Meet Luara Pinon

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Luara Pinon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Luara , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being a Hispanic woman in a male-dominated industry has shaped how I show up and how I lead. For a long time, I was often the only woman — and definitely the only Latina in the room. Instead of letting that discourage me—I learned to see it as a source of strength. I became very intentional about knowing my work inside and out. I continue to practice, train and keep an open mind. All of that combined has helped me use my voice, those rooms have since felt less intimidating.

I’ve also learned the importance of bringing my whole self to the table. Being Latina isn’t something I hide; it’s something I’ve embraced and am proud of. It helps me connect more deeply with my community and be the representation I always wished to see coming into the wrap industry.

The power of building relationships and allies is very important to me. In environments where I was the only one who looked like me, I leaned into authentic connection. Since opening my shop, I have invited two Latina assistants to work with me who both happen to reach out after they saw me via social media or found me from an interview I did year back with KSHB 41. This is why I show up and take up space, because it has proven to be effective and it makes me immensely honored and proud to provide that opportunity for them.

Over time, I’ve realized that being ‘the only one’ has made me more empathetic and aware of others who may feel the same way. I try to use my presence to open doors, challenge assumptions and advocate for greater representation. What once felt isolating has become a motivating force for me to succeed and help create spaces where more women — and more Latinas — feel like they belong.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the owner and operator of Piñon Wraps, where we offer paint protection film, vinyl wrap, automotive detailing and more. My journey started about 11 years ago when I worked at Fastsigns Westport here in Kansas City. Having gone to college for fine arts with a concentration in Printmaking, a production area was sort of a lateral move from the art studio setting. Fastsigns’ production department allowed me to hone-in the technical skills of working with vinyl graphics and various other substrate materials. One of the most defining moments for me came in 2016 when I had the opportunity to wrap the very first Kansas City Streetcar — an experience that really lit the spark and showed me what was possible.

By 2019, I took a leap and started wrapping out of my home garage. It was…humble to say the least. I worked through the pandemic in that cold, dimly-lit garage. In 2022, I reached a major milestone when I received the keys to the shop I’m currently in. Every step of the journey has been a mix of hard work, learning and perseverance.

What I love most about my work is being part of so many small businesses’ branding stories. There’s something incredibly special about helping someone bring their vision to life, especially when it’s their first time seeing their branding on a vehicle. The excitement and pride on their faces — that’s the part that never gets old for me.

Now for the good news! I’m excited to share that as of December 2025, Piñon Wraps is officially offering full-time window tinting services at our shop! It is a major step forward that expands our ability to provide comprehensive auto customization all under one roof.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Everything I do is rooted in skill. From my early days in the art studios, the production rooms of sign shops to wrapping the first Kansas City Streetcar. I have learned that mastering the craft is what opens the doors. Staying curious and committed to improvement has allowed me to produce work I’m proud of and build trust with clients. The more I invested in my skills, the more I realized that craftsperson-ship isn’t just about what you create, it is about who you become in the process.

You must be a student of your craft, practice constantly, seek constructive feedback, do the networking and invest in learning! Whether that’s new techniques, a cool new tool, or new technologies. Every hour you put in is a brick in the foundation of your future. Keep building, even when progress feels slow the growth adds up. One day you’ll look back and realize how far your dedication has carried you.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Owning a business — especially working with material that is not super forgiving— can take a lot out of you. I’ve learned that stepping back for even a moment is the way. You’ve got to ground yourself so you can come back with fresh eyes and and maybe a different approach.

Most of the time I just sit in my shop and remind myself why I started when things go amiss. When things get really heavy, I lean on the people who believe in me — my sisters, my girls in the group chat, other successful entrepreneurs and past instructors. We don’t have to carry everything alone ya’ll!

Give yourself grace. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to reset. Focus on what you can do right now instead of everything all at once… the important thing is to just do it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pinonwraps.com
• Instagram: @pinonwraps
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/pinonwraps
• Other: tiktok: La_mexicutioner

Image Credits

Photograps by Phon Wills