Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ramirez.
Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a creative, DIY type. This manifested in different ways growing up and come college, I had 0 idea of what to study. I did have a lot of fun and I found a love for going to music festivals and concerts. With that came a love for thrifting and painting on clothes so that I could create looks on a budget. This was a win-win because I was broke and happened to find that process really fun.
At UCF, I switched my major 3 times and eventually landed in Legal Studies, aiming to attend law school. Halfway through my senior year and scoring well on my LSAT, I came to the not-so-shocking realization that law wasn’t my ideal thing. I decided to go ahead and graduate with that degree anyway, with confidence (or desperate hope) that I’d figure it out.
I landed a Digital Marketing job at a tech company a few months after graduation. While a decently creative job, about 3 years in, I realized I needed a passion project. I wanted a space of my life where I could express myself, make my own rules, and create freely. And pretty much overnight, I came up with the concept for New Soul Goods. Every part of building NSG from the ground up was fun for me. I designed my business cards & logo, came up with the branding and created all of the inventory by hand. I was also committed to keeping NSG a source of fun and not a huge stressor in my life.
After many trips to the thrift store and craft store, I got to vend and share my art for the first time ever, at a concert no less. It felt absolutely amazing to meet and connect with others over things that I created. I got an overwhelming amount of support and love that night and when I got home, all I could think was “YES, more of this!”.
Since then, I’ve done quite a few different types of events, even a music festival 🥳. I’d have to say that my favorite part about New Soul Goods is growing roots in the local art scene and connecting with the coolest people on earth IMO. That’s not necessarily something that I can do with my day job.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since I handle every aspect of New Soul Goods, it ends up being a lot of items on my plate while still having a full-time job. I feel like meeting the deadlines I set for myself (I.E., vending at a particular event) can be kind of chaotic, especially if I have to replenish lots of inventory. But I appreciate a good challenge. 😁
Also, the thrift gods are not always on my side, especially if I’m in a rush LOL. So, the gems can be pretty hard to find when I need them most, but I guess that’s what makes them gems. It’s literally a treasure hunt.
Another challenge is that sometimes, someone comes across a product of mine on Instagram and wants it but I’ve already sold it. Re-making it won’t return exactly the same product but we can get pretty close or better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I like to do is take something that has lived a great life and re-imagine it live an even better, cooler life. What’s better than reinvention?
Here’s a bit of what I currently do:
⚡️ Upcycled, painted, or completely re-worked clothing and accessories.
– I do anything from cropping, adding trim, fringe, studs, etc.
⚡️ Hand-painted vinyl records (also upcycled)
⚡️ Hand-made earrings
I do like to make clothes that work for men as well as women but it really depends on what the thrift gods have in store for me. The vibe is cool, dark, chic, and mildly trippy.
No two pieces are exactly the same and if you’re looking for a unique, sustainable and one-of-a-kind statement piece, we’ll probably get along. I also have had a lot of fun doing commissioned/custom work and I can be reached for that on my Instagram.
I’m most proud of the cohesive brand I’ve built. And it’s completely aligned with my personal style and what I like so it’s all around a representation of what I want to put out into the world.
Right now, I do pop-ups and I post when and where I’ll be vending on my Instagram.
I am currently working to be sold in local stores and/or set up an online store or Etsy shop. But who really can tell what’s next? 😁
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I’d say it’s also really important to know and understand your niche if you have one and pick events that align nicely with that niche and the person you’re creating for (don’t keep yourself too limited by this, but it’s helpful when you’re starting out). And even then, your stuff isn’t going to be for everyone and that’s perfectly fine. Keep doing you and you’ll attract the right people!
It can be challenging to price things right when you’re selling your products for the first time. Like, am I asking for too much? YOU’RE NOT! I got a massive lecture by a fellow artist at my first event and she actually over-paid for a jacket to further exemplify that I needed to price my work for what it’s worth. Never looked back on that one.
I think we’re all realizing how easy it actually is to get burnt out these days. Creating mental space in your life, I think, is key to maintaining a flow and balance so that you’re not burning yourself to the ground. Sometimes it looks like creating for fun, not necessity, or sometimes it means deleting Instagram for a week. Whatever it is, be intentional about it so you don’t find yourself resenting your passion project.
Be careful to not over-stack your calendar with events if you’re unsure you can meet the demand without absolute chaos. Showing up to one event fully present and open to the day is better than showing up to three events stressed and feeling scarce.
Work on your craft at your events so that you can give people space to shop. But don’t ignore people, chat it up when it makes sense.
I’m sure there’s many things I could say, but if anyone has questions just reach out to me on Instagram. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newsoulgoods/
Image Credits
Benny Renee Photography
