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

Rich, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.

My first and only internship was with Tommy Hilfiger in New York. I moved to New York to attend Parsons School of Design post-undergrad, and my first goal was to find an internship in the fashion industry that I could make into a full-time job. I knew I had to make myself useful to the point where they felt I had to be hired. I thought it was the best chance to be in the industry and make a life in New York (which was also a dream!).

I started by finding and organizing press clippings for the brand (pre-digital PR) and working with editors from small publications to pull samples for photoshoots. Eventually, I was working with editors from more renowned magazines and stylists while also helping to pull styles for our in-house photoshoots. They started to see I had a good eye for style, the ability to develop relationships rather quickly, and thrive in a very fast-paced, high visibility environment.

I also made sure I was available to do any tasks that needed to be done and pitched in wherever I could. They came to see me as someone who was ready to work, reliable, responsible, thorough and focused on the quality of my work.

It was such an exciting time in my life and career. I had my first taste of what it was like to live out some of my dreams–a life in New York working in the fashion industry. From there, I started to have the confidence to achieve other goals and dreams!

Rich, 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’m the shopkeeper and curator of MASAYA, an experiential retail shop based in Long Beach, CA, that was inspired by Filipino culture (“masaya” means “joyful, happy” in Tagalog) and the beauty of the world in all its colors, sounds, textures, tastes and smells. We’ve intentionally created a vibrant space and a curated collection of men’s clothing, accessories and homewares from independent brands that embody the spirit of craftsmanship, cultural diversity, and the urban beach lifestyle. The products feature handcrafted designs, high-quality fabrications, and sustainable materials.

The dream of having my own shop started years ago, but I began officially working on MASAYA in 2019. The pandemic pushed things back but I was able to secure funding in 2021 and through many starts and stops opened the doors in May 2022.

We want to bring joy to people’s everyday lives through the everyday products and experiences we curate. We want people to take a pause, soak in the colors, fabrications and curated playlists and feel like they’ve stepped out of the regular grind of life and into a relaxing, welcoming space. We could all use a jolt of joy these days.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I think the most effective strategy so far has been to provide an unmatched “people experience” in-store and online that is unique, memorable, welcoming and highly curated. From the colorful, graphic visuals we created for the space; the use of music in the shop and on social media; the events and pop ups with local entrepreneurs and makers that bring the community together; and most importantly the high level of customer service we provide. Aside from helping customers while they’re shopping, we also offer by-appointment shopping, personal styling in-store and at-home, alterations and steam outs, and complimentary water, wine or beer.

I think people are missing those special touches retailers used to provide customers to make their experience better and their day a little less stressful. The explosion of online shopping and direct-to-consumer brands has given small, local businesses a real opportunity to stand out through in-person experiences and services. In fact, we believe in-person services are the next frontier for retail and we want to be right there with even more offerings so stay tuned!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

One of the main reasons for seeking out help through the Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was their network of small lenders who are willing to fund small businesses. Most banks won’t take the risk, so you either have to self fund entirely, have family and friends who have the ability to gift or lend money, and/or use credit cards. The business plan is the key piece to getting funding at any level, so I worked with my SBDC advisor to create a solid plan with sound financials. With this plan, I was able to secure most of the funding, and I say most because you are still required to invest a portion of the total funds needed to show you’re willing to take on some of the risk.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.masayastore.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masayastore
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Masaya-Store/100069070663429/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/masaya-long-beach

Image Credits
Bethany Nauert