We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia De La Rosa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia , what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a Latina designer, I was always inspired to produce items that were inspired by the colors and textures of my culture. I felt there was a market for the items I produced, and saw my backpacks, fanny packs and crossbody bags stood out from the mass produced rest, which encouraged me to start my own business. I started seeking art markets were I could be a vendor, and received so much positive feedback. Social media has also been an important tool to aide my business, as I started posting more and more content that was seen all over the world, and started getting orders from all over the country and some from Latin America.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art form is inspired by the colors and textures of Latin America. I grew up in Mexico, around so many fashionable people who would incorporate traditional Mexican clothes with contemporary clothing. That is what inspires House of the Rose: MesoAmerican textures and colors with a contemporary design. As a designer, I did not find a place for my ideas to flourish in companies which did not share my aesthetic ideals. I felt out of place and decided to start my own business: why create a company’s vision when I could fulfill my own creative needs for my own business? I struggled with self-doubt at the beginning, but my drive was was stronger. I learned there is room for everyone! There is no need to compete with others when you can collaborate and create amazing things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has so much to offer! I truly is a melting pot! I would definitely recommend going to Echo Park and eating breakfast/brunch at Larchmont Bungalow Cafe. They have an amazing selection of dishes, pressed juices and the cafe is so cute! The strawberry tequila french toast is my go-to! I would definitely walk around Echo Park and see the lake!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Alondra Gaytan has been an amazing friend, and has contributed to much of my success. She has helped me vend at events and is my go-to photographer when it comes to starting a new season campaign. Thank you Alondra!! Natali Osuna has also been one of the wonderful people who has believed in me from the beginning and also vended in my booth when I needed help. Her fashion sense has inspired me to create some of my bags. My wonderful partner, Raul Frausto, has also inspired me to strive for more and to push myself to create new items. Most of all, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my beautiful daughter Luna. She is the fuel that keeps me going. Everything I do is for her, and in hopes of making a better life for her.

Website: www.houseoftheroseshop.etsy.com
Instagram: @houseoftherose
Facebook: @houseoftherose

Image Credits
Photographer: Alondra Gaytan Models: Cristal Carrillo, Alondra Gaytan