Meet Diana Lamas | Female Entrepreneur

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

Hi Diana, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is one of my favorite topics. I grew up in a home of entrepreneurs where risks were “normal” actions that were taken, and until this day almost 90% of our conversations over dinner are about business and investments and of course risks that come along. What I learned about risks since childhood watching my parents do business, is- you jump into a pool and swim, if you don’t know how to swim, you figure it out and you don’t look back.
Risks are an opportunity for us to grow and to become the person we dreamt about. I have been a stay at home mom since 2014 and I know, I know my biggest purpose in life was to raise my children, I mean I dreamt of that as a child so to have the opportunity to do so, is a dream come true. Being an entrepreneur was another of my biggest life purposes, when I decided to start The Modern Cactus Co. it was questionable to be honest, I knew I wanted to have my own business and be a full-time mom, but I didn’t know if I was going to be capable. Looking back now, it was the best thing I did for myself as a woman and as a mother. All that to say if there is an opportunity at your door, don’t think negatively about the risks, whether it’s a hit or a miss you will not regret it; there is always growth in the experience.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I started The Modern Cactus Co., it was just hobby- sharing a little about my Mexican culture with others through the handwoven leather huaraches and also supporting my people in Mexico by giving them work. To this day, one of my favorite parts of what I do, is giving people the opportunity for work in Mexico. There is so much need, and to know I help support even just a little with employment is so rewarding to me. It hasn’t been an easy journey, in the beginning finding the right manufacturer for my brand was a little challenging because I had a list of what I needed and expected, of course quality production was just as important as a healthy working environment in Mexico for the workers. I encountered a few bad experiences before find the right one that had similar values as mine. Today, I am so proud of my product and the way it has made for itself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spots are Milpa Grille in Boyle Heights, Alfred Coffee, and honestly in East LA- Whittier Blvd for all the comfort foods on wheels!

My favorite activity has to be around Griffith Park, whether the hike to the Hollywood sign, The Griffith observatory, The Zoo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Modern Cactus Co. would not exist without the support of my fellow hat lovers. You know, everyday I think to myself how did I land myself this position, I don’t deserve all the love and support I get from my customers, from other business owners that believe in my dream and carry my line of hats in their stores. It’s such a blessing, I thank God every 5 minutes, literally for this life. Of course, also my mother and my father have always been the best business/life mentors and cheerleaders!

Website: www.themoderncactusco.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/themoderncactusco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/themoderncactusco

Image Credits
Paige Klingsporn Michelle Badillo