the bike scene and that just the T-shirts wasn’t enough. I started to buy handbags and different things to be able to sell at events. One day I attended an event hosted by the Abigail Barraza foundation, I seen my first fashion truck and fell in love. At the time, I was not financially able to buy one, but I knew that it was a goal for me. 10 years into having my clothing line, I was able to purchase a fashion truck, and my Sugar and Spiked Beautique business grew from there. Since I’ve been doing my fashion truck for the past five years, my business has grown tremendously. I am in the circuit for the county fairs I do LA County Fair, Alameda County fair up north and I’m headed to Fresno in October. I support a lot of the local car shows and Pinup Contests. I love being part of the scene because there’s so many women and men who are super supportive and I love that some small businesses have started because they see how much I’ve worked and how successful that my business has become.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like everything else not everything comes easy. We have to work hard to be able to play hard. Sometimes these events are 12 to 15-hour days and I spent lots of time away from my children and family. I know that it’s a sacrifice that I have to make to be able to work less during the year while still making a good income to support my family. When I went up north to Alameda. I was gone for three weeks and it was really rough for me. And in October I am leaving to Fresno for two weeks so being away from the family is hard. But I know that the hard work does pay off and I will continue to work hard to be able to provide a good life for my children. Some events are a flop, and it’s a risk that we take when we sign up for the events. I just wish that more event planners realized what hard work it is for us vendors do to be able to make their events successful. I’ve come to realize that we have to be very picky about which events that we do because not all vendors, coordinators or event planners take us into consideration. It’s been a rough road for sure.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in women’s pinups, clothing, novelty handbags, and mini backpacks. I also sell some make-up and accessories. During the holidays, I make custom ornaments and custom gifts. I am known for my crazy purses. If you need something fun for an outfit as a statement piece, I am your girl. I sell Halloween horror bags, year-round, and tons of cool stuff. I am most proud of my setup. I take time to make sure that I create a fun space for everyone to feel excited to come into the shop. I am also very proud of myself for encouraging other women to open up their own small shops. I am excited that I’ve heard so many stories of people starting their businesses from seeing me start from the bottom and becoming successful.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck; I believe in blessings. I am favored in so many ways, and I know that God has paved away for me to break the generational curses of poverty in my family and is paving the way for me to create generational wealth. It’s a huge goal in my life. I want my children to know that I worked really hard to provide a wonderful life for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sugarandspikedbeautique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarandspikedbeautique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarandspikedbeautique/
Image Credits
Veronica Trang Sweetest Perfection Portraits
