We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Jaramillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

The inception of La Bodega Company began shortly after the arrival of my son in 2019. As a soon to be first time mom, I was seeking opportunities for a creative outlet and source of “me time” with my new growing family. In hopes of beginning my new hobby in the new year I purchased some clay and a pasta machine and starting playing with moldings and cutters.

Very quickly, I discovered a new passion for a “hobby” I unexpectedly had picked up. With the start of 2020 as a new mom and COVID-19, I found it difficult to spend the quality time creating and taking time to myself. As the year progressed and shelter in place began to loosen, I told myself I wanted to be intentional and commit to any and all projects. I decided to take a leap of faith and begin designing and creating earrings not only for myself but for friends and family. Building and molding clay became my favorite last time that sparked me to think about creating an Etsy shop. I again decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a new chapter in life I never thought I would dare to venture into, entrepreneurship.

From establishing my LLC to attending monthly markets, I never imagined a small idea would flourish into such an amazing opportunity that has allowed me to collaborate and network with fellow small business owners and members of my community!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a self taught polymer clay artist. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am always seeking new opportunities to try techniques while adding my own spin. Being an artist to me means being innovative and creative- from exploring textures to creating colors! Mixing colors that reflect my mood and creating unique color blends serve as a source of inspiration for each individually handcrafted earring!

The biggest challenge I have experienced during my journey has been overcoming imposter syndrome and doubt. My best advice to challenge imposter system would be to take each day as a new opportunity to learn something and improve my skill set as a clay maker.


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being from Dallas, a weekend girls trip in Fort Worth calls for a visit to the legendary stockyards, a stop for coffee at Dutch Bros, and visiting local shops and boutiques downtown. Restaurant hopping for dinner and desserts along with some sight seeing in Sundance Square are all essential stops during a visit to Cowtown! Visiting Fort Worth, TX whether for a day or for a week will leave you speechless and in awe of the city where the west begins!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would like to dedicate a shoutout to my family and friends, specifically my children and my Clay husband. From early mornings loading my car to helping me prepare earrings cards and molding my designs- I know without without their support- I would have not had the courage to take the leap of faith and try this new venture

To my oldest friends and new friendships, thank you for every post, share, like, comment, picture, and purchase of any pair of earrings. My heart is full of joy anytime I am able to earn the business of a returning or new customer!

Website: Www.Etsy.com/shop/labodegacompany

Instagram: Www.instagram/labodegacompany

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/Labodegacompany

Image Credits
Tina Bustos Erica jaramillo

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