Today we’d like to introduce you to María Jose Rodriguez.
Hi María Jose, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Maria Jose Rodriguez, and I am originally from Táchira, Venezuela. I moved to the United States in 2007, and since then my journey has been shaped by growth, resilience, and a deep desire to create and give back.
I have worked in many different areas over the years, but one thing has always stayed constant, my passion for creating. I have always been someone who feels deeply, I am a hopeless romantic at heart, a justice seeker, and someone who truly tries to help others whenever I can.
I also have another side of my life that I love just as much. I am an immigration paralegal, and I graduated from UM in 2019. That work is very meaningful to me because it allows me to help reunite families, and being part of those moments is something I will always value.
Imagination Station started as a dream between two sisters and grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Today, it has become my favorite place to spend time creating, building, traveling, meeting new people, and bringing ideas to life alongside an incredible team. Our illustrators Yesika, Jesús, Janeth and Alexandra are a fundamental part of this journey, and everything we create carries a piece of their talent and heart.
At the center of everything I do is my role as a mom. I have three beautiful kids, and they are my biggest inspiration. My daughter Abigail is on the autism spectrum, and through her I have learned to see the world in a different way, with more patience, understanding and intention.
Because of that, advocacy for neurodiversity, diversity and inclusion is a big part of who we are as a brand. We truly believe that a diagnosis is not a prognosis, and through Imagination Station we try to create a space where people feel seen, understood and represented.
None of this would be possible without my support system. My husband Carlos, my mom, and my sister have been by my side through every step of this journey. Their support, love and encouragement have helped me continue building this dream with confidence and purpose.
Imagination Station is not just a business to me. It is a reflection of my story, my values and everything I believe in, and I continue to grow it with intention, heart and a deep connection to the people who find a piece of themselves in what we create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. As an immigrant, everything felt harder and more complicated from the very beginning. Learning how to navigate a new system, building stability, and finding my place took time, patience and a lot of resilience. At the same time, that journey made me stronger, and it made every step forward feel even more meaningful and rewarding.
With Imagination Station, the challenges have been different but just as significant. Being the owner of your own business means carrying the weight of every decision. From creating, to production, to managing orders and growing the brand, everything depends on you. There is a constant pressure to keep moving forward, to improve, and to stay consistent even when things feel uncertain.
Balancing all of that with life and family has been one of the biggest challenges. Being a mom is my priority, and at the same time, I have a vision I am deeply committed to. Learning how to manage both, without losing myself in the process, has required a lot of growth and intention.
There have also been moments of doubt, especially in the early stages, when you are putting your ideas out into the world without knowing how they will be received. But those moments have helped me build confidence, trust my instincts, and stay connected to my purpose.
Looking back, every challenge has shaped who I am today. It has taught me resilience, patience and the importance of believing in what you are building, even when the path is not always clear.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Imagination Station, everything we create is rooted in intention and detail. We focus on designing pieces that go beyond being just visually appealing. Each product is meant to feel special, something that carries emotion, meaning and a sense of connection.
Every design begins with original artwork created in collaboration with our illustrators, and from there we carefully develop each element. From the concept to the final result, every step is thoughtfully considered. We take our time selecting the right materials, finishes and effects to make sure each piece feels elevated and complete.
We pay close attention to how a product feels in someone’s hands, how it reflects light, how textures and finishes interact with the artwork, and how all those elements come together to create depth and movement. Whether it is a soft matte finish, a holographic detail, or a layered effect, each choice is intentional and designed to enhance the overall experience.
A big part of what makes our work different is that we are always looking for ways to push creativity further. We have introduced interactive keychain designs within our space, focusing on movement, dimension and small details that make each piece feel unique and engaging. It is not just about how something looks, but how it comes to life.
For us, quality is never an afterthought. It is part of the process from the very beginning. We refine, test and adjust until every detail feels right, because we want people to feel that care and intention the moment they receive their piece.
At the end of the day, what we create is meant to be more than just a product. It is something personal, something that brings a sense of joy, nostalgia and connection, and something people can carry with them in their everyday lives.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned through this journey is that growth takes time. There is no perfect moment to start, and there is no clear path, you learn as you go, you adjust, and you keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain.
I have also learned to trust myself more. In the beginning, it is easy to doubt your ideas or question if you are doing things the right way. But over time, I realized that staying true to your vision is what makes everything meaningful. Not every step will be perfect, but every step teaches you something valuable.
Another important lesson has been understanding the balance between ambition and presence. Building something you care about requires time, energy and commitment, but so does life, family and the people around you. Learning to be present in both, without feeling like you are falling behind in either, has been one of the most important parts of this journey.
I have also come to appreciate the importance of patience. Not everything happens as quickly as you want it to, and that is okay. The process of building, learning and growing is where the real transformation happens.
If there is one thing I would share with anyone starting their own journey, it is to believe in what you are building, even when it feels small. Stay consistent, stay intentional, and allow yourself to grow through every stage.
What you are building does not have to be perfect, it just has to be real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.shopimaginationstation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopimaginationstation?igsh=eDZyYXExbDZta3gw
Image Credits
Carlos Alvarado @lightshotsvibes
