Today we’d like to introduce you to M.Ramirez-DeHeywood .
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey is still being traveled. I come from humble beginnings; My love for art and designs come from training from my father, who was an oil canvas painter. He trained my sister Maria and I as to the art of sketching, drawing and painting with pastels and oils. Like President Trump, I too, grew up in NYC and I consumed the NYC hustle and grind mentality. This I know gives me a thrive for the finish line and winning; that if you don’t share my desire and love for the hustle, you couldn’t understand my drive.
These skills I apply to my current designs and brand Quito Carib. This is why I’m pulling the attention of the fashion gatekeepers, they recognize a winner when they see one! My designs and use of splashing colors stem from my Caribbean ancestry. My mother is from Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico and my father is from Barbados. This cultural up-bringing is reflected heavily in my use of the colors with-in my designs.
My designs speak to a segment of people who are the show stoppers, the capital builders, the accomplished; those who are of the bold, brash, and extremely confident!
This journey has its ups and downs, and speaking honestly, networking and building relationships is what has helped get me to this level. I have manufacturing out of Italy and Asia. I’m currently building manufacturing relationships overseas in Portugal, as well.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Challenges are at every corner you turn, for example, you can present your designs and visions, and manufacturing may still miss the mark! You must have patience, focus, and serious attention to details. You have to metaphorically wear blinders on and see nothing but the goal. You may not receive the support from family, significant partners, friends or associates, but you have know your truth and stay vigilant to it. Everyone’s success comes with a cost. You have to go in knowing already how much are you willing to pay. Success achieved doesn’t come headache free!
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Originally, I started out with designing footwear. I then graduated to apparel. Mind you, my overall products are Runway wears; Quito Carib is a Runway Brand. I specialize in high end luxury wears, specifically Italian crafted. My premium footwear, Quito Carib Italy, are handmade Italian crafted from my designs. My apparel is exquisitely manufactured in Asia and Italy. I also do single custom designs for clients, for example, I will design a pair of footwear solely for a client, and of course, for a steeper cost, but it does come with some incentives I add.
Why should someone work with me over the competition. First, there is no competition for me. I’m an original product. My talent and creativity comes from my personal experiences. I have been a Fashionisto since early teens. My use of colors and textiles come from my cultural influences and my interpretations of those cultural influences. I exude swagger in my every being; whether I am in a pair of jeans and T-shirt or a tailored suit, I encapsulate the ideology of what modern youth today call « Dripping ».
Again, I say, I am always eager to collaborate with other designers and brands, but I don’t see competition due to me not having none.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My best piece of advice to your readers is don’t expect others to see your vision or dream. They can’t see what is not there’s; the universe delivered it to you and you alone. The reason the universe delivered it you is because it knows you are more than capable it bringing it into fruition. You will have many that will doubt your reality and give it no support. They will not buy it, promote it, or recommend it to others. This will attempt to dampen your spirit.
You have to be vigilant in your efforts to bring your vision into a reality. Look to the stranger to be your biggest supporter and appreciate those that become the wind in your sail. You must be willing to sacrifice the heart felt distractions and focus only on the goal.
You will lose people who were important to you because they would selfishly want you to pick them over your dream. These are some examples of the sweat and tears that will be experienced to gain the goal. Again, you have to ask yourself, what cost are you willing to pay to bring your dream into fruition.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
I’m always asked this. Success, has many meanings to me. Watching my sons grow to become productive human beings. Leaving a legacy for my bloodline to enrich from. Finding moments that are rewarding and fruitful for others and myself and of course, accumulating equity of substantial financial value. Seeing my designs. worn and adorned by the masses.
What’s next for you?
Look to continue seeing my designs on the international runway circuit. I’ve been invited to present in Dubai for ‘23. I’m scheduling runways in London and Paris during Fashion Week ‘23; also, Miami Swim Week in July of ‘23, as well.
My products will be available at the FlyingSolo store in SOHO NYC on West Broadway starting January 2023. You can still find my products online at www.HouseofQuitoCarib.com
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I can be reached at the following:
Quitocarib@houseofquitocarib.com
IG: @houseofquitocarib
305-946-1399
and I’m always approachable just walking down the streets.
Thank you for this opportunity, for this interview, and connecting with your readers.