About La Selva Shop
Mission Statement
La Selva Shop, an apparel and accessories line that celebrates the cultures and history of the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago. At La Selva Shop, our mission is to celebrate and uplift community pride through our products that resonate with our shared values and stories. Through our designs and initiatives, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals to wear their pride and contribute to the collective well-being of our community. Together, we transform fashion into a powerful expression of unity and local pride.
La Selva translates to ‘The Jungle’ in Spanish, a novel by Upton Sinclair that vividly portrays the hardships and struggles of immigrants working in the Chicago Union Stock Yards, an area now known as the Back of the Yards.
La Selva Shop was founded by Rolando Santoyo, a local fine artist, graphic designer, and active community leader. His parents emigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico, to the Back of the Yards neighborhood in the mid-1970s, where they continue to reside to this day.
Our Story
Growing up in Back of the Yards, a neighborhood known for its challenges with violence and drug abuse, I was fortunate to be surrounded by an inspiring group of community members who motivated me to become a leader. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and resilience of my community. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back and create opportunities for others. With the support of my family and community, I was able to pursue higher education and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Production and Design. My academic journey opened my eyes to the power of digital media and art as tools for storytelling and social change. I realized that through computer graphics and multimedia, I could blend my passion for art with a desire to impact my community positively. I wanted to create something that not only showcased my skills but also gave back to the community that shaped me. This led me to start my own business, focused on bringing pride and on leveraging creativity to uplift and empower local youth and artists. My business is more than just a venture; it is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists, leaders, and change-makers in communities like mine.
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