Meet Jose-Noel Rocha | Co Owner, Marketer, and Designer for J.L. Rocha Collections: Luxury Leather Goods.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose-Noel Rocha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose-Noel, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in San Diego, California close to my mothers family but far from my fathers in Leon, Guanajuato, México. Regardless of this separation I was raised with consistent exposure to my Mexican cultures, values, and traditions – spending many of my summers in Leon at my grandfathers workshop.

This upbringing instilled in me a love for artisanry and heritage while also providing me the opportunity to receive an American education and opportunities. San Diego allowed me to walk the line of a bicultural upbringing that has made me who I am in many ways. I grew up with a firm understanding and access to my cultural roots, language, and family trade – while also combining American inspirations of what can be achieved through hard work and creative thinking.

Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be who I am without San Diego’s unique mix of multicultural inspirations and proximity to my familial roots as well as my families effort to provide me with honest values and ample opportunities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is J.L. Rocha Collections: a family owned luxury leather goods brand whose mission is to honor the value and history of leather craft in Leon, Guanajuato.

We are unique in our dedication to ethics, history, and individuality: creating limited edition Jackets, Travel Bags, and Shoes made with ethically sourced vegetable tanned leathers by fair wage artisans focused on quality.

J.L. Rocha Collections is uniquely positioned to create exceptional quality products while making investments and choices that benefit not only our planet and our artisans, but the individuals of exceptional character that make our community of clients great. All our products ship world wide from our showroom in San Diego, California and are 1 of 100 legacy pieces made to last multiple lifetimes. We are J.L. Rocha Collections: Handmade in Mexico.

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?
Some of the best spots in San Diego are:

The Broadway Pier, where you can take a gorgeous walk next to the San Diego Skyline.

Liberty Station next to NTC Park: a place where you can shop, dine, and enjoy art while the bustle of airplanes swoop directly overhead.

Any Lolita’s Mexican Food location: try the California Burrito or Carne Asada Fries: you won’t regret it!

And il fornaio in Coronado to get a gorgeous view of our city during any time of the day, as well as exceptional Italian Food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much to my parents Jose Luis and Claudia Rocha. My father is my business partner and mentor, who shows me the engine of dreams is hard work and creativity. While my mother is an anchor of love and support, who has for years taught me to work with my father and that no barrier in business exists to those who behave with integrity, kindness, and dedication.

Website: jlrocha.com

Instagram: @jlrochashoes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/j-l-rocha-colections

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jlrochashoes

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jlrochashoes/

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCyBTwWLhnp0pFCiD2cN5G7g

Image Credits
Elise DeSomer (Primary Photo) Danielle Sergio Photography (Family Photos)