Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaritza Rojas.
Hi Yaritza, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our story started in 2020 during COVID, when I decided to turn my love for Mexican-inspired jewelry and handmade pieces into a small business. What started as something I did from home slowly grew through word of mouth, social media, local markets, and the amazing support of our customers.
Over the years, my family has become a big part of the business. I’ve balanced being a mom, working part-time, running our small business, and now going back to college after being out of school for about 10 years. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has pushed me to keep going.
Today, Lunita Artesanal is more than just a small jewelry business to me. It represents our culture, creativity, family, and the courage to start something even when you don’t know where it will lead. I’m incredibly grateful for how far we’ve come and excited for what’s still ahead.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a small business while being a mom, working part-time, and managing a family has been challenging. There have been slow seasons, shipping issues, long days, and moments when I questioned whether I could keep up with everything.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning everything as I go. I didn’t start with a business background, so I’ve had to learn about inventory, wholesale, events, shipping, marketing, and running a business through experience.
There were also times when I had to put my own goals on hold to focus on my family. Now that I’m back in college after about 10 years, I’m learning how to balance school, work, motherhood, and my business all over again.
It hasn’t been easy, but those struggles have also made me stronger and more confident. Every difficult season has taught me something, and I’m proud that I kept going even when things felt overwhelming.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Lunita Artesanal is a small, family-owned jewelry business specializing in handmade earrings inspired by Mexican culture, traditional designs, and vibrant colors. A lot of our pieces are inspired by the beauty of our culture, including Talavera, Mexican folk art, and other details that make each piece feel unique.
We’re known for our colorful statement earrings, especially our handmade hoops and Talavera-inspired designs. I love creating pieces that allow people to celebrate their culture and express their personality through what they wear.
What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come from starting at home during COVID to being part of markets, events, and wholesale opportunities. We’ve also been able to give back to our community through school-supply and backpack donations and other fundraisers.
What sets us apart is that we put a lot of heart into what we make. We’re not a large company producing thousands of identical pieces—we’re a small family business where creativity, culture, and personal connection are part of everything we do. Every order and every customer truly means a lot to us, and we’re proud to create pieces that feel personal and meaningful.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about San Diego is the sense of community, diversity, and culture. There are so many small businesses, local markets, and events that give entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with people.
What I like least is the rising cost of living and the uncertainty many families in our community are experiencing right now. With the increased immigration enforcement and ICE activity in San Diego, I’ve seen how much fear and stress it can create for immigrant families and our community. San Diego is a border community, so these issues feel especially close to home.
I hope San Diego can continue to be a place where families feel safe, welcomed, and supported, regardless of where they come from. Even with the challenges, I’m grateful to call San Diego home and to be part of its small-business community.
Pricing:
- – $12.00
- $25.00
- -$30.00
- $45.00
- $60.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lunitaartesanal.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lunita_artesanal
