We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Haywood recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Growing up we always drank cafe con leche, it’s something that all Latinos around the world have in common, regardless of your age. It’s a perfect name that resonates with all Latinas. It’s a reminder of our culture and the shared memories that we have.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
How you got into your industry/business:
Being raised in a bilingual household I realized that my sisters and I were not represented in any notebooks with illustrations that looked like me, my sisters, cousins, aunts or friends. On top of that, none of them combined English and Spanish, and being Latina myself, I use the combination of both which is, Spanglish. As an adult, I have yet to see stationery that addressed this issue. In November of 2021, while looking to purchase a planner from a department store, I was again disappointed in the lack of stationery representing Latina’s. I knew there needed to be a change, but it wasn’t until March of 2022 that I realized that I could be a part of that change. So I started a Spanglish Stationery Co. named Cafe Con Leche PlanHer which seeks to provide Latinas of all ages with stationery that is just as beautiful as them.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide:
We recognize that representation is key to building self-confidence and promoting
positive self-image, especially for Latinas. That’s why we feature bold,
inspirational illustrations of Spanish women on our stationery, showcasing the beauty
and strength of our culture. We also offer journals with prompts and positive affirmation cards for Latinas,
reminding them of their worth and encouraging them to love themselves fully.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
I knew I would need to use an overseas manufacture. I learned a couple of valuable lessons: with a manufacturer in China the language barrier can be a challenge, as well as using the metric system, so it’s important to have a good understanding of both. I’ve learned about paper GSM, using color hex code, and that there is a different code for CMYK and PANTONE, it’s like another different language. It’s very important to do research on multiple vendors and always make sure to ask for samples to ensure the quality of the product meets expectations. I was fortunate I was able to find a person to oversee the production of all my products, but I still was anxious because I can’t really see colors and quality with pictures and videos. Communication is extremely important, if I did not understand something I let him know and he would explain it until I understood, if I did not like something I let him know and when I liked something I let him know.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the middle of 2021, my job became very stressful and I made myself a promise: I would no longer suffer migraines or put my body through so much stress for someone else’s benefit. I would only suffer migraines and stress for my own company, one that my family would benefit from. At that time I started the process of setting up a business that had to do with credit repair, since that was my experience. in athe beginning of 2022, I opened a credit repair and education company while keeping my full-time job. My goal was to leave the job at the end of the year and dedicate my time to the business. In March, I started toying with the idea of starting a stationery company, and in July I was laid off. This unexpected event gave me the push I needed to pursue my passion for stationery and pursue my dreams. In October, I decided to no longer focus on credit repair and instead devote all of my time and energy to my stationery business. The stationery business has been much less stressful than the credit repair business, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something I’m passionate about.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.cafeconlecheplanher.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeconlecheplanher/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeConLechePlanHer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cafeconlecheplanher/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CafeConLecheHer
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@cafeconlecheplanher
- Other: TicTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@cafeconlecheplanher
Image Credits
JaquelineAndrea For Headshots