By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Jessenia Quinonez, co-owner at Ceramic Bros Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Quinonez in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Jessenia Quinonez: I've been with Ceramic Bros for about seven years. What I enjoy most is I get to dabble with a little bit of everything––from managing the business to being an installer. Every day is a new day, and it never gets boring. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy task, so I greatly enjoy the challenge.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
JQ: Not having enough time in a day. There are so many gears that make a successful business grow, so not having enough time can make things a bit challenging.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
JQ: I've been in the automotive industry for 23 years. I started as a receptionist at Westbury Toyota, New York. Throughout the years, I made my way through many positions because of my willingness to learn. My favorite position was being a customer relations manager because I was able to understand customer expectations and the importance of meeting those expectations every time. This allowed me to bring my experience to my own business and allow me to serve others and deliver flawless customer service.
SN: What qualities helped you get to where you are today?
JQ: Motivation to become a better version of myself. I enjoy the grind and keeping myself busy. I am driven by intellectual curiosity to learn anything I can get my hands on.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
JQ: Being a woman in a male-dominated industry presents unique challenges, particularly when holding leadership responsibilities and working alongside predominantly male counterparts. I experienced this firsthand while working in a body shop environment, where I was responsible for quality control.
My background in sports rehabilitation as a licensed massage therapist sharpened my attention to detail and trained my eyes to identify subtle imperfections in finished work. As a result, I consistently held projects to high standards, even when that meant rejecting work and returning it to repair status. At times, these decisions were met with resistance, not due to a lack of accuracy, but due to misconceptions rooted in gender bias.
Unfortunately, this is a reality many women face in male-driven industries. Rather than allowing it to deter me, I chose resilience, continuing to uphold quality, remain professional and push forward with determination and integrity.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
JQ: Right now, I am learning a new trade. I just recently got back from Tinter Battles in Houston, Texas and let me tell you: the culture that has been created by those behind the scenes has blown me out of the water. It doesn't matter which manufacturer you represent or whether you're a female tinter or now––seeing everyone come together and learn from one another was a breath of fresh air. Marco Cazorla, the window film trainer for Xpel, is an extraordinary instructor and my mentor. I've learned so much from watching him and taking in all his tips and tricks in person and on social media. He has instilled such confidence in me that I am ready for the challenge. As a newbie to the film-tinting industry, I feel the love and have become part of a huge family.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
JQ: Stay focused on what you're doing and where you're going. Everything else is just noise.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
JQ: I did not always envision a career in the automotive industry; rather, I found my way into it organically. What drew me in was the electric energy of car culture and the strong sense of community within it. Whether attending a local car meet or a major event like the SEMA Show, the shared passion is unmistakable and continually reignites my enthusiasm for the industry.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
JQ: Throughout my life, my father has been my greatest source of inspiration and guidance. His unwavering work ethic, dedication and discipline have shaped my values and approach to challenges. He taught me the importance of staying focused on my own path, regardless of external distraction. His influence has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional growth.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.
