Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Gonzalez
Hi Diana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Wynwood Shop started as Wynwood Alley right across from Panther Coffee back in 2013. As an artisan market we were able to provide a space for small businesses and brands. Including food trucks, musicians and artists. That is the whole spirit of what we do; empowering and providing a platform for the Miami creatives and community hub.
After some years of establishing ourselves as a group of emerging artists and creators we decided to move to an indoor space next to Gramps bar in 2017. This definetely gave us an opportunity to include workshops such as art classes, macrame weaving, wood carving, yoga and so many other activities that created a stronger bond between members in our community.
In June 2019 we moved to 25th St where we have been able to evolved and continue our business since 2019. Many of the brands we represent still the same brands that started in the Alley back in 2013. Unfortunately, during the pandemic we had to downside our space for a 3rd time and that limited our potential to continue with some of the workshops and live painting.
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 first struggles were when we were an outdoor business. The weather could damage many of our works and that was a very difficult part of working outside. Not to mention when in 2016 Zika virus hit us and it slow things down for some time. We are also always dealing with the constant rent hikes in Wynwood but we have been able to work hard and make good relationships that have given us the opportunity to have a presence in this neighborhood after more 10 years.
The pandemic was a major obstacle. We had to stop making our regular creations to turn to sewing machines to make face masks and that helped us somehow. The business was shut down for about 2 months so we were only delivering orders and connecting with people mostly through social media. I think until this day the economy is not the same as what it was before the pandemic in 2020.
The construction of high rises around our location have also been an obstacle as there have been road closures in high season and for 2 years we have been dealing with this situation. Finally, the construction across the street is finish and there will be a Starbucks in the new Society Wynwood building. We are in hopes that from here on it will be a smooth road.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m mostly proud to see many creators grow and establish themselves 100% with their work. Just like me in some way. I am a creative but I also went to FIU to study business administration. Mixing these two fields have brought me enormous joy and it has given me the opportunity to work both fields in harmony. Having a space where I can showcase my creations and those of others while making a living – is just a dream come true.
I would say that what sets me apart from others is that I have at heart the interest of the people that trust me and that I’m always focusing on solutions with a positive attitude.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I was able to discover Wynwood while in my internship at the Adrienne Arts Center for the performing arts. They introduce me to the art scene in Miami and to this day I thank them for that opportunity. I will forever be thankful to Michael Perez from Gallery 212 who gave me the opportunity to use part of his Gallery space to create the Wynwood Alley.
My major supporter is my husband who have always trusted me and given me a hand in this effort working side by side. Together we have pursued independence using our abilities and working with creatives of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wynwoodshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynwoodshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynwoodshop/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynwoodshop?app=desktop
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wynwood-shop-miami
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/wynwoodshop/
