Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Munoz.
Jamie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Lady Muerta with my mom, Donna in 2008. My mom is very crafty, so growing up, I learned from her. We started making handmade Dia de Los Muertos items for a festival at the Mesa Art Center around March 2008, after we were accepted into the festival as contributing artists. We crafted all summer. One month prior to the festival the Board of Directors contacted us and removed us from the event. They wanted only Hispanic artists, and we are not. We had put so many hours and so much money into our art and had to figure out how to sell it. I was referred to a local Co-Operative store in Glendale, and we were accepted right away. We started small, and the response was amazing – we sold so much so fast, we were having trouble keeping up with demand. I was working full time, and crafting was more in my free time – not a full-time gig.
So, in order to grow, I needed to start selling merchandise that I did not make. My mom started her own company for the items she made, and she became my first vendor. Next, one of the other girls in the co-op took me under her wing and showed me the ropes of purchasing for retail. Over the next several years, I built up to carrying over 30 different brands and supporting local artists and tattooers by selling their art. I took a step back from the business in 2015 and moved out of our retail storefront after seven years to further my career as an Integrator (COO) for a local Large Format Graphics company and build my coaching and leadership skills. I sold my items online, at tattoo conventions and held small shopping parties for three years. I started to phase out and liquidate everything. I had to go in a different direction and realized how much I missed the store and my customers. I had sold almost everything I had including all my fixtures by Spring 2018. I worked towards a point at my job where I could take on a part-time position and work remotely. The stars aligned and I went for it! Wow was that scary!
So, this past July, I opened my storefront again as Lady Muerta in a new location and started from scratch. We have had an amazing response coming back to the west valley, and I am more than thrilled to be living my dream.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have 100% built the business by its actual growth. That has been difficult at times where growth is happening, but funds can get tight. I was lucky enough to also be working full time and have an income because as a small business owner paying yourself can be very difficult after all your expenses and again trying to grow the business without taking out loans.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lady Muerta – what should we know?
Celebrating our ten year anniversary this year is pretty awesome!
We are known for great customer service – we love our customers and treat them like family. We specialize in carrying items that you cannot find anywhere else. I have the passion for and love all the items and styles of things that we carry-it speaks of my style and themes that I love. You will find handmade items, art, jewelry, clothing, accessories and home decor in themes like Disney, Day of the Dead, Unicorns, Skulls, Mermaids, Coffins and anything with GLITTER!!! I also host live unboxing videos on Facebook when I get new items which are a lot of fun!
I have a small store now but am working towards building it up and opening a Co-Op in the future. You can shop in-store or online 24/7 and signup for our newsletter to get deals and coupons straight to your inbox (see our hours posted and links to online shopping) Gift Certificates are available!
Also, Lady Muerta was voted top 5 Best Boutiques in 2018 by readers of New Times!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think my no BS approach to helping my customers shop is important. I am not going to tell you to get something if it is not really the right thing for you. I’m not going to say “Oh yeah, that shirt looks great” if it really doesn’t. Making customers happy is really what drives me, and I never want someone to regret a purchase from Lady Muerta, it should make them happy always.
Contact Info:
- Address: 17570 N. 75th Ave. Suite #37 Glendale, AZ 85308 (located inside Salon Boutique)
- Website: www.ladymuerta.com
- Phone: 602-499-2977
- Email: info@ladymuerta.com
- Instagram: ladymuerta
- Facebook: ladymuerta
- Other: Poshmark ladymuerta
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
