SHOP STORIES: BLACK ONA

Meet Laura , the person behind Ona Negra . After 12 years working in Madrid for a multinational, in 2021, with the pandemic still very present, she decided to change her plans. Laura returned to her city, Valencia, to open a small shoe store. Over the years, Ona Negra has become a space where beauty reigns and from which to claim tradition and design.

Who is Laura?

I'm Laura, I'm from Valencia, I'm 41 years old and I just became a mother. I feel like this project defines me quite a bit. I started Ona Negra in 2021, after spending 12 years living and working in Madrid in the world of finance, for a multinational retail company. At a time when I wanted to change my job and dedicate myself to what I wanted and where I wanted, I decided to get into the Ona Negra madness. And the conclusion is that I'm also adventurous. Starting a business, with the pandemic scenario, being a woman and also in footwear, I consider it quite risky. Today I'm very happy with the project, I like being in contact with clients and brands. In short, Ona Negra allows me to be me.

When did you open Ona Negra? Could you briefly tell us the history of the store?

Ona Negra opened in October 2021, still in a pandemic. The store was born from the need to have a personal project and get out of the professional pigeonhole I was in. I wanted to have a shoe space with a concept that I had not seen in Valencia. With this project I feel that I have taken the reins of my life: working in what I want, being in the city I want and being happy surrounded by so much beauty. I also feel that I am contributing a grain of sand to my city with a small business with essence. The clients, the neighbors, and even the tourists, appreciate that.

A moment you will always remember...

I will never forget the first day I raised the shutters . I saw myself sitting at my desk, surrounded by shoes, with all the merchandise of my brand... That brand that had been in my notebook, on my computer and that was finally materializing. I remember being very scared and thinking "what have I done!?". Maybe it is not a very positive moment, but it is a moment that I will never forget.

What do you think our philosophy brings to Ona Negra? And to your clients?

Naguisa's philosophy reinforces that of Ona Negra. Our philosophy is to value local products, craftsmanship , to rescue all the experience we have in the Valencian Community in particular and in Spain in general with footwear and to value it. Always treating it with respect and care. Naguisa is that: it is beauty, the materials are carefully chosen, the designs rescue icons and traditions and update them. Ona Negra was born for that, to adapt to the environment that surrounds it and contribute something more . My clients love Naguisa because they are different models and we all like to feel unique.

How would you define working with the Naguisa team? For you, what makes us different?

Working with the Naguisa team is impeccable. They are always there for whatever I need . In fact, I feel like part of the team, honestly. I work with many suppliers and Naguisa's treatment is always simple and friendly.

Of our designs so far, which is your favorite?

I would choose a lot! What a difficult question. For summer, I prefer braided ones, I love the Racó model. And Soc seems like LA ALPARGATA . For winter, Kaus is a boot that I love.

Laura is waiting for you at Ona Negra at C/ de la Nau, 7, Ciutat Vella, València