How it All Started

ToRaDiMo was founded in 2005 by a single mother raising four beautiful young ladies in the heart of Washington, DC. The name itself holds special significance as it is a combination of my daughters' names.

My journey into entrepreneurship began at a young age when my father started his own business, providing me with valuable insights and inspiration. Growing up under the care of a man from a different nationality, I developed a strong sense of creativity and artistic passion, nurturing my love for creation, drawing, and design.

Becoming a mother at the age of 19 led me to put my college education on hold and take on the role of officer manager for the family business. Unfortunately, my father passed away two years later, leaving me with concerns about providing for myself and my child. With my older sibling in charge of my father's thriving businesses, I envisioned creating my own brand and sharing my unique creations with the world, seeking stability for my children's future.

ToRaDiMo's initial concept revolved around uniquely designed T-shirts, my goal being to craft embellished, attractive, and one-of-a-kind pieces. As I ventured into Jewelry Design in 2006, an opportunity arose when a co-worker requested a charm bracelet for his wife's birthday, leading to the expansion of my brand. Over time, I have presented my creations at various venues, catering to everyday people, and emphasizing the craftsmanship of each piece, meticulously handcrafted and adorned with semi-precious gemstones, always keeping the customer in mind.

In 2006, I also started a business similar to my father's, but due to limited experience, it lasted only two years. Designing T-shirts and jewelry, on the other hand, brought me a sense of ease, refreshment, and relaxation. Juggling multiple responsibilities, including a full-time job, a home improvement business, rental property management, and weekend jewelry gigs, I strived to maintain a stable and nurturing childhood for my children.

Attending numerous flea markets and events felt like having an additional full-time job, yet I persevered while also excelling as a government contractor, climbing the ladder of success. The journey came with its challenges - traffic, missing school events, late returns home, stressful days, underappreciation, harassment, overwork, unfulfillment, and being underpaid. However, these experiences only fueled my determination to reach my goal.

In 2012, a car accident led to being laid off, marking a turning point in my life. A year later, on my birthday, I took the decisive step of making my business official. I invested my entire savings in acquiring the necessary equipment, and today, I proudly stand as the owner of ToRaDiMo.

With a heart full of compassion, I have chosen to donate to the cause of Keeping Arts in public schools, recognizing the importance of nurturing creativity and artistic expression in young minds.