We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Roxy Cruz Angel Flores. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Roxy Cruz below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Roxy Cruz with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Our commitment to hard work and perseverance can be traced back to the rich tapestry of our Hispanic heritage. Raised in families where diligence and determination were not just values but a way of life, we learned from a young age the importance of rolling up our sleeves and putting in the effort to achieve our goals.
For me, Roxy, the seeds of diligence were planted early on. At the tender age of seven, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with a humble lemonade stand, laying the foundation for a lifetime of hustle and determination. By the time I reached high school, I had already established my own candy-selling business, a testament to my tenacity and drive. I attribute this tireless work ethic to my mother, whose continuous dedication and unwavering support served as a guiding light throughout my formative years.
Similarly, Angel draws inspiration from his parents, who provided him with support and a foundation built on hard work and resolve. Their push and tough love allowed Angel to fully commit to working hard, pursuing his education, and striving for excellence. He now channels this same work ethic to provide for his own family, recognizing the sacrifices his parents made to instill in him the values of commitment and tenacity.
Together, our shared heritage and upbringing have instilled in us a deep-seated belief in the value of hard work and perseverance. We approach every challenge with grit and determination, knowing that success is not merely bestowed upon us, but is earned.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Allow us to take you on a journey through the heart and soul of PrinthinkSD—a haven where creativity knows no bounds, and every stitch tells a story. Our story began just two years ago, fueled by the shared dream of two passionate individuals determined to revolutionize the apparel customization industry. Inspired by a vision to address common challenges and create a more inclusive space, we set out to establish a sanctuary where ideas could flourish, and clients could learn and grow alongside us.
As Roxy and Angel, the driving forces behind PrinthinkSD, we bring our individual expertise to the table—Roxy, with her wizardry in embroidery, and Angel, with an uncanny ability to bring visions to life through ink. Together, we form a dynamic duo committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our craft.
What truly sets PrinthinkSD apart is our unwavering commitment to care. We care about the smallest of ideas that our clients bring to us, recognizing the potential in each one to make merchandise truly unique. Transparency is at the core of our ethos—we believe in educating our clients, guiding them through the process, and empowering them with knowledge. But above all, we care deeply about what we do. Our love for our craft fuels our passion, and our dedication to helping our clients realize their visions drives us forward every day.
Looking ahead, we envision a future filled with growth and opportunity. Within the next two years, our goal is to expand our presence by opening another shop, broadening our reach within the community and catering to larger orders. Moreover, we aspire to forge collaborative partnerships with new businesses and brands, using our expertise to breathe life into their creative endeavors and bring their visions to fruition.
In essence, PrinthinkSD is more than just a business—it’s a philosophy. It’s a testament to the transformative power of passion, care, and collaboration. As we continue on our journey in the ever-evolving world of apparel customization, one thing remains certain: PrinthinkSD will continue to inspire, innovate, and elevate the industry to new heights.
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?
Embarking on the entrepreneurial path has been a whirlwind journey filled with uncertainty, risk-taking, and relentless determination. From the outset, we were willing to dive headfirst into the unknown, armed with nothing but a vision and a burning passion to succeed. Looking back, we realize now the myriad of qualities, skills, and knowledge we’ve acquired along the way, each playing a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of our venture.
First and foremost, we’ve learned the art of taking risks. When we decided to open our business, we had no prior experience in running one. The uncertainty loomed large—would we be able to sustain ourselves financially? Would our chosen location be conducive to success? Despite the doubts gnawing at the corners of our minds, we took the leap, knowing that great rewards often come from great risks. Trusting our instincts, we forged ahead, entering into a partnership after we had known only a few months—a decision that required immense trust and faith in each other’s abilities.
But perhaps the greatest sacrifice we made was in the pursuit of our business’s success. For a year, we lived and breathed our venture, making personal sacrifices along the way. Leaving behind stable full-time jobs, we poured our hearts and souls into building something from the ground up, even going as far as living in the shop itself until we were ready to launch. It was a testament to our unwavering commitment and belief in our vision.
Networking emerged as another invaluable skill in our arsenal. We quickly realized the importance of putting ourselves out there, attending community events, and boldly speaking about our brand. It was through these interactions that doors began to open, opportunities arose, and our presence in the community grew. Being proud of what we had created and confidently sharing our story became second nature, fostering connections and collaborations that propelled our business forward.
Furthermore, deepening our understanding of the machinery and processes we worked with proved to be indispensable. Embroidery and screen printing machines are complex beasts, and as a fledgling business, we had to be resourceful and cost-efficient. Learning the intricacies of our equipment not only allowed us to troubleshoot issues independently but also enabled us to deliver unparalleled quality and attention to detail in our projects. We mastered the art of saving where we could without compromising on excellence—a skill that continues to serve us well to this day.
Reflecting on our journey, if we were to offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be this:
Firstly, find confidence in yourselves and your abilities, but remain open to learning the hard way. Embrace encouragement and positivity wherever you can find it—it’s the fuel that will keep you going through the toughest of times.
Secondly, authenticity is key. People are drawn to genuineness, so stay true to yourselves and your values. Let your passion and sincerity shine through in everything you do, and you’ll attract like-minded individuals who share your vision.
Lastly, be patient and take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business be. Embrace the journey, relish in the process, and remember that there’s no rush. This is your art—cherish it, nurture it, and watch it flourish in its own time.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past twelve months, our screen printing and embroidery shop has experienced remarkable growth, both professionally and personally. One significant area of improvement has been finding a better balance between our business and personal lives. We’ve learned the value of asking for help and seeking support when needed, whether it’s delegating tasks to team members or seeking guidance from business professionals.
To accommodate increasing demand, we’ve expanded our team by training another embroiderer and screen printer, enabling us to handle larger orders efficiently. Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals has also been pivotal, providing us with valuable insights and guidance as we navigate the intricacies of entrepreneurship.
Improving communication between us, the founders, has been essential. By fostering open and honest dialogue, we’ve enhanced efficiency and collaboration, capitalizing on each other’s strengths to overcome challenges effectively.
In conclusion, our growth journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and personal well-being. As we continue to evolve in the competitive landscape, we’re poised to tackle new challenges with renewed determination and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.PrinthinkSD.com
- Instagram: @PrinthinkSD
- Facebook: PrinthinkSD
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