Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Peña.
Hi Raquel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, art was something I always gravitated to and was always practicing – making chalk designs, practicing with watercolor and even taking multiple art classes in high school. After high school I didn’t practice art much, was focused on my career in Hospitality and taking care of my two daughters. Raquel Peña Art was started over the summer of 2020 after I found myself laid off, in a pandemic and with so many emotions flowing after my everyday routine was interrupted. The one thing that saved me when I felt my world was falling apart was ART. In May of 2020, I decided to tie-dye a pair of socks for some sneakers and that very same day I sold my first pair. Soon after I posted them on my Instagram page, I was receiving so many inquiries. I started with socks, then shirts and other apparel items.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Some days are harder than others, especially when I, personally, need to be satisfied with the creations I’m making for others. There’s been tie-dyed sock orders that I’ve made up to 3 to 4 times simply because the colors or patterns didn’t come out to my satisfaction. At one point, when I first started, I couldn’t find the socks I use locally in Miami anywhere and the brand of tie dye liquid was sold out at all the local art/craft stores – all while I had pending orders. Things like that brought stress and struggles but also taught me to think ahead. I’m a first-time business owner and I know that the road will have obstacles, but I’m determined to push through and make the best out of every situation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently known for my tie-dye creations. Funny enough, I’m the sock lady! I started off with socks and then clients wanted matching shirts, so I began to do sets and later began to do sweatsuits. I’ve also dyed client’s shorts, overalls, shirts, mask, etc. Pretty much anything that has a neutral tone and you want tie-dye or an item that is darker that needs to be bleached – I’m the person to contact. I’ve recently began to host painting parties where I come to you with a pre-drawn canvas and guide you and your group in a painting lesson. There’s been two significant moments this year that I’m most proud of. First, my first ever pop-up event that took place at Token Miami. That was the very first time I put my products and myself out in the public. The second was when I sold my largest painting to date at The Made in Date Art Show curated by @SocialXchangeMiami & @the3o5_. That painting meant so much to me and to know it resonated with someone as deep as it did to me left me speechless. My dedication to my craft is what sets me apart from anyone else. I treat everything I do as if I’m going to keep the item. I only work on things when I feel it in my soul, so there’s been times where I’ll let a client know to give me an extra day or two because if I’m not feeling it, I know the end result will not be to standards.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I was in a store recently and I heard a teenager tell her mom that she didn’t want any tie-dye item because that’s not in anymore. I turned and smiled. Honestly, I started in the summer where everyone wanted bright colors and I really thought that the orders were going to slow down and here I am 10 months in and still creating tie-dye. As long as people want something different and unique, the trend will live on and I will continue to provide it. As far as painting, I hope to have a studio soon where I can practice and create things that inspire me and others. I hope to even host painting parties in the studio for groups of children and adults. My wish is to inspire at least one artist to continue to create those images that roam in their mind.
Pricing:
- Socks $20
- Shirts $25 – $60
- Sweatsuits $200
Contact Info:
- Email: info@raquelpenaart.com
- Website: www.raquelpenaart.com
- Instagram: @raquelpenaart
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Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
