Today we’d like to introduce you to Daisy Martinez.
Daisy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the fall of 2015, when I was 18, making simple iron-on designs for shirts with friends in my bedroom. Soon after, I started doing more designs on my own and attended local art shows in my small hometown of Calexico to display and market them. From there, things continued to grow and so did my business after attending shows all over the Imperial Valley and San Diego. This all came from me realizing that art was my passion and that it was something I could grow with and genuinely make a living from with the support from my community and family. I now own a fast growing online shop and am expanding my designs to more mediums such as stickers and pins, I also currently have my products in Simon Limon in Barrio Logan, San Diego. I will be moving to San Diego in the next month to attend the University of San Diego this fall, I am hoping to work with more businesses and attend more art shows and markets. I hope to one day have a physical store of my own after I complete my art degree!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road hasn’t always been smooth when I realized art and creating was really the true love I switched from being a health major to a studio art major, you can imagine my parent’s reaction. Being young and living with my parents meant getting their constant criticism but only because they worked hard in factories and vegetable fields so that I could study to be a well off nurse or doctor. However, after my parents saw how much my shop was growing, how I could financially support myself, and how much I loved attending school and art shows they completely supported me. I’d say it’s most important to never underestimate yourself no matter your age, gender or the color of your skin. We are only as strong as we think we are, if you work hard enough and keep your goals in mind then your dreams will become realities. Never lose the confidence that any size shop can grow to be successful with the right mindset and hard work. Do your research, know who you are, make mistakes, and take risks.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with A Dangerous Daisy – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
A Dangerous Daisy is a self-made small business focused on designing apparel and accessories for anyone and everyone. We specialize in making shirts, tote bags, pins, and stickers all inspired by the beauty that surrounds us and my Mexican culture. This could be your favorite plant, the love of your life, or your abuela and your favorite pan dulces. I am proud that as a brand A Dangerous Daisy can evoke such happiness and empowerment with the messages we convey through our products. What sets my brand apart from others is my drive and work ethic, constantly creating new designs, trying new mediums, and always upgrading the quality of our products.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I feel that women in leadership roles more often than not, get underestimated or don’t get taken seriously. Whenever I go to art shows and markets to sell my products, customers always ask my boyfriend if he made everything by himself or if he creates everything and I only think of the ideas. I do find it slightly offensive but also love the shock people have on their faces when I say I draw all of the designs on my own and create all of our products with only a little bit of help from my boyfriend. Up until January of 2018, when I met my boyfriend, I never had help with creating any of my products. I am so grateful to have met so many female small business owners and artists who have worked so hard to get to where they are and have shown me nothing but kindness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ADangerousDaisy
- Phone: 7607916760
- Email: daisymtz07@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_dangerous_daisy/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Yolanda Avila
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
