Meet Karen Perez | Small Business Owner

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

Hi Karen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I originally made my products for me, and my children. We were wasting so much in single use items, that when the Pandemic hit, and we couldn’t find anything, I knew that this was the time to start making that switch and stop putting it off. I knew there had to be a better way. Before we finished our last roll of paper towels, I started to do the research, and after a few months of making the switch, and realizing how I changed so many aspects of my home, my husband persuaded me to help others do the same.

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.
In my 2 years of doing this, I realized my product is one of a kind in my area. I strive to give my clients and others an alternative to single use. It’s not a new thing, I’m just bringing back the idea of reusables. Starting a business is not easy by any means. The financial aspect of it takes a toll, especially as a start up. You’re spending much more that you’re bringing in, but I’m hoping that eventually I can make a living without the worry of using my own funds to cover the cost. Theres that imposter syndrome that happens. Where you start to question if this is the best use of your time. You start to tell yourself, “What are you doing?” “This isn’t gonna work” or “You’re wasting money” That voice is my biggest challenge. Learning to quiet it, and not listen, but instead telling myself “You can do this” and at events “one sale at a time” If i can get one person to switch from disposables, I’m doing my job. because that’s the end goal right, to show other that there is an alternative to single use.

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?
Jack London. I love going down there, and they have a great farmers market where they also cater to small businesses to pop up and showcase their work. Theres restaurants, and a new 90’s Experience where you can take lots of pictures with everything that’s 90’s. Downtown Oakland is great for night life, but my favorite spot is a bar that’s right by my house. 5 minute walk and you’re there. Its a local joint so not many outsiders go. Theres the Oakland Zoo and they have a Gondola ride that will take you up the hill to the newest part of the park. The views ups there are gorgeous and you really get a nice view of Oakland ups there. For children theres Children’s Fairyland where they cater to the babies and its all fairytale related. They have some smaller scaled rides for the babies and a big boot slide. Lastly there’s so much art here. Museums, galleries, a space center. There’s something for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would shoutout Sarah Dooley of Marleys Monsters. I knew that she started like I did. Wanting to make a change and now she is one of the most trusted, and known sustainable entrepreneur. Knowing that, I know that my journey has just begun, and that eventually I’ll be were I need to be. Also my amazing husband, he is my biggest support. He takes me to all my events, helps me set up my booth, and is a huge reason why I am doing this. His encouragement keeps me going.      

Website: linker.ee/IRERYS

Instagram: @irerys.kp

TikTok: @irerys

Image Credits
Credit: Bobby Perez