Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuela Gomez-Rhodes.
Manuela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’d like to say my professional story started out in 2011, my dad had just passed away and I felt immense pressure to do something with my life. I was in college on a tennis scholarship but always felt like I really didn’t belong. When this happened it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of life. I then left my university, came home to Houston and signed up for fashion school at HCC. Houston has always been my source of inspiration. About a semester into design school I started to have that same “I don’t belong” feeling and decided to leave school and start my own company with my best friends & that’s how Dynasty 2259 was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, it has not been a smooth road but that’s the fun part right?! lol. We have definitely hit a few bumps on the road; we were inactive for maybe almost a year (& you know that’s like 100years in social media time lol), we lost a few people along the way but honestly, I think its brought those of us who are left really close.
In the business of life, experience is your number one asset. You are wiser, more confident and can spot bullshit from a mile away. I think if I hadn’t struggled so much I would know what I know or be where I am. I am thankful for all the hits we’ve taken.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Dynasty 2259 is essentially a one-stop shop. We curate events, direct videos, throw fashion shows, create merchandise from start to finish, we do graphic design. We’ve had some changes in our team within the last few years but the essence is the same. We bring visions to life. Dynasty refers to the building of an empire and 2259 is my dads birthday, because he inspired everything and continues to do so today.
What were you like growing up?
I was born in Bogota, Colombia but I grew up in Cuenca, Ecuador. I was a very energetic but private kid. I played tennis since I was 6 so that was always a huge part of my life but my main instructs were music, art & fashion. That’s always where my heart has been. I moved to the US when I was 11 years old and it truly shaped me as a person. It taught me hard work, resilience, as well as acceptance of people who are different that I am. I see the beauty in differences and I think I owe that to the culture shock I experienced in that move.
I’ve been in Houston ever since and that’s why I feel like I owe so much to it. its taught me everything and its shaped my personality in the best ways possible I think.
Contact Info:
- Email: info.dynasty2259@gmail.com
- Instagram: @marilynmonrolex/@dynasty2259
- Facebook: facebook.com/dynasty2259
- Twitter: twitter.com/dynasty2259
- Other: youtube.com/dynasty2259
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