Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonia Ruan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a product of the 60’s raised in San Diego, born to a retired feather weight boxer from Coyoacan who ended up in Tecate and a Mercy Hospital worker from Jalisco.
I fell in love with your traditional regional wear in my teens for the Boho style that was in, in the 70’s. Each year we went to visit family I would add to my collection. Wish I would have save some of those pieces. They would be priceless now.
Two years ago I took a leap and I started on this little adventure as a result of my own love and admiration for the talented artisans of Mexico. Getting to witness their incredible talent firsthand blew me away. As I got older and continued going I formed friendships and who knew that years later I would form direct relationships and collaborations.
I am thankful for all the new friendships this journey has afforded me. Mexico is full of spiritual beliefs, cultural and of course, its vast beauty.
A lot of sweat, tears, sleep-deprived days but the pay off has been rewarding.
Great, 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?
The life of a vendor is not easy. Especially when you have a lot of merchandise and you have to do an event on your own. I mean seriously, I could probably fill my own shop with all the merchandise I have. Challenges will always be there, but one must learn to overcome, cope and adapt. Being a business owner in a very over saturated market is hard.
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. -Albert Schweitzer
Please tell us about BOUTIQUE AZTLAN.
Boutique Aztlan is a promoter of Artesanias Mexicanas and the fine work of Chiapas, Puebla, Oaxaca and Guadalajara.
My mission was to establish direct relationships with local artisans throughout Mexico. Many artisans, who are mostly women, struggle to continue their crafts and earn enough to feed their familias. My hope is to help preserve these ancient traditions and sustain the livelihood of these artisans and their familias. Every purchase helps to keep these traditions alive.
I am most honored and proud to be among all those who believe the WE must conserve this talent and art which has been handed down generation after generation allowing us to promote and share this incredible, beautiful rich culture.
I stand committed to Fair Trade and will continue to aid those who produce clothing, textiles, bags and handcrafts in developing countries. As one of many Latinas out here hustling and grinding weekends while still holding down the home and a full-time job.
Bravo to us all!
El sol sale para todos. Si tu ganas, yo gano, todos ganamos. Si se puede!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Traveling to Mexico to visit family with my parents were the best!
I loved going there every summer. This is when I grew to love who I was as a Latina. I remember in my 8th grade coming back home to National City where I grew up. I wanted to learn everything about our history. I got involved with our school’s Mecha club, it was called AZTLAN. Yes, this is where the name arose from 30+ years later I arrived! A bit late to the party as usual but none the less I am here! Q-vo!
Contact Info:
- Website: boutique-aztlan.com
- Phone: 619-764-0779
- Email: boutiqueaztlan@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boutiqueaztlan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artesanalesmexicanos
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.
