Every Monday, Powerful Latinas Rising highlights a Latina leader. Interested in being featured? Email info@powerfullatinasrising.com with your story.

Ramona Ferreyra is the CEO of Ojala Threads. Ojala Threads is a socially conscious company based in the South Bronx, New York City. They design baby bodysuits inspired by Hispanic heritage. The sales of Ojala Threads supports Ramona’s advocacy work in public housing, public transportation and criminal justice reform.

1. What inspired you to create Ojala Threads?

My youngest nephew Jadiel is a sickly boy, making me very protective of him. When he was 4 months old he became so ill that he ended up in the emergency room where he was diagnosed with meningitis.

He ended up in the ICU for five days where he suffered through a spinal tap, and numerous blood tests. I took over the night shift on the fourth night. In between lullabies the fear of losing him shortened my breathing. I knew he was on his way to recovery, but I couldn’t shake that fear. There was so much he needed to know, so much I needed to tell him.

I stayed with Jadiel for a week after his release from the hospital. That week I sang to him, in Spanish and English; I told him where our people came from; what our elders were like; how we were a blend of Africa, Europe and Tainos (the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean). He had no idea what I was blabbering on about, but I felt an urge to share everything with him. Those moments we shared during that week are my inheritance to him.

Ojala Threads is how our conversation lives on.

2. How does Ojala Threads honor our community’s heritage?

Each design is inspired by an aspect of our heritage. Folklorico for example is inspired by memories of dancing merengue folklorico as a child. Chacabana is inspired by the shirt men wear in the Caribbean by the same name. Each design is accompanied by a poem that I write. I chose to include the poem because I wanted parents to connect deeply with the design, and understand its significance even if they aren’t a member of our community.

3. As a Latina, what was the biggest challenge you faced when you first started Ojala Threads?

The biggest challenge I face is financial. I began the company after leaving the government using savings and my 401k. That got us through the first year. We are now dependent on sales which are minimal. I am constantly afraid that our account will hit zero and we won’t be able to continue operating.

4. What are some of the business challenges that you have faced where being a Latina has been an advantage?

The financial hardships I faced throughout my life have prepared me to  operate a company on a budget. I routinely find hacks, and resources to keep us going.

5. If you could have done something differently when you first started your business, what would that be?

I would have wasted less time getting “ready”. Imposter syndrome made me hesitate to make my designs and vision public. I was lucky to connect with a Latina that told me to stop wasting time and get going with a ton of attitude. I launched and only regretted not doing it sooner. Of course I made mistakes, and adjustments but perfection is not realistic.

6. Is there any advice you would share with our fellow entrepreneur readers?

I would recommend that anyone interested in starting a business look for their local SCORE office, non profits or resources via their library before paying for any help.