We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keren Ramos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keren below.
Hi Keren, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I’m naturally optimistic and resourceful. When obstacles arise, I see them as opportunities to learn and adapt, keeping my focus on my long-term vision. I think my journey chasing my dreams and growing my career has taught me the importance of perseverance and grit. I think every hurdle I’ve overcome, whether it is resources or cultural barriers, has made me stronger and more resilient.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started my creative career as a fashion and textile designer, through years I chased academic opportunities that would allow me to expand my knowledge in art and design, as well as the fashion industry. While finishing my master’s degree at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in luxury and brand management last year, I started developing my own business named Somar, an ethical womenswear brand with a modern, edgy, and feminine proposal.
I think looking back, I am truly passionate about the creative process of designing a collection and creating a brand identity. There is so much thought and creativity behind curating a brand identity and developing strategies that speak to the unique selling proposition of a brand. I think for Somar it boils down to two things, the design proposal which I think is fresh yet desirable for many women, and two a platform for creative minds and young talent to showcase their skills.
Back in my home country, at times I felt that although I had the skills to start my career in the fashion industry, I lacked the resources, connections, or space to develop my talent, and I want Somar to be that space where designers, photographers, videographers, artists, and more can collaborate to curate the designs and campaigns of Somar. I think that is the part that I am most excited about, building that community.
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?
Fashion and textile design have been the areas that I have dedicated myself to for the most part. Fashion illustration, textile design, technical design, trend forecasting, draping, and pattern making.
However, I think in the past three years I have switched to the business and entrepreneurial side of the industry, whether it is brand management, marketing, or advertising, my area of expertise is on building brands with a unique identity. And I would like to add that I prioritize having an ethical approach while creating brand strategies, I believe that is the only way to succeed in the long run.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
This is a fantastic question, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It truly depends on the context and your specific goals. However, I can offer two distinct perspectives going all-in on strengths helps build momentum and impact, focusing on what you excel at in business can lead to rapid growth, innovation, and significant impact within that niche.
During my early entrepreneurial days, I focused solely on my technical skills, neglecting communication and sales. This initially hampered my ability to connect with clients and secure funding. By consciously developing my communication skills and learning basic sales strategies, I became a more well-rounded entrepreneur, opening doors to new opportunities and sustainable growth.
Ultimately, the best approach lies in finding a strategic balance. Identify your core strengths and leverage them to build momentum and impact. Simultaneously, acknowledge your weaknesses and invest in improving them to a level that supports your overall growth and adaptability. Don’t spread yourself too thin, but don’t become blind to areas that could hinder your long-term success. And always remember, the journey of growth is continuous.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerenmaryanne/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerenramos/
Image Credits
Photographer: Alexa Mendizabal Photographer Assistant: Hannah Esquenazi Model: Abigail Padgett Styling: Abigail Padgett Set Assistant: Adriana Castro Fashion Designer: Keren Ramos Graphic Design: Keren Ramos
