In the competitive world of fashion, it can be hard to get one’s foot in the door when it comes to opening a boutique. It takes vision, persistence, patience, and a serious sense of style to be able to understand the logistics of shoppers and the business of the game. The newest trend sweeping California are fashion trucks! A similar idea to the food truck, fashion trucks each have their own style and are mobile boutiques. Steps to Steelo, a local truck here comes complete with a fitting room, sale section and jewelry to complete the look. Cara Ramos, originally from San Francisco and now a North Park resident has mastered the art of convenience and creativity when it comes to her mobile boutique.

A woman with a vision, Ramos was working as the general manager for Francesca’s Boutique in Otay Ranch when she was inspired by another mobile boutique owner and saw herself having her own. After doing her due diligence and research Ramos acquired her sellers permit, an old truck and turned it into her own masterpiece, all built by hand, Steps to Steelo was open for business. Ramos on the name of her boutique, “Steelo was inspired from a song, I wanted a word for style, but not style, and it’s a step-van so I wanted to incorporate steps in there somewhere. I’m bringing the bay area vibe to San Diego.”

Ramos is not the only fashion truck in San Diego, but is definitely setting herself apart with fun and funky prints, laidback rompers and fall/winter essentials. The truck also features handmade jewelry from local artists here in San Diego. Ramos emphasizes the importance of having pieces on her truck that are “easy to wear, contemporary but fun!”

With plans in the works, Ramos wants to open up another fashion truck in San Francisco, or have a pop-up store here in San Diego. She also hosts “sip n’ shop” parties where someone can reserve a time where their friends can get together, drink wine, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, shop and try things on, great for girls night out events and birthdays.

Steps to Steelo can be found all around the San Diego area, including the PB farmers market, North Park farmers market, and Bankers Hill. To keep up with Ramos and her trendy truck you can follow her schedule as well as get updates with the newest inventory on the official Instagram @StepstoSteelo. If you’re not in the area she also has her stock online and ready to ship at StepstoSteelo.com.