Meet Ranessa Villalba | Entreprenuer

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

Hi Ranessa, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
For many years I had a t-shirt line called Biker Beauty. I was stuck in a comfort zone. Once i discovered the fashion truck I knew I wanted to expand to something fresh and new. I needed to be more universal to reach more women. At first I was selling trendy women’s clothing. I wanted a name that was sweet and edgy. Sugar was perfect for the sweet side. Spiked was perfect for my tomboy, edgy biker side. It was the perfect fit. Eventually I just started selling pinup clothing along with handbags and accessories. Pinup clothing is hard to find affordable. For the everyday woman who wants to feel classic. I have been able to provide this for people who don’t want to spend $100+ for a pinup dress.

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?
My business has been an amazing addition to my life. It came at a time that I really needed it. I am proud of stepping out of my comfort zone to grow and really giving myself room to grow. I have been a vendor at many small, local events. But I have also been part of LA County fair, Mooneyes Christmas Car Show, Grand National Roadster show to name a few big events. I sponsor pinup show shows hosted by Mitzi & Co who is an international pinup photographer. She puts on the best shows, I love sponsoring. I get to meet the most beautiful pinups. I actually did a photo shoot with her a few months ago and it was a great experience. It took a lot to get where I am today. The biggest thing is to get your name out there as much as possible. Once people discovered Sugar & Spiked Beautique it made a big change for my business. I carry unique items such as novelty bags from so many different vendors. I handpick everything and everything is fun and “retro” like. I carry plus size pinup which isn’t always easy to find but I also keep it affordable. When people think of Sugar & Spiked Beautique I want them to always have something good to say. Whether it be gos much they love a product they purchased or the customer service they receive. It is really important to me.  When they hear my story of starting a business as a single mom with a couple hundred dollars in her pocket to spare. I hope that inspires them to believe in the beauty of their own dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA has so many hidden treasures that people either don’t know about or forget about. I am a Whittier girl and I love Greenleaf Ave in Uptown Whittier. Rocky Cola Cafe is one of my favorites for many years. It is a 1950s Diner in the heart of Whittier. They have it decorated with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Elvis. They serve a variety of different items but you can never go wrong with a burger and fries. I also love visiting Downtown Long Beach there is so many cool little shops and stores on Retro Row. There are so many stores and restaurants to choose from. I love visiting towns with little strips of stores and restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom Rosalie Villalba Perez is my biggest support and always giving me encouragement. I sometimes have some crazy ideas and she always supports me no matter what. Some ideas flop but a lot of them have been good for business. Growing up my mom was an Avon lady to make ends meet for our family. Her mom my grandma Alice use to sell snow cones to the neighborhood families. I didn’t realize that they were entrepreneurs until later in life. I respect it so much because it planted seeds that grew into a full blown business. I am blessed to grow up with women like that. Another mentor is my friend Monique Barraza with the Abigail Barraza Foundation. They are a foundation that helps families battling breast cancer. The first time I saw a fashion truck was at one of their events. Monique has always supported me and my love for fashion. We hosted a fashion show together a few years ago and it was a great experience. I hope to be able to do this again with her in the future.

Website: www.sugarandspikedbeautique.com

Instagram: www.instragram.com/sugarandspikedbeautique

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sugarandspikedbeautique

Image Credits
Mitzi & Co