Meet Ramona Quintanilla | RQ AUTOS, LLC – Title service

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ramona Quintanilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ramona, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Well originally, I wanted to do something that could give me time and a work/school balance, but I also wanted it to be meaningful. I used to get so much appreciation working at your local tax office by simply speaking Spanish to customers and explaining thoroughly why certain things we’re needed and different ways to get out of sticky situations with bad dealerships/ title service. Sometimes people would come frustrated with tears in their eyes because they paid their vehicle off with receipts in hand but the person who sold them the car always wanted more… I unfortunately could never help them right then and there but sometimes the issue could be quickly cleared up by reporting them through TXDMV or simply getting a tow truck and sending them the bill. The road was always A and B but of course I would slip in a couple of “what if” scenarios, and that would really help.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I think what sets me apart from others is that my receipts are blunt. Sure, anyone can write $400 charge from blank business but where do those $400 go? What did they pay for? “I had a friend and they only got charged X amount, why is this so much? And why is it taking so long? Will you be taking this step? I thought the letter only cost $15? Does the $15 come out of the $400?”.. Yeah, no, I like for you to see where your money goes. I like that you can see what you are paying for. My receipts always come with a what, from where, and in my contract, you get the why for the charge. In some instances, you can even get a refund from me because I may be able to find better deals for you.

Things like this interview and reviews seriously keep me going. They remind me that I am on the right path and am doing the right thing. Sometimes I get little text updates too further down the line once the service is completed and I get so excited for those! Random Holiday texts or pictures of them in their car they just transferred over! My favorite was of a son who inherited his grandfather’s car but there were so many issues and complications that came up before we could get everything finalized and just for them to send me those texts that everything went well was so satisfying.

Getting to this point in my life was not easy; Realizing that I had to cut so many toxic things out of my life that I thought we’re helping me survive, like the job that taught me everything I know in regards to this business, was terrifying to me, but it wasn’t until I cut it out of my life that I realized that it was actually hurting me. Toxic work environments and a 50something-year-old woman who hangs out with 20-year-olds to feel young or whatever that was, is insane. I mean, what do you even say to people like that? It hit me that I was doing just that, Surviving. I wasn’t living… I had just bought a house and adopted a new dog– And gotten married! But I never had time to enjoy anything. I got rest when I was sick but again, I had to be sick to rest. I had it in my head that I needed to work to live and there was a point where I didn’t even see the sun anymore. I woke up and it was dark, and I got home, and it was dark. My husband finally, thankfully, got it in my head that yes, the job was easy, the benefits we’re great, but what was the point if I could never enjoy it? So I cut that toxic job/people out of my life and I haven’t looked back yet.

Something I’ve learned along the way is that even if there are terrible people in the world, you do NOT have to match that energy. Sure, That 50yearold is on top right now but when she retires in a few years, everyone will just be thankful she’s gone versus if you are golden, and put out what you would like back in, those people will stick by you and continuously support you. Besides, those are the ones that really matter, Not the ones that don’t have much else going for them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Oh this is a great question! I had a very good friend of mine come down from Canada earlier in the year and here’s a few places I took her:

Numbers night club for 80’s dancing; I’ve been going to numbers forever and it’s always so much fun!-
300 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

El Botanero Store for drinks and snacks- She’s never had Mexican snacks before and she is now in love with chamoy- 6821 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77076

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for a fun little walk and plant spotting!- 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024

Pekaditos for fun aguas frescas! Poor thing was struggling in this Texas heat- 460 W Gulf Bank Rd, Houston, TX 77037

Basura drag show to watch our favorite local ALTERNATIVE drag queens (Alternative means it’s definitely different and not to expect what you see at every other show.. and different is okay. It’s better actually!)- Ripcord bar 715 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006

And finally, I threw her a small welcome to texas burlesque/pole party with a fun class and plenty of photographs at Euphoric Woman– 12043 Beamer, Houston, TX, United States, 77089

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Definitely my family and friends for starts, the actual ones that I can count anyways; You know who you are, and I appreciate you. Thank you for helping me market and constantly pushing and asking me dozens of questions that you know would light a fire under my butt. Thank you for the support and even helping me with RQAutos when needed without expecting anything in return.

Of course, The good lord because none of this would’ve been possible without her. Down from putting me in difficult positions and cornering me onto the right path all the way to continuously blessing me.

My husband because without his constant pushing, none of this would be possible. Like really, None of it. This was so scary but without your pushing and freedom to really take my time, we wouldn’t be here. Look at where we are now. It’s a big thanks to you amors!

All of the customers I enjoyed helping, talking to, meeting, bonding, and even for the ones who followed me just to support me on this journey. Especially the new ones! Thank you for taking a chance on me! I’m so glad you took that risk on trusting me and some of you have even become close friends! 

And most important of all, My Trish. You bring out the impossible in me and I still have no idea how you do it. Really, I don’t but I’m so glad that you came into my life at the right moment. She has been my rock since the beginning and guided me in managing my own business and even taking the first steps. I love to say that she held my hand while I took my first step into this! And many other steps! Constant support and constant adoration plus she makes magic behind the camera with her beautiful photographs that reflect how you feel on the inside which is just insane. A big Thank you to you woman!

Website: https://www.rqautos.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/rqautoshouston

Facebook: facebook.com/rqautos

Image Credits
Trish @ Imaging studios