Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Rodriguez.
Hi Tania, 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 started back in 2017 making accessories for planners and books, such as bookmarks and planner clips with ribbons and such. I had been out of Corporate America for about 2 years now and was not having luck finding a good job and I did not want to return to oil and gas industry as crazy as that may sound. I didn’t exactly know what I was doing with my so called small business, all I knew was that I wanted to share my passion for books, reading, stationary and planners with others.
I noticed a HUGE book and planner community on Instagram and started marketing there and sharing my items. I sunk my feet in and thought it was going well but quickly had imposter syndrome and backed out of the business Etsy shop and all. With 2018 rolling in I knew I had to do something quick to help my husband with finances so I decided to go medical school as a Medical Assistant but quickly learned that I wanted to be in a nurse instead. I began to pursue that dream and literally 5 weeks away from finishing one school to go to the next, God answered one of our prayers at a time I would not think likely to happen. We finally conceived after many losses and with that being said I was put on bed rest literally weeks before finishing school. I know we don’t always understand God’s timing, but he knows the direction he is taking us. In that thought and moment, I began to focus on my addition to the family but then that’s when something kicked in again.
My ambition to do something. 2019 rolls in and I am gifted not only my newborn but a cutting machine that since has changed my world. I started making all the things all makers do. Shirts, cups, etc. etc. but I quickly learned the cost and return on investment had to make sense. I began to look into small business tips and tricks and learned that in order to make money I needed to strategize properly and so I did. Long story short, I found a niche! Mugs….yes coffee mugs. I have a favorite one… I know you do too. In fact, I know we all have those favorite mugs for specific things from hot chocolate, coffee, tea, soup; and so I then started to focus there. I made a few for myself with sayings my grandma used to say to me like “sana sana colita de rana” which in English makes no sense to you but to me it was a saying “to feel better”, and so I placed that saying on a large mug for soup. I tested a few mugs on my Etsy and Instagram and voila, the business took off. I then began to really focus on the aspect of hashtags, marketing and reaching out to the community on Instagram.
COVID 2020, was when I soon realized that God kept me from the medical field for many reasons. I would’ve been in the thick of it all, but I was no stranger to COVID. I almost lost my life in November 2020 but I fought hard and was granted another year of life. I came home from a week stay and the hospital and had to cancel orders on Etsy and even through my Instagram DM’s. It broke my heart but I didn’t have the strength to work. In December when I started to feel better I opened the shop again and that is when I saw the orders pour in through DM’s on Instagram and also on Etsy. Blessings for sure, but also burnout. I knew I was still doing something wrong as a business owner because I felt tired, worn out and burned out. I didn’t want to quit but I also needed a break and new way to make sales and makes sense of how I was doing things.
2021 rolls in. That’s when a friend and loyal customer recommended I try popup markets. I had no idea how to set up what I needed…nothing. BUT I went and shared a booth with her and guess what…I sold 95% of what little stock I had brought with me. That was April 2021. Since then I have gained new followers and built several relationships with other Latina Small Business Owners and other local makers. With my business evolving, I’ve rebranded 3 times since 2019. I’ve brought back book accessories but also items that book readers or readers in general always need or want to get into that cozy spot. So I have added sweatshirts, hoodies, socks and other items to the shop. I feel like now I am right where I need to be to achieve the next big step in growth. I’ve been brought into a world I had only experienced as a consumer on occasion to now being a local vendor.
I’m proud of my community. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m very honored and blessed to have a supportive husband and family who all follow me and listen to my crazy ideas every time they would change or look different. I am honored, blessed and humbled by the local support from the Houston Community and surrounding areas. Local businesses, we are all a community of supportive men and women with the same idea as mine. To own our own business with pride and share it with the world. What began as a machine for fun soon became my workhorse and my way to realizing that, I am a small business owner and my dreams are coming true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path to building the business has had its challenges for sure. From budget to strategizing and marketing. When you first jump in you have so many ideas and so many things you want to make and do. What you quickly realize is that you spend so much time and money on those wild ideas you miss where you’re actual niche is and where your moneymaker is. You then have to sit back down and look at the big picture. Money is always a HUGE factor when it comes to making a business work but with the right plan, you can do it. You can make it happen! timing is everything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Mugs, coffee mugs, tea cups,….that’s my thing. I noticed I always went crazy when I could find MY favorite mug or MY favorite tea cup. I would go crazy around the house looking for it, always making sure it was hand washed and then it hit me. Make special mugs. Mugs that people will love and make all their own. I thought, less is more. Make them simple yet eye-catching. Make them part of the owner’s personality and who they are. I take pride in making mugs specifically to a consumers needs and wants. From little inscriptions on the inside of the mug or their names on the outside. Knowing that I made it makes it more dear to me.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck? I say it’s all been God almighty! I think I have felt lead in the right direction by putting my heart into what I do and always treating others with respect. I’ve been taught to always treat others as you’d like to be treated and with that in mind I feel it has helped with the vending community locally. Getting another chance to live after being gravely sick with COVID last year and going septic yet surviving…yes I’d say luck has been on my side for sure, but so has the good Lord.
Pricing:
- $14.50
- $16.50
- $20.00
- $30.00
- $32.50
Contact Info:
- Email: tatistacitas@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TacitasandBookishLuv
- Instagram: www.instagram/tacitasandbookishlove
