We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Santana and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sonia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind creating The Smoker Babe was to use my art life and mind and morphing it into something more than what you could hang on the wall, unique products that people can use everyday, products that has the entire room talking. This business is not only to show off my creativity inspired by living in Houston, or my passion for smoking accessories, but to promote other houston local businesses and making products for them with their logos and ideas!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets The Smoker Babe art products apart from other resin artists is definitely the Houston inspired art and music, the Latino art I try to incorporate from other talented artists, and more rewarding other small businesses that trust The Smoker Babe to deliver merchandise for their brand, with a twist of myself! This journey has not been easy, but has been extremely rewarding. The main source that helps overcome the struggles and long nights is the proud feedback from my lovely clients that keep me motivated, inspired and always challenged for greater than what’s been presented!
The lesson in this beautiful art world I’ve learned is people love unique, different, handmade, effort and passion. No other world I’ve been apart of is so passionate and giving.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I’ve got friends or family visiting the city of Htown I make it a mission to take them out to montrose, midtown, and one of my favorite spots in the whole city, The Graffiti Wall tagged and painted by Houston’s very own throughly. For the food it’s always a tough decision because houston has a lot to offer in cuisine but Hopdoddy Burger bar is always my first pick for an unforgettable burger. Monkeys Tail for a bomb margarita, great music and good vibes, and Buffalo bayou park to catch a bike ride, hang out or soak sun and fresh air up at!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I 1000% give credit to my 2 children who dont allow me to be lazy, fall behind, or lose focus of my goals in business. They never let me hang my hat up for too long! I MOST definitely have to give a special shoutout to my close friends, but huge shoutout to Lenard Lopez who never fails to mention me in a room or conversation of opportunities that have brought such light to my business, not only that but has challenged my creativity to make some really proud pieces and be apart of some great festivals and pop ups, I’m forever grateful and thankful for the love and support.
Instagram: @thesmokerbabe
Facebook: The Smoker Babe
Other: Email: @theesmokerbabe@gmail.com