We had the good fortune of connecting with Mayra Ruiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mayra, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
When I started my business, I did so because I wanted something to call my own. Being a Hispanic mom, with English as a second language, it was hard to find my place. As soon as my business started to be successful it became very apparent that there were many other women out there just like me. Trying to make something for their own. I began connecting with other Hispanic women, who had a desire to build a business and be more independent. Working with those women has become my passion.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a resin artist that collaborates with artists to make tumblers, tshirts, mugs and more using the artists’s art. I believe in the power of collaboration. I absolutely love working with artists. Just the idea that they are seeing their art on products, rather than just on canvas makes me happy. But I am most proud to be working with and supporting other Hispanic women who are traveling in a similar journey as I have.
I have had the good fortune to have met an amazing artist who lives next door to me. She has been so happy to teach me what she knows. Her support has meant the world to me and I just want to pay it forward.
No! It wasn’t easy, but things that are worth while are never easy, are they?
The biggest challenge has been having English as a second language. It’s a huge barrier, that is not easy to overcome. Often I felt less than, looked down on, and frustrated. It took time, and I’m still learning, but I’m on my way.
The biggest lesson I have learned is to dream big, but if you don’t work for your dreams, your dreams won’t work for you.
I would like my brand to be recognized in the United States and also in Mexico. I want to Hispanic women to look at me and know that they can make big things happen.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My first stop in the morning will be to have coffee with my bestie at a diner in Little Elm called Leo’s. I love their food and happy service. Then, off to McKinney, Texas to the Millhouse Foundation. It’s an amazing place that supports women creatives. Their tagline is “Where women flourish”.
Lunch would definitely be at Harvest, it’s fancy little spot that makes all farm to market food and is surrounded by amazing shops.
Then off to Denton for the night life! Food trucks, music, and cerveza!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my success to my mentor and friend, Cara Lockwood, from Cara’s Color me Creative, she is the person who always believed in me, and support my big dream. I’m so thankful to call her friend.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebymayraruiz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebymayraruiz
Other: madebymayraruiz@gmail.com
Image Credits
Charlotte Hardie Photography.