We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mitzy Romero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mitzy below.

Mitzy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As an artist, it can be difficult to find a place that will let you express yourself. I created LUX by Mitzy for members of the community to be able to sell their art in once space. I wanted to make sure everyone felt included and had a safe space for themselves and for their art. My mission is to continue supporting local makers, women and minorities. We all have to work hard and it’s easier when we can uplift each other.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In 2019 I started out by making resin crafts. After a couple of months I knew this is what I wanted to do but I wanted to take it further. I used paint & all sorts of glitter in resin but it just didn’t feel like it was ME. It didn’t feel like the branding I was trying to achieve, so I started exploring what else I could put inside of resin. I found out that flowers were not yet very popular in resin so I decided to try it out. Let me tell you, it was one of the hardest things I had to do. Flowers are gently and resin is heavy. I messed up a lot and continue to practice. Every day I learn a new technique or easier way to handle my flowers so they don’t rip. If one does, I have to find a way to save it or start all over. It has been hard but after 3 years of practicing, I finally was able to achieve it. Even now I still struggle but I continue to perfect my art every day. I also wanted to work on custom orders for my clients and I decided to add acrylic and wood to my crafts. I make personalized keychains, bottle openers, coasters and more for any type of event!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am a DACA Recipient. DACA is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. President Obama passed this in 2013 when I was a senior in high school and this completely changed my life. I am able to work & drive but of course I have to renew this every 2 years and continue being a good citizen. DACA is not easy to obtain and you have to meet all the requirements otherwise you won’t be able to obtain it. In 2019 when I applied for my renewal, it took longer than it should have. You always to renew 90 days prior to your expiration date and I did that. Well, my new permit didn’t arrive on time and I got fired from my job. I am not one to sit around and wait. I had a 2 year old at the time and had to figure out a way to make sure we are all taken care of. I was told “just relax, take some time” but that is not who I am. If anything, I was more motivated to do something with my life so this never happens to me again and no one has that power over me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

in 2021 I found an amazing place that would make my dreams and others dreams come true. I wanted to open a makers shop in Kansas City but I didn’t know where. We started looking in early 2021 but I was told several times no. I waited until I found the perfect spot, with amazing landlords and I knew that this was the place for all of us. I was devastated because I did enjoy my full time job as a Community Health Worker for a local clinic in Missouri, but I also knew that I was burnt-out and I wanted to take the next step to my families future. I was trying to work on some arrangement for me to still continue working there and working at the store but I knew that I had to give the store my 100% so it can be what I envisioned it and so I had to quit my job and now I am focusing on my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capaxbym.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxbym_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpxbm/

Image Credits
Tania Sosa Photo, Jose Romero and myself