We were lucky to catch up with Ruben Barraza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruben , thanks for joining us today. Growth is exciting, but from what we’ve seen across thousands of conversations with entrepreneurs it’s also dangerous if costs aren’t watched closely – sometimes costs can grow out of control outpacing revenue growth and putting the viability of the entire business at risk. How have you managed to keep costs under control?

I feel like this is definitely a big one. I’ve realized over the years scaling a business online is a lot easier than scaling a business in store. I would have to say the biggest part would have to be your team and your follow up as well with studying and managing your money. I’ve also realized that retail has changed throughout the years and having some type of experience is almost on organic way of marketing that will give a customer the feeling that they want to come in and make custom shoes or have a nice dinner, etc.. overall I would say having a strong team that you can depend on and an experience that drives customers to your location.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I go by Majorwavez and I’m the owner of Majorwavez lab and Araña studios we make custom shoes, and also have our own silhouette as well with the customizing and branding to run workshops similar to the build a bear model. Essentially, you can come to our location for a perfect date idea or create your dream Sneaker, although some time to create and learn to build your own Sneaker business at home, or become a Sneaker Designer.. I would have to say that I am most proud of seeing my part-time employees turn to full-time employees the excitement of growth in our company and helping and creating a space for creatives I know as a creative I have always definitely been on the more introvert side and hanging out with other like-minded people has definitely helped a lot of artist or students/ kids to interact with others.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Over the last four years, I have built five brands online by simply following the same structure and posting 2 to 3 times a day on either stories or just interacting with customers as well with posting at least four times out of the week as actual post. I would have to say the main goal is to interact with your customers and they will consistently show support by either liking or reposting. This has helped me build multiple brands as well with helping with engagement and consistent revenue.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think a big one would be holding people accountable, and the constant coaching. Coming from corporate retail, such as Urban Outfitters, add true religion, I remember being taught one way and constantly returning reports or projects in which didn’t have too much room for error as it was on repeat. As I drew my business, I tried to run it exactly like corporate retail, and seem to lose the coaching part of following up. I believe I had to unlearn the street corporate retail side of not remembering how to do a certain task as it’s completely different when you don’t have that corporate structure or constant workflow for growing in striving business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Majorwavezlab.com
• Instagram: @majorwavezlab
• Facebook: @majorwavezlab
• Youtube: Majorwavez
• Other: Tiktok @majorwavezz