Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Herrera.
Hi Yesenia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began when I was 13 years old, and my parents decided to migrate from Mexico to the USA. I knew all the sacrifices my parents had to do for my future, and education was a great way to show my parents that all their effort was worth it. After some time, I attended college, and at the age of 20 years, I obtained my Bachelor’s in media and public communication. Soon I began my career with Telemundo as a marketing coordinator. I handled social media promotional events, community events and develop content for various social media platforms. Two years passed, although satisfied with my position, it did not fulfill my passion. So, I decided to embark in a journey to showcase my culture and my love for fashion.
The marketing experience I gathered during my time at Telemundo came in hand to build an image for my own brand. After years of moving from Mexico, I saw how culture is lost through migration and generations. I remember how focus I was to emerge in a new culture that my identity, background, and traditions were disappearing. I created Ruby Tradicion en Moda with the purpose of spreading traditional Mexican clothing, footwear, and accessories with my personal touch. So that first or second-generation children do not forget their roots. Not only am I following my dreams, also supporting the dreams of many hard-working artisians. Half of my life was in Mexico, so I understand the hardships many families face on a daily basis. The ability to follow my dreams while helping others has truly been a blessing in my life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting my company from an idea was challenging as well as risky. There is no sure way of knowing how well your company will do in the future. Having to invest a large amount of my savings into my business was not only daunting also nerve-racking. The initial investment was a great start, but then I faced our first obstacle, who will produce the traditional items? It was challenging to find an artesian willing to work towards my goal, he/she needed to be able to create fashionable pieces while adding the beaty of handmade embroidery designs. However, after traveling to Mexico and meeting different artisans, I found the perfect team.
As with any other small business, starting inventory is relatively small. Being an online store, the demand for fast delivery was a challenge when customers ordered items that require some production time. Therefore, it is important for me to show customers the value and effort put into each item they purchased. All items are handcrafted by artisans, which creates a longer delay on products to be delivered.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ruby Tradicion en Moda is my vision of fashionable clothing using traditional Mexican designs. Being able to set yourself apart from others is no simple task. There are many other companies that compete with you. However, true success lies in upholding what truly matters to you the most regardless of what many others may say or think. My exclusive embroidery clothing is for everyone to wear and showcase the beauty of Mexican culture. Not only have I been able to make a career of an idea, also have a positive economic impact on many artesian families in Mexico. As I continue to grow, I will continue to show some of the many beautiful things Mexico has to offer.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
It requires determination, dedication, and patience to build your business. It was not an easy decision to quit my position at Telemundo to start my own business, but I was determined to follow my dream and embark on something meaningful to me. I am blessed to have such a supportive family and husband that have been helping me since day one.
Being a business owner is not easy especially making it through the first year. Dedication is needed to build a company image that is up to your standards. Believing in yourself and your business is fundamental to overcome all the obstacles in your path. It was not my initial plan to only launch as an online store, but I couldn’t open a location due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, I took advantage of the many different social media platforms people were using during the pandemic to get traffic on my website. For example, I used trending TikTok sounds for videos to model items. The results turn into thousands of views as well as an increase in online sales.
Contact Info:
- Email: rubi.online.store@gmail.com
- Website: https://rubytradicionenmoda.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubytradicion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rubytradicion/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rubytradicion
