A group of young entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico is betting on creativity and a sense of community to bring life back to the urban core of Río Piedras, the district of San Juan. The area’s origin is not entirely clear: its first reference was in a 1921 publication stating it was founded in 1714, and it was first known as El Roble.
Necromancy means reviving something, which is what they are trying to do with Río Piedras.
Río Piedras has gone through many transformations, including an explosion three decades ago, hurricanes and a pandemic. Desiree Rodríguez Otero, creator of Necromancy Cosmética, a vegan brand making cosmetics in unconventional colors, said the name has a double meaning: Necromancy means reviving something, which is what they are trying to do with Río Piedras. Ural Studios, a contemporary jewelry business working with pieces inspired by everyday landscapes such as the grilles of old houses, will soon open its doors.
Joining these two businesses is "Huele A," created by Karinna Nieves, whose idea was born while she lived in California; Nieves began making toxin-free home items and drew on the nostalgia she felt in the diaspora to create candles. A common thread among the businesses is the sense of community and hope driving this resurgence.