Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Romo.
Hi Karina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
When the pandemic hit in March 2020 I was stuck working from home. After a few weeks, I realized that this wasn’t going to end soon so I wanted to explore some ventures I had in the past and one of them was to start a business. I always wanted to do something related to retail/clothing/fashion, so I weighed my options and found a passion for jewelry. I realized that whenever I was looking for jewelry in Tijuana, I could never find a minimalist-modern style for sale, so I saw an opportunity. I started researching and looking for the best quality pieces I could find and creating a concept that would resonate with young women between the ages of 18-35. Once I had all that I created my brand (MUUD) and launched it in September of 2020. I’m grateful to say we just celebrated our 1st anniversary and everything is going better than expected!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d never had an online business before, and everything else that goes with it. As an independent owner, I manage all sides of the business which include: Branding, Sourcing, Customer Service, Modeling, Sales, and Marketing, which can be a bit overwhelming at times, but definitely worth it.
I love to learn more about all of the different aspects of running a successful business, and it’s something I’m still learning today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I wanted MUUD to be jewelry and personal brand at the same time. I believe this transparency of what I do, and who I am, really resonates with women that have similar taste and style to what MUUD represents.
MUUD is known to be a relatable brand. I model my products on my page and also personally deliver the product to my customers, which tends to be a surprise to some of them. I get comments saying ‘omg you do everything’ or ‘ I thought you were just the model’ and I like to believe this strengthens my relationship with my customers.
I think what sets MUUD apart from other jewelry brands is the fact that I want to build a personal relationship with the customer. The great part of doing everything in MUUD is that people can see the work that goes behind the scenes and it creates a more personal connection with them.
I’ve always supported women-owned businesses and there’s a lovely community down here. We always support each other and that creates a bigger community.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Always do your research before starting a business. I think there’s a misconception that creating an online business is easy and it’s not. It’s a saturated market and you have to do a lot to stand out. I suggest you find something you’re passionate about, learn along the way, and be patient. Network and meet other women-owned businesses, create a community, and don’t be discouraged if things don’t go your way at first 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muud.mx
Image Credits:
Photos by Alberto De Santiago
