PAWTALKS WITH RAMONA FOR YOU

What was the inspiration behind Ramona For You?

The inspiration behind Ramona For You comes from my love for pets and design. I'm a designer and a huge pet lover, so I wanted to use my skills to make something special for pet parents and their furry friends. Basically, my love for good design and pets inspired the brand.

How does your brand differ from other industry brands in the same category? What gives you the competitive edge?

We stand out in the industry by emphasizing the creation of lifetime bonds between owners and their pets. We do this through our consciously designed, ethical accessories that are more than just products; they're symbols of love and commitment. Proudly handcrafted in Guatemala, our items are made by skilled artisans with whom we've built strong, positive relationships, ensuring that every piece is crafted with care and quality.

Moreover, we're dedicated to giving back to the community. Each purchase from our brand helps fund professional photoshoots for shelter dogs, showcasing them in the best light to accelerate their adoption into responsible, loving homes. "

Describe the ingredients you look for in the products you use.

In selecting materials for our products, we prioritize efficiency, quality, and environmental responsibility:

1. Efficient Design: We aim to minimize waste by creatively repurposing leather scraps and deadstock fabrics. This approach allows us to craft our accessories sustainably without compromising on quality, durability, or style.

2. High-Quality Local Leather: Leather is one of the most resistant and biodegradable materials. That’s why our collections use high quality local leather, dyed with high environmental standards and safety regulations to prevent harm and toxicity in our environment.

3. Hypoallergenic Brass Hardware: Recognizing the importance of durability and user safety, we incorporate high-quality hypoallergenic brass hardware in our products. Brass is known for its longevity and hypoallergenic properties, making our accessories safe for both pets and owners, and built to last a lifetime.

Through these carefully chosen components, we ensure that each Ramona product reflects our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the well-being of our human and fluffy customers. 

"Proudly handcrafted in Guatemala, our items are made by skilled artisans with whom we've built strong, positive relationships, ensuring that every piece is crafted with care and quality." 

What are some things you take into consideration during the creation of new products?

When creating new products, we always consider both the pet and the owner because they're both important to us. In our design process, we focus on four key aspects: functionality, ensuring our products serve their purpose well; quality, because we want them to last and be reliable; comfort, so both pets and owners feel good using them; and, of course, aesthetics, because we love making things that look great.

Other than Ramona For You, what is something you are passionate about?

Apart from my company and love for animals, I have a deep passion for Design and Art. Interior design fascinates me as it allows me to express creativity and transform spaces. Traveling is another passion, as it exposes me to new cultures, art forms, and inspiration. I also love to read and learn. 

Despite these interests, I consider myself a homebody, cherishing the comfort and peace of my own space. These passions enrich my life and, in turn, influence a lot of what I do. " 

What is one major lesson you learned about running a business?

One major lesson I've learned in running a business is the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes. Being an entrepreneur is challenging, but determination and the ability to overcome hurdles are crucial. With seven years as an entrepreneur and running a Branding and Digital Marketing studio, I've realized that multitasking demands excellent organization and prioritization. Delegating tasks and mastering time management are vital skills for any business owner. These practices have been key to my journey and I'm still learning from it. 

What are some challenges you have overcome with Ramona For You?

Starting Ramona For You wasn't easy. It took us almost two years from 2018 to 2020 to perfect our first samples with the requirements we needed. Finding committed artisans in the industry was tough, but we eventually partnered with a talented workshop that shares our values, helping us bring our first collection to life in 2020.

Then, just as we were about to launch, the pandemic hit. It seemed like a huge hurdle, but surprisingly, it helped us get noticed because everyone was connected to Social Media.

Our current challenge is making our mark internationally. Since we're new outside of Guatemala and not many people here write online reviews, it's tough to build trust and recognition abroad. But we're working on it, determined to show the world what we've got.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Initially, our social media strategy brought us significant engagement and visibility, allowing us to connect directly with our audience. Over time, we also focused on refining our SEO to enhance our visibility on Google, which has been instrumental in attracting organic traffic. Developing a robust Customer Experience strategy has been another cornerstone, ensuring that once customers find us, they enjoy a seamless and memorable journey. Additionally, participating in Pop-Up markets targeting the right customer segments has proven highly effective, enabling us to showcase our products and directly interact with potential customers. These diverse channels complement each other and collectively contribute to our marketing success and we're still polishing and implementing new strategies.  

"Through our products and initiatives, we aim to educate and inspire a shift towards more mindful pet guardianship, emphasizing the lifelong commitment that comes with pet ownership."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

The name "Ramona" was chosen for our brand because it embodies the essence of being a "Wise Protector." We believe that when pets come into our lives, we become their guardians, committed to their well-being at every stage, from cute puppies to dignified seniors. This belief is at the core of our brand's philosophy.

The design of our logo, featuring a house within an oval, is a visual representation of this commitment. It symbolizes the lifelong home we provide for our pets, a reminder that they are not just animals, but family members who deserve our love and protection for their entire lives.

What would you like to see for Ramona For You's future?

I envision not only growth and deeper community connections but also a significant impact on pet welfare. I hope to see Ramona For You play a pivotal role in reducing pet abandonment and fostering a society of more conscious, responsible pet owners. Through our products and initiatives, we aim to educate and inspire a shift towards more mindful pet guardianship, emphasizing the lifelong commitment that comes with pet ownership. 

I'd like to see Ramona For You expand its reach, touching more lives by providing high-quality, ethically made accessories that pet owners can trust and cherish.  

What do you think is the most prominent concern in the pet industry?

It is the overall well-being of animals. Many consumers are increasingly aware of and concerned about how pet products are made, what ingredients are used, and whether the companies they support are committed to animal welfare and environmentally friendly practices.

In addition to these concerns, there is a significant emphasis on originality and innovation in pet products. As pet owners seek unique, high-quality items that reflect their values and the individuality of their pets, companies are challenged to create original designs and solutions that stand out in a crowded market. This drive for originality not only pertains to the aesthetics and functionality but also to their environmental impact and the ethical standards upheld during production.