We were lucky to catch up with JaMeka Ramnath recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, JaMeka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Between working my regular full time job and running my travel blog, travel was no longer an option in 2020 and 2021 during the worldwide Covid-19 lockdowns. So I had a lot of free time while staying at home.
I spent that time exploring other hobbies I’ve wanted to try but never had time to do prior to the pandemic. Picking up an iPad and experimenting with the Procreate App is what catalyst the idea to register for an LLC and start my own business.
I found joy in creating sticker and greeting card designs on my iPad. Then I did a ton of research on how to start a stationery business. It’s a completely different category than travel blogging (which I’ve been doing for over seven years now) but life is too short to be stuck doing only one thing in my opinion.
JaMeka, 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?
I am a mom, wife, work full time, run my travel blog and I’m a new small business owner. I enjoy traveling with my husband, Meshach and our amazing son, Tristan. I am also a fur mom to our two dogs, Aria and Jacob. I love anything inspirational, pet related, florals, fashion accessories, travel, tea, coffee and a huge wine fanatic.
In January 2022, I opened my Etsy shop and created Ramnaths Away LLC’s flagship project: Ramnaths Away Crafts. I also sell my products on Ramnaths Away website’s e-commerce store.
Over the summer, I began to feel as though my online business could be so much more than stationery and digital art. While I enjoy designing, I also love accessories and how using or wearing them can simply complete an outfit or uplift your mood.
This is how Ramnaths Away Crafts later evolved into my womens accessories brand, House of Ramnath. After long hours developing House of Ramnath’s e-commerce site until 3am each morning for an entire month, negotiating and vetting manufacturers for inventory, House of Ramnath was ready for launch!
I would really love to see House of Ramnath become a well known, established brand. A brand that people can count on when looking for that perfect gift, special occasion, something to compliment their daily outfit or just to treat themselves.
While travel blogging and content creation for Ramnaths Away blog has been a passion of mine for years, I have always been inspired by beautiful, yet functional everyday products that can be used in daily life.
My motto for House of Ramnath is “to provide everyday things that will brighten your day.” I hope to spread joy and inspiration through my products.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
Selling products on your own website will have lesser fees than Etsy. Also, you don’t own Etsy so if anything ever happens to that platform, everything you worked for is lost. Having your own website gives you control on how you want to run it and you maintain if it stays open or not.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I set up a VIP Mailing List (it’s free!) where new subscribers will receive a code to unlock 10% off their first order. My newsletters keep everyone updated with new product arrivals, special discounts and other brand related news. It’s easy to sign up by visiting House of Ramnath’s website.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://shop.ramnathsaway.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseoframnath
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseoframnath
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaMekaRamnath
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ramnathsaway
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HouseOfRamnath Ramnaths Away Blog: https://www.ramnathsaway.com/
Image Credits
JaMeka Ramnath