Today we’d like to introduce you to Karín Rojas.
Hi Karín, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before I created Zulema Custom Interiors in 2018, I worked at home for 10 years in a self-made alterations shop. I would randomly create gowns for my customers as requested. I only invested 92$ on a tabletop sewing machine that I had purchased at Walmart. In the blink of an eye, I found myself working with other fashion designers and boutiques to put together amazing fashion shows. I dedicated myself to sewing and my family. One day, I decided to get my first 9 to 5 job and went to apply for work at an upholstery shop, which by looking at my portfolio, I was hired on the spot. I worked there for about 4 months and decided to quit so I can work at home again, this time doing upholstery work for boats. When I saw someone with nice car upholstery, I challenged myself to work on cars. I was my first customer. I custom-upholstered my 94 Isuzu Amigo, and I began to get calls to work on clients’ vehicles. When my house was filled with too many jobs, one of my friends offered me half of their building to use as a shop; this way, I would not inconvenience my kid’s space. I gladly accepted this offer. I remember that one of my first customers challenged me to work on his two helicopter seats. I found this challenge fun, quick and easy. Today Z.U.L.E.M.A. is a recognized brand for custom seats specializing in cars, boats, and aircraft.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The part that I struggle with is that I am a single female worker competing in a man-dominated industry. I know that my creativity, my ethic, and my marketing differs from the competition, so I tend to stand out against other shops. As a fashion designer, I know how people think in regard to what is trending at the moment. Having this said, I don’t treat Z.U.L.E.M.A. as a business per se, but as a marketing corporation where my only goal is to brand myself and have fun while doing it. This could be a weakness because my followers don’t see me as a business/ shop. They see me as an artist. Only the future can tell if this will be a struggle or not. For now, I am only enjoying the moment and I see this differentiation as a complete blessing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Zulema Custom Interiors provides custom upholstery for cars, boats, and aircraft. Zulema exclusively works for vehicle exhibitors and showstoppers. I am known for creating the Z.U.L.E.M.A. brand of fashionable seats. I created “Zulema”, Zulema is a fictitious verb describing a heroic handywoman. The brand is all about being handy and looking good while doing it; wink, wink. Upholstery is all about reverse engineering, and fashion is all about creating new looks. Zulema Custom Interiors is a mixture of both worlds. I am very proud of myself each day of my life for creating a brand that has become so popular. Today, Z.U.L.E.M.A. will continue to provide delicious designs that exhibitors crave due to its originality. Zulema provides upholstery with style!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zulemainteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zulemacustominteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zulemacustominteriors
