As Thayer Street has welcomed and farewelled businesses, one has remained steady for decades: Jose Ruiz’s independent jewelry stand. Ruiz’s career in jewelry selling started long before his 27-year tenure on Thayer Street — he began selling in Mallorca, Spain when he was around 16 years old.
After meeting a girl who introduced him to craft arts, Ruiz said the two traveled together selling macrame and other goods in markets across Europe. He later moved to the United States where he began selling jewelry in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood for several years before moving to Rhode Island to be closer to family.
Ruiz explained that the process of becoming an independent vendor is “very difficult” in Europe. In Europe, vendors must pay taxes, register and acquire requisite license and permit. In the United States, Ruiz said he only had to visit City Hall for a permit and pass a background check to become an independent vendor.
When Ruiz arrived in Providence, he tried selling in several different locations across the city, but ultimately settled on Thayer Street because he liked the “ambiance better.”
Ruiz said that he has a positive relationship with the surrounding stores. “They love me,” he said. He typically sets up his stand outside the Brown Bookstore and will occasionally set up shop across the street in front of Chipotle.
Chipotle General Manager Jasmine Ferrero appreciates the “sense of community” that having local vendors on Thayer Street provides.
Rishi Gottimukkala ’29 said that local vendors bring “a good vibe to the street.” He enjoys the casual interactions vendors have with students, noting the poster and record vendors that occasionally sell on Thayer Street.
Now a junior, Wilf Allison ’28 still remembers seeing Ruiz set up shop on Thayer during his freshman year.
“He’s a nice dude,” Allison said. “Everyone knows him.”
In the years that Ruiz has sold on Thayer street, not much has changed. The “feelings and sentiments” remain the same, Ruiz said.
Even on a cold Providence day, he still spends a couple hours a day selling outside. “I’m a man from the streets,” he said. “I can’t stay home.”
Laila Posner is a senior staff writer covering business and development.
