Meet Tiffany Reyes | Tiffany Reyes | Owner of Mermaid Kove LLC | Custom Products | Creative Director

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

Hi Tiffany, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey to starting my own business began with a passion for teaching. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an educator. After earning my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, I began teaching in my own classroom, but I felt there was more I wanted to explore. Driven by this passion, I pursued a Master’s in Education with a focus on family and community sciences. Over the next 16 years, I taught students of all ages, from birth through 12th grade, including special needs students in both elementary and high school settings.

After starting my own family and raising four children, my creativity continued to thrive. I began designing custom shirts and personalizing my children’s cups for school and events. This hobby expanded to decorating parties and events for friends and family. I also ventured into roles as a social media manager and content strategist. As my passion for these creative projects grew, I started receiving inquiries for custom orders, which eventually led to the creation of Mermaid Kove LLC.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business focuses on two key areas: physical products like shirts, mugs, and keychains, and digital services such as custom designs, website development, and social media management.

I started creating custom products because of my kids. They were always asking for matching Disney shirts or themed outfits for school events. I love turning their ideas into memorable keepsakes. My primary audience is kids, families, and educators. As a former teacher, I understand the challenges of finding resources, and I’m passionate about supporting my community through my creativity. As a mom, I’ve also enjoyed crafting the perfect decor for parties.

A few years later, I expanded into digital products. I noticed that my hand-drawn designs were popular, so I began creating digital designs for sale. I started on Etsy and now have my own website. This expansion led me to design websites for businesses, brand marketing, and manage social media accounts.

Running a creative business is demanding. Staying on top of trends and balancing business with family life has been a challenge. I started this business to be home with my kids, but as it grew, managing everything became more difficult. I’ve learned the importance of taking breaks and making time for family and friends.

Everything I do is motivated by my desire to support my family and create meaningful experiences for them!

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?
San Diego has so much to offer! Even though I grew up in Las Vegas, my family was from San Diego, and when I moved here during high school, I knew I wanted to stay and raise my kids here.

If you’re visiting, I’d recommend starting with a run at the beach or a hike at Torrey Pines for some fresh air and amazing views. Walking around Coronado and taking the ferry over to Seaport Village is a great way to enjoy some unique shops. Cabrillo National Monument is a must-see, where you can explore the lighthouse and check out the tide pools—seeing the marine life up close is always fascinating. Balboa Park is fantastic for wandering through its beautiful gardens and museums. Old Town is perfect for a bit of shopping and history, while downtown is great for a stroll. To end the day, watching the sunset at Del Mar Beach is a must.

For dining, you should try Rockin Baja Lobster for some great seafood, and Ken’s Sushi Workshop or Little Sakana for delicious sushi. Mama’s Bakery & Deli offers fantastic Lebanese food, while North Park Produce has great Persian and Mediterranean dishes. Bronx Pizza is always a hit, and the restaurants in Little Italy are worth exploring.

San Diego truly has something for everyone, with its diverse range of activities and cuisines!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people to thank! My friends and family have been incredible mentors and sources of inspiration throughout this journey.

My kids have truly encouraged me to embrace my creative side. Many of my clients come from their schools and sports teams, and if it weren’t for them, I might not have ventured beyond teaching. They’ve given me the freedom to be creative in every project I take on.

J Ray, my partner, best friend, and boyfriend, has been my rock. He’s supported me through the challenges of starting a business and encouraged me to turn my dreams into reality. His drive was instrumental in transforming my ideas into a thriving business. With his own artistic talent, he’s also helped nurture my creativity. I love you to the moon and back.

Anthony, my business partner at Funcles & Funties, has played a key role in our venture. We work together to craft unique and playful shirts for uncles and aunties, and his partnership has been essential to our success.

Mahalene and the Momtrepreneur group has also been remarkable. They’ve introduced me to a network of women business owners and have been vital in helping me enhance my networking skills and step outside my comfort zone.

And, of course, my family and friends—your support has been more than I could have ever asked for. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has played a role in my business, pushing and motivating me to be better. Your encouragement means the world to me.

Website: https://www.mermaidkove.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaid_kove

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-reyes-740709284/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mermaidkove

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/mermaid-kove-san-diego

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MermaidKoveLLC