We recently connected with Johanna Quintero-Perez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Johanna , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my passion for advocating for artisans in Colombia. Growing up with my mom being one of them instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and drive to make a difference in their lives. Their dedication and craftsmanship inspire me every day to work tirelessly to create positive change in their families.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a passionate Spanish teacher who loves sharing my culture with my students in high school. I am originally from Colombia and came to the USA 18 years ago as an Aupair, but life had other plans for me. I found love and new opportunities, although being away from my family has been tough. My husband and three kids are my world, each bringing something special into my life. It took hard work to become a certified teacher in the USA, but my dream finally came true. I started Lauranna to help my mom and other artisans, never imagining it would grow so much. Having a physical store at Painted Tree Cinco Ranch , Katy Tx allows me to be a full time teacher and continue helping artisans in Colombia . Also the Etsy shop has been a dream come true, allowing me to share Colombian treasures with the world. Recently, I’ve had to slow down due to health issues, but my focus now is on recovery, family, and supporting artisans in the best way I can.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as a social entrepreneur, teacher, and immigrant mom, three things stand out: resilience, empathy, and resourcefulness.
Resilience means bouncing back from tough times, like juggling work and family while chasing my dreams. My advice? Believe in yourself, keep going even when it’s hard, and remember that every setback is a chance to grow stronger.
Empathy is about understanding others’ feelings, like the artisans in Colombia and my students here in the USA. To build empathy, listen with your heart, put yourself in others’ shoes, and be there for them when they need you most.
Resourcefulness is all about making the most of what you have, whether it’s time, money, or support. My tip? Get creative, ask for help when you need it, and never give up on finding solutions to your problems.
So, if you’re just starting out on your journey, remember to be strong, kind, and clever. With these three qualities, you can overcome anything and make your dreams come true, just like I do.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, as a mom with young kids, finding time for them is my top priority. However, my passion for supporting artisans in Colombia remains strong. I believe that collaboration is key to achieving our social mission while balancing family commitments.
I’m open to partnering or collaborating with individuals or organizations who share our values and are committed to making a positive impact. Whether you’re a fellow social entrepreneur, an advocate for fair trade, or someone passionate about empowering communities, I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re interested in collaborating with Lauranna, please reach out to us through our website, social media channels, or email. Together, we can create meaningful change while supporting both artisans in Colombia and my journey as a mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurannastore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurannastore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurannafashion/
- Other: https://laurannas.etsy.com/
Image Credits
@Marycarphotography she took my photo for the profile
