We interviewed Lucia Gomez of Showy for Hispanic Heritage Month! Lucia is a participant of the MWBC Shop Local retail incubator program at the Savage Mill location.
Showy is a jewelry brand specializing primarily in earrings and earcuffs, expanding to other types of accessories and jewelry care products. The majority of jewelry is handmade by Lucia with polymer clay, resin, semiprecious beads, and nickel free beads, with just 3-4 units per each design. Showy’s stainless-steel jewelry is carefully curated and selected to offer the best quality at affordable prices. Showy’s mission is to empower women to elevate their look with trendy statement jewelry that compliments their personality, without breaking the bank.
What is your ethnic background?
Colombian
How does your cultural background influence your business values and practices?
My home country is the most biodiverse country in the world. The nature of the ecosystem there has been truly inspiring for the patterns and shapes of my pieces. Handcrafting is part of my DNA as a Colombian, but also from the women of my family; particularly my mom who shared the fashion and jewelry making hobby with me since I was a little girl.
What are some hardships you have overcome as a woman-/minority-owned business?
The biggest challenge is the stereotype that Latin people have to start from the bottom with jobs that aren’t our passion. The main motivation to start my business was feeling undervalued and unqualified during the job search process in my field as a publicist. I knocked on many doors only to be told I wasn’t good enough. I refused to stay at a job that I didn’t love or didn’t feel valued at.
The second biggest challenge is yourself. There are plenty of resources for Maryland small business owners that are looking to grow and overcome the market’s challenges. Regardless of gender and ethnic background, there are resources and opportunities for everyone. It is just a matter of character and how hard you are willing to work for it. My mantra is “insistir, persistir y jamás desistir” (Go Big or Go Home).
How long have you been working with MWBC?
I have been in the MWBC Shop Local program for 2 months so far and I only have positive things to say about it. It is a magnificent platform for small businesses looking for retail experience.
How has MWBC helped you in your business journey?
My main goal is to generate as much awareness and exposure as I can. Thanks to the MWBC Shop Local program, I have been able to connect with wonderful customers and other incredible women business owners with the same goal as mine.
What advice would you give to other Hispanic/Latinx aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are less just because your Latin, that you can’t do it, or that it is too difficult. We were born and raised differently, which makes us worthy and unique. We are hard workers and capable of achieving any goal we set for ourselves. Connect with other Latin people along with people of different backgrounds/cultures. You never know when you will meet the right person who may have the resources that you have been looking for.
Learn more about Showy at www.shopshowy.com
MWBC Shop Local Powered by Savage Mill is located at 8600 Foundry Street, New Weave Building, Savage, MD 20763
MWBC Shop Local is a retail incubator program of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC). Learn more about the program at www.mwbcshoplocal.com
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! At the Maryland Women’s Business Center, we take pride in leveling the playing field for women and minorities. We are here to support Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses every month of the year.