Meet Angela Ryberg | Product development and Technical design Consultant

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

Hi Angela, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The single most important decisions that contributed to my success, is to make a change to my mindset. At first, my only goal when leaving my full time job to go out on my own was to replace my paycheck. But I quickly realized this was bigger than me. I stopped thinking of it as my business and started thinking about why I was doing it. I shifted my “why” to focus on community—creating a business that allowed others to thrive alongside me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Tacos, Tequila & Tech Design, is a fashion tech design and product development studio built on the idea that work should be both impactful and enjoyable. The name might raise eyebrows, but it comes from a very real place. One of my first jobs in the industry was with Charlotte Tarantola—our paychecks came from the parent company, Brain Surgery, Inc. That name was a daily reminder that we weren’t saving lives—we were making clothes. The work could be serious, but the process should still be fun, creative, and human.
That philosophy stuck with me. Years later, when I left a corporate role that no longer aligned with my values, I returned to that foundation. I wanted to build something different—a business that prioritized community, creativity, and quality over burnout and bureaucracy.
I started freelancing and quickly realized the demand was more than I could handle alone. That’s when I brought in other like-minded contractors who were also looking for a change. Today, we’re a team of seasoned professionals offering à la carte design and development services to fashion brands—from initial concept and tech packs to sourcing, fit, and production. What sets us apart is our depth of experience and our ethos. We combine industry precision with a people-first approach—and we always make time for taco lunches and the perfect spicy margarita.
It hasn’t been easy. I had to learn how to run a business while doing the work, build boundaries, trust my instincts, and evolve my mindset. But I’ve come to realize that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional mold. It can be rooted in kindness, fueled by collaboration, and guided by purpose.
At its core, my brand is about doing good work with good people—and proving that the fashion industry can be fun, ethical, and sustainable without losing its edge.

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?
When people think of San Diego, they often head straight for the usual suspects—La Jolla, North Park, Gaslamp—but I always say skip the crowds and head south. South Bay is home to some of the best hidden gems, diverse flavors, and relaxed vibes in the whole county. When my friends visit, I hand them a cruiser bike and a paddleboard (I’ve got four of each), and we spend the week doing all the things—local-style.

Day 1: Kick-off in Chula Vista
Fuel up at Mujer Divina for burritos and coffee, or hit Grind House—their English muffin breakfast sandwich is unreal, and the bacon cheddar scone is a perfect grab-and-go snack. Then head to the new Gaylord Pacific Resort—grab a day pass to the pool, enjoy a drink, and check out the hidden speakeasy. It’s like a mini vacation with epic views.

Day 2: Bikes, Brews & Bites Along the Bay
We cruise from Chula Vista to Imperial Beach with plenty of stops along the way. Try Mike Hess Brewing and City Tacos (great views and super dog-friendly). A friend from Florida swears the fish tacos are the best—he said he could eat a bucket of them. Prefer something lighter? Head to Nova Brewery for hard kombucha and bites, or opt for Trident Coffee for a nitro cold brew buzz that’ll last all week (don’t skip the protein donuts). Millport Coffee also has amazing allergy-friendly pastries.

Day 3: Local Eats & Historic Vibes
Craving pizza and brews? Groundswell in Chula Vista serves a Sweet Pig pizza I’m obsessed with. For dinner, go retro at Café La Maze—a legendary steakhouse with Rat Pack vibes and a prime rib you won’t forget.

Day 4: Market Hopping + Small Biz Love
Start at Market on 8th in National City—there’s something for everyone. Grab coffee at Friends of Friends, then thrift like a pro at DAV Chula Vista, Deseret, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Father Joe’s Village. Estate sale lover? Check out EstateSales.net for hidden gems. End the day at Craft on Third—perfect for girl dates and craft nights (check their event calendar!).

Day 5: Brunch & Balance
Brunch at Farmer’s Table is always a good idea. Afterward, move your body at VIP Pilates or take a Rocket Yoga class with Saira at Chula Vista Yoga Center (come prepared to sweat and laugh). Cap it off with a calming stroll through Terra Bella Nursery—my go-to for plants and inspiration.

Day 6: Late Night + Local Flavor
Taco craving? Tacos Imperial on 3rd Street does a killer al pastor. After dinner, head to Tender Hooligan or Lime in the Coconut, a cozy speakeasy. Still hungry? Grab a burger at Balboa South—it hits the spot every time.

Day 7: Slow Sunday in IB
Start with a beach walk or paddleboard session, then grab coffee at Millport or Trident. We usually wrap up the trip with a backyard dinner, the record player spinning, and a fashion swap from our thrifting adventures. That’s the South Bay way.

South Bay is soulful.
It’s full of small businesses, diverse voices, and community pride—and that’s what I love most about it. Whether you’re chasing caffeine, tacos, healing, or connection, this part of San Diego has it all—just without the hype. And that’s exactly what makes it magic.
It’s also home. My office is in National City, and I live in Chula Vista. The South Bay fuels my creativity and grounds my work. The people, the pace, the flavor—it all flows into how I live and how I run my business. It’s not just where I work; it’s part of who I am and what I’m building.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have such a supportive family and partner—my parents, siblings, and boyfriend believe in me so much, and they absolutely deserve a shoutout.
But my business is only successful because of the people I work with. We all wanted a change in our lives. We weren’t okay with the status quo. So I want to recognize my incredible team of contractors:
• My virtual assistant is a mom who was working three jobs and completely burned out. Now, she works entirely for herself and has gone back to school to study fashion.
• My patternmaker was laid off while battling breast cancer—she used that downtime to start her own business.
• My plotter is a Marine veteran who found purpose by offering smart solutions to streamline industry workflows.
• My product development partner left a successful law career to pursue her true passion—fashion design.
• My graphic designer realized she was working just to pay for daycare. Now she has creative freedom and control over her schedule.
• One of my sewing contractors is carrying on the 30-year-old family business started by her mother.
These individuals are talented, passionate, and resilient. Working with them gives me purpose. Our combined experience and expertise are what make us a successful team and allow us to deliver high-quality services with heart.

Website: https://www.tt-tdesign.com/