Connected Community: Interview With Octavia Ramirez
Of Paper & Coin

Beauty may lie in the eye of the beholder, but wealth lies in your wallet. We chat with financial planner and founder of Paper & Coin, Octavia Ramirez, about her mission to educate Millenials about their finances, the wonderful work that she does and we dive into her beauty philosophy too.
IT’S OUR PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE
OCTAVIA RAMIREZ OF PAPER & COIN
When it comes to having a handle on money matters, there is nobody more down-to-earth, graceful and passionate than Octavia Ramirez, founder of Paper & Coin. Octavia provides financial coaching for entrepreneurial Millenials to cultivate a new approach to success. We’re obsessed with her fiery, informative approach to all things budget-planning, credit scoring and wealth growing and are delighted to be sitting down today to chat about Octavia’s story, beauty philosophy and dazzling career.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OR PURPOSE OF WHAT YOU DO?
To help Millennials gain financial control and confidence. We do this by helping them get on a step-by-step plan to eliminate debt, build wealth, and live the life of their dreams.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENTER THIS FIELD
AND START YOUR BUSINESS?
I started Paper & Coin out my own experience of being frustrated with the lack of accessible financial literacy for people like me – Millennials living in the digital age, and looking to change the narrative around what “success” traditionally looked like.
I wasn’t interested in buying a house in the suburbs, or buying a bunch of stuff I didn’t need using a credit card, and getting stuck in the rat race to sustain a lifestyle I didn’t really want. And, I knew there were others out there like me. I had started blogging about my journey, and gained interest from people in my network to help them with their finances, as I’d done for myself.
That meant becoming and staying debt-free, cash-flowing my life (including my wedding), traveling, and starting my own business. From those initial sessions is where Paper & Coin was born – a more formalized system and brand around what I was already doing!
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF BEAUTY?
To me, beauty is simplicity. I’ve always been drawn to things that are scaled back, minimal, and natural. Even when it comes to beauty products and cosmetics, the simpler the better!
WHEN DO YOU FEEL YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT AND CONFIDENT?
Honestly, when I first wake up! I know, it sounds crazy, but I find my skin and lips are the most plump and fresh. And, I look the most natural and “un-done” as I could ever look. And, I feel most confident when my skin is clear. I’ve always struggled with acne and scarring, so whenever I’m having a good skin day, week, or month, I feel like I am more confident and less self-conscious.
WHAT DOES CONNECTION MEAN TO YOU?
Connection means being your most authentic, honest, and transparent self. I hate when people put on a front or act a certain way to feel “seen” or be perceived in a particular light. Honestly, the people I often have those instant, genuine connections with are those who are being true to themselves from the very beginning.
WHEN IT COMES TO FEELING BEAUTIFUL AND CONFIDENT, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SHARE WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I’d say stay natural, always. Don’t follow any trends, because those will come and go as sure as the wind blows. Stay grounded in what makes YOU beautiful, and what YOU like, and don’t let that be thwarted by the opinions of others.
WHAT ARE THREE MUST-HAVE THINGS IN YOUR PURSE AT ALL TIMES?
This is funny, because if I can avoid even carrying a purse, I will. So, for me, I have to keep my “must-haves” as minimal as possible. Honestly, for me it’s a microfiber cloth to clean my glasses, chapstick, and if I do happen to carry a small bag or my backpack, it’s my Moleskine notebook.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A CAREER MOMENT THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Yes! It was definitely producing a print magazine and getting nationwide distribution at Indigo. I’d previously consulted with someone who had worked in the print magazine industry who had talked about how hard it was, but I didn’t let that stop me. Now, here I was, with mine and my team’s work available from coast to coast. It was definitely a career highlight thus far.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
Just to do the thing that’s on your heart to do. Life is TOO SHORT and too precious to spend wondering, wishing, and waiting. Go after it!
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU ONLINE?
Thank you — please feel free to follow Paper & Coin on Instagram!
NOMINATE SOMEBODY AWESOME TO BE FEATURED IN CONNECTED COMMUNITY!
Who inspires you? Who do you admire? Who would you love to hear from? Here at CONNECTED we love bringing together awesome people who are doing awesome things.
Submit your nominations to info@connectedhealthandskin.com today!