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

Alright, Renee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I never knew that I was good at designing or creating art until a few years ago. I grew up with everyone telling me how smart I was and encouraged to be more of a perfectionist. I think I was always scared of making mistakes or making art that wasn’t “perfect.” It really goes to show you that we are what we believe.

I first got into designing because I love giving funny and unique gifts and the things that I wanted to gift to people didn’t exist. I started designing things and realized they were a hit so I posted them on Instagram. Fast forward three years and I now consider myself a designer that creates nostalgic designs that tie in my culture and childhood. I no longer care about anything being perfect and don’t even care if it sells. I create things that speak to my soul and I think it’s helped with staying authentic. I’m still learning about design and will probably always have something to learn, but I think that’s what’s so awesome about this type of business.

Renee, 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?

My name is Renee Lowry and I live in a small border town in Arizona. I started designing items that celebrate Mexican culture and help me stay connected to my roots when I noticed there was a huge gap in the marketplace for Latin gifts. I was born in Mexico where life was full of color, laughter, fiestas, and amazing food. When I create, I try to bring all of these elements into my art with the hope of making you laugh, smile, or reminisce about a part of your culture too.

My abuelita’s name was Reynalda and Hey Reyna is actually named after her. I lived next door to her and she was such a huge part of my upbringing and values. We’d spend the days eating fruit outside under her big grapefruit tree, making aguas frescas, and walking through our pueblito every single day to buy fresh pan dulce or tortillas. I am passionate about my designs because I never want to forget about those memories or that part of me now that I live a much faster-paced life in the US.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists and creatives is so important! I get that the economy is rough right now but even liking, sharing, or adding these businesses and artists on social media goes such a long way and it costs nothing. Share their events and products to show your support or show up to vendor markets. Also, lets stop buying gifts from big corporations and buy more unique gifts from your local artists and creatives. I promise it will mean more and have a bigger impact to a small business owner than it will to a big CEO of a corporation.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It is the best feeling to witness people laughing or smiling when they see my products. I know I unlocked a funny childhood memory and there’s instantly a connection between myself and my customer. If I’m selling at a market, they usually end up telling me a story about their moms or abuelitas growing up. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about and why I do what I do. I want to connect with my people and give them something unique that’s going to make them and their family members smile.

It is also so cool and surreal that the stuff I create is out in the world and a part of someone’s life. My products are in their homes or they’re wearing it out on the street. Most of these people are strangers that I’ve never met but I still know a little part of them you know?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heyreyna.shop
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hey_reyna_
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/heyreynaus

Image Credits
Orale Collective Jair Delgadillo & Eric Castanos