We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fernando “Juno Mars” Pagan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fernando “Juno Mars” below.
Fernando “Juno Mars” , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
DITR Projects (Diamond In The Rough Projects)
At first it was hard to find that one name that represented what I do and the things that I like to create. I wanted to think of something in general that would cover all aspects of my creativity. Brainstorming got a bit overwhelming and I decided to give it a rest. The idea struck on a random day having a random conversation when someone mentioned that my ideas always seemed to create something out of “nothing”. That really stuck with me and in no time I had my thoughts wrapped around that key part of our conversation. I knew that I was onto something. The practice of making something useful out of something that would probably be overlooked or not appreciated as much was my niche, it was my drive and eventually became my motto.
Of course I thought of the usual clichés “Something out of Nothing” or “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” statements but none of these were convincing enough to represent my brand. I felt under pressure. But like every diamond, it does not shine unless it is placed under pressure. That was it! Something more symbolic. I figured that I was intentionally looking for something that described my style instead of embracing what was happening in every thought. I was being polished. My brand was being created right underneath me. I was able to recognize that the process, the brainstorming, the creations and my results were just a Diamond In The Rough.
Fernando “Juno Mars” , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
DITR Projects has evolved from working with pallets & paint to creating colorful custom rugs. As a child I used to intently watch my Abuelo and my Dad when they would work around the house, work out on the yard or take on carpentry projects and mechanics. My Mother, “the queen of creativity” does not fall behind. She truly is the icing on the cake. While growing up, I learned a lot by just observing and watching the dedication and none-stop hustle from the people around me. The male figures in my life taught me how to be handy while showing me that there is always a correct way to do things. My Mother showed me how to be detailed while thinking outside-the-box. I remember helping Mother at different pop-up events and special gigs that she would take on even if she didn’t have the experience. She would get crafty and she would show me her ideas and tricks. I guess I was in preparation to use these skills later in life.
When I started with DITR Projects I was heavily into creating custom furniture out of wooden pallets for both inside and outside decor. I would create tables, benches, shelves, and anything that would simplify your space while giving it a unique and down to earth vibe. The labor was extensive but the finished products were so satisfying. Then Covid hit and my business model had to change. I went from being in hiatus to nearly giving up. So many months of just sitting around and thinking of ways to improve. I felt stagnant and hopeless.
I’ve always been a believer of having a skill or trait that on any given day it can put food on your table, wether it is your immediate way of income or your “plan-b”. This is what drove me to stay in search of “my next thing”. So many hours of researching brought me to the tufting world. Tufting is creating area rugs with acrylic or wool yarn. This is “my new thing” and I love it. It allows me to think freely and stay creative.
So, if you need a nice area rug for your home, your office, something custom or have some ideas, I’d love to talk about them and make you a personal custom piece.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Before I started making rugs I went through an extensive research for months. I binged on videos through social media, I did a lot of vendor research for tools and materials and compared prices. After a while, I was ready to jump in and get busy. I felt anxious and prepared to take on this new venture. Along the way, I learned how to create a routine and a work flow that suited me best and have enjoyed every step of it. Countless hours of practice truly helped me better my skill and enhance my product. Just like with anything, the more you do it the better you will get, and every time that I start tufting there is always something new to learn. To me, it is a never ending lesson that I will continue to study because when you enjoy doing something the process is never boring. It gets me excited to see it evolve.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I believe that the best strategy for growing your clientele is by word of mouth. It is an amazing feeling to hear that someone has referred your work and has encourage the support to your business. The impact that this causes empowers you to keep your drive, challenge yourself to do better and keep that consistency. It encourages you to provide the same amount of excellence on every interaction, every transaction and every deal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ditrprojects
- Other: https://www.mercari.com/u/925602450/?sv=0