Inspiring Conversations with Yaritza Rojas of Lunita artesanal

Hi guys my name is yaritza rojas I am a local small business owner here in san diego . I started My small business due to covid  and my children. I was working at the time at a part-time job As a makeup artist, I had just gotten promoted and covid hit, and schools were shut down. Then I decided to take a step back from my job and help my kids with their development. They both were falling behind at school. The idea came from seeing other small businesses vending on the side of the streets or at pop-ups and I would wonder how I could do that, to be able to work for myself but also have the time to be with my children and help them out. So, I started to look into polymer clay and I started creating new earring ideas. My cousins would post me on their stories and it all started from there more and more people would reach out and ask me if I sold my earrings. After a few months, I started doing my pop-ups with” Berry Fiore” and “Nandos hotbox “.and my small business started growing little by little . Then as the months passed around December of 2021, I got a message from “El Puesto” who invited me to a pop-up in front of the shop and I started to do “walk the block” from then on, I’ve been branching out and now my earrings are at the “House of Plants LLC”, “Adore me ” and also at “El Puesto” !!! It’s exciting to see all the growth and all the hard work flourish into a big dream that started with almost nothing.

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?

Honestly, it hasn’t been such a smooth road. I think the biggest struggle along the way has been getting myself organized to be able to start my small business which has been one of my biggest struggles. I was juggling so much at some point with the school shutting down and  being a stay at home mom ,being a wife,  also having to teach my children and also myself going back to school, it’s crazy and a bit hectic. I believe having a structure helps especially when you’re running around dealing with doctor’s appointments or having to buy business supplies. You have to be super organized and be able to manage your time. Especially when you are a mom having to manage it all.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lunita artesanal?

Lunita Artesanal specializes in jewelry made out of polymer clay, clay that can be made into absolutely anything you can put your mind to it. What sets us apart is that we make one-of-a-kind earrings and accessories that can be worn for any occasion. It’s not something you can just go walk to the mall and find. Especially if you want something custom-made that won’t be sold anywhere else. I think what I’m most proud of about my brand is how much growth has happened in half a year and how much my technique has changed as I learn how to do my jewelry. Our brand offers custom earrings that are not sold anywhere else but also their earrings that make you feel special every time you wear them, you will get compliments everywhere you go.

What were you like growing up?

I think growing up I’ve always been independent and very strong-minded. Both of my parents came here from Mexico and they have taught me so much regarding my work ethic and also thriving for my goals no matter what .I remember growing up with my parents and always seeing them work regardless of any obstacles they had , they always tried their hardest to work for their family. I feel my personality is similar to my parents, thoughtful,caring and humble,and a hard worker. They have molded me to the woman I am today. Some of my interests are traveling and exploring new places. I like to go hiking to new and different places here in California, also out of state. That is one of the things I love to do, especially traveling with my kids. I am also a very free spirited person.