We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Galarza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
JLOVEKNITS helps bring awareness and education to our community on plastic waste, as well as provides information on the benefits of replacing everyday single use plastics with our reusable items. We also try to provide tips and resources on our social media accounts and website on ways to help reduce waste and consumption of single use plastics. We donate to nonprofits regularly that help the conservation of marine, wildlife, and the environment. As we learn more about what we can do to help protect and conserve our planet we rely that message to our community and customers both virtually and at pop up events/farmers markets.

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I let my customers see the real me. I am open and honest with them about who they are supporting and what they are purchasing. They get to see a lot of bts action of what it is I am working on for JLOVEKNITS. I talk them through some of the processes of production on some of our items and I engage with them often. I have been able to grow because of their support and feel as though we are a community where I can share with them some of the challenges I do face as a small business owner. I want my customers, community, and the world to know that our brand is a brand who cares about them. We are in the business of conservation and preservation of this planet and all of its inhabitants, they are the reason we started this passion project.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Downtown Ontario hosts many great events that showcase local talent and businesses. Ontario Mills has many dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Ontario Improv is also located at The Mills. Our neighboring cities such as Upland, Claremont and Pomona also have tons of small shops and dining experiences. You could go to the Claremont Village for a few drinks at the Whisper House, then head over to downtown Upland where many local bands play in the bars located there. Pomona has a great coffee shop, Mi Cafecito which I frequent for their delicious cafe de olla or specialty drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All the women around me deserve ALL the credit. Growing up watching my mom’s work ethic, ambition, drive and her success as a self-employed business owner definitely set an example for me, she was someone I always wanted to be like. On weekends I would visit with my grandmother and watch in amazement as she hand embroidered garments, tablecloths, etc., and was inspired by her skill/talent that represented my culture with every stitch. My mother in law taught me how to use a sewing machine after I attempted to hand stitch my first reusable snack bag. Her encouragement to learn how to use a sewing machine is why I am able to make reusable items. That same encouragement is shown to me by all the women in my life. I am so grateful to them, on days where I feel discouraged they are all there to lift me up. The same can be said of my significant other, he too is a big supporter and is there rooting for me from behind the scenes.

Website: jloveknits.com
Instagram: @jloveknits
Twitter: @jloveknits
Facebook: facebook.com/jloveknits