Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Rodriguez.
Hi Gabriella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
GABBYGIIIRL was born shortly after my first son, Eli Itzli was. July of 2017. Not only were those two significant births present in my life, but most importantly the birth of a Mother – me. GABBYGIIIRL came to be after a struggle with postpartum depression hitting a very creative young woman who was determined to still provide for her family financially and most importantly to find the will to be inspired and to find the love of creating again after being struck with what felt like doom. After working for two brown women who were running their own successful small businesses and chasing their dreams, I learned a lot and most of all knew that I, as a brown woman would be able to do it too. I was inspired.
Thus, GABBYGIIIRL was born.
GABBYGIIIRL is a vintage based shop more so focused on the 90s and Y2K era of time, significant events and fashion, though she also appreciates circa 60s-80s. Growing up in the early 2000s my father would call me “gabby girl” I based my shop around that time being born in the early ’90s to growing up in the early 2000s admiring the prime time of the cyber generation, 2000s tv, and music, but most of all, the fashion!
I was inspired by my younger self and what she loved, but couldn’t afford.
I and my siblings grew up shopping in thrift stores/secondhand shops and I always loved it. It was a treasure hunt for a creative individual who had no choice, but to create and pull different looks and to basically style.
I knew then that every piece was exclusive.
This followed me into adulthood with me still loving secondhand fashion, exclusivity and appreciating the hunt.
With that, I learned to admire slow fashion and realize the detriment of fast fashion.
I’ve created a secondhand sustainable brand with me being the face of it inspired by my younger self, contributing to a healthy earth one textile at a time.
What I thought was the end for me after becoming a Mother battling PPD was actually the birth of an entrepreneur.
I felt I had no choice, but to quit my clock in job to spend time with my child and get better when in reality much better and bigger things were coming and I’d be working for myself building my own brand!
It’s cliche to say, but there always is a light at the end of the tunnel. 🙂
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Any small business owner will tell you so. We have to work twice as hard, get no days off, and some days are better than others. You have to remind yourself why you’re doing it, but most importantly you have to be passionate about it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe I answered most of this question already, but GABBYGIIIRL is known for bringing eclectic 90’s & Y2K clothing and relics to those who seek it. I’m most proud of being a Houston native who will inspire other young Brown girls or Women to follow their dreams too!
Contact Info:
- Email: gabbygiiirl@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabbygiiirl_
- Facebook: fb.me/gabbygiiirl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/GabriellaAnn
