Collective allows entrepreneurs to pool their resources
EL CENTRO — A few years ago, while she undergoing chemotherapy, Karla Canales lost her hair, even her eyebrows.
Suffice it say, when the former breast cancer patient looked in the mirror, she was not happy with what she saw.
But then she recalled the process that eagles go through, in which at a certain age they move away to lose their plumage and claws. They grow stronger and return to live for many more years.
Thus it was that Canales decided to start a jewelry business and that an eagle feather became the symbol of that venture.
Little by little, like her curly hair, her business blossomed, while her cancer went into remission.
To the metal jewelry that she sells, Canales over time has added stones such as tourmaline, which represents strength, and pearls, which signify transformation.
After a year in business, Canales was contacted by Ana Vázquez to see if she was interested in being part of group of entrepreneurs that would operate out of a shared location. She accepted.
“It is a very good option for small businesses,” Canales said.
Imperial Valley Colectivo, located on the northwest corner of Eighth Street and Commercial Avenue, has small spaces shared by about 20 entrepreneurs, who sell their products on the premises.
“Where there is no opportunity, you have to create them,” said collective member Soniah Jiménez, owner of Soniah J, a company that sells women’s clothing.
Vázquez said the collective has received significant help from the Department of Public Health to launch the project, although officials were initially unaware of the group in detail.
The project is similar to the about 50 collectives located in Mexicali. It was in December when a friend invited Vazquez to meet one of these groups, located on Mexicali’s Francisco L. Montejano Boulevard, an area known for its boutiques.
“Here it is more difficult because of the permits,” Vázquez said.
The collective, located at 302 N. Eighth St., has packaged products that are made by the entrepreneurs themselves.
The problem and requirement to be part of the collective is to have a business license.
Vázquez said that of all those interested in participating, 75 percent were unlicensed.
“Yes, it is my business, but I am more motivated by the satisfaction of helping and motivating others to make their sales legally,” Vazquez said.
Many Valley startups offer their products through social media because owners have children, which prevents them from having a physical business, while others carry out their activities without knowledge of the permit process, according to the collective organizer.
Vázquez said she has sent several of those interested to City Hall to apply for business licenses in order to participate in the group, which has vendors from throughout the Valley, although most are from El Centro.
In the collective, entrepreneurs support each other, and although in some cases they offer similar products, they do not see themselves as competitors.
Vázquez said they hope to create a virtual map of licensed vendors in the Imperial Valley, in addition to organizing raffles and events to promote the collective and increase sales.
Collective members do not pay commission for their sales, but only for the rent of their space, which includes its promotion.
“The idea is to legalize businesses and be able to sell in peace,” said Vázquez, noting that many sellers are forced to offer their products online due to the high cost of renting space.
She recalled the case of a woman who sold refried beans, who was fined $1,500.
“Each seller must have a license,” she said.
Ruth Luquin, owner of Fabulous Soaps, offers scrubs with sugar, soaps and solid cream that she makes herself, thanks to a seminar she took in Riverside with her mother about five years ago.
A year later, Luquin’s mother started a business, in which Luquin helped. Eventually, Luquin decided to launch her own business.
The entrepreneur promoted her products both on social media and on her website, in addition to participating in the Imperial farmers market, where the business saw a strong boost. In April 2020, Luquin launched an online sales site.
She affirms that, due to the pandemic, her clientele has sought to support local businesses, and she has seen a significant increase.
For her part, Yoanna Avalos, from Angela’s Treasure Shop, has been in the business of selling women’s fitness clothing for two years.
Previously, she sold imported skin care products, but only through social media.
The entrepreneur, who has been in El Centro for four years, is originally from Mexicali.
For Avalos, the idea is eventually to produce their own clothing brand.
“I look for comfortable clothes that give security to clients, especially because of the type of fabric that is not translucent,” Avalos said. “Many brands sell only the name, but they are not necessarily useful for those who like to play sports.”
Regarding the collective, which also offers gardening items, gourmet meat rubs and more, Avalos said that it is an excellent place to gain exposure for her products.