Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gonzalez.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up knowing everything I wanted to accomplish in life I had to work for it. That’s how my parents raised me. I come from a family with low income. Nothing was hand it to me, I work so hard to be where we at now.
When I was growing up, my parents always knew one of my dreams was to open a women’s clothing boutique. A boutique that will have a little bit of everything. I started working 4 days after turning 16 in this grocery called foodarama next to the high school I was going to. A year after I got hired at Home Depot. After graduation I wasn’t sure if I wanted study accounting or cosmetology. I end up choosing accounting because I knew it was going to help me later on with my boutique that I always dream of. Second trimester of my career decided to change my decree for cosmetology. I will say it was the worst decision I could ever make. Waste money and didn’t learn what I wanted due to my school changing our professors every month. We will have to start all over whenever new professor will show up. After 1 year in half I got my certification for cosmetology. With the little I knew started to do nails, makeup, and hair on people during my free time. While still working at home depot full time. One day I realized that wasn’t for me because I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing. It wasn’t making me happy. I stop doing hair, makeup and nails. Just continue to work my full time job. Later on the road while I was still working at Home Depot I met my significant other. He was a manager and I was just a regular employee. We both couldn’t work together. So I quit my job and I apply for Lowes. I got hired. After being together 6 months, we found out I was pregnant with my first baby. The first 4 months of my pregnancy I was having complications. I was constantly calling out, I couldn’t go to work. My boyfriend decided for me to quit my job. It wasn’t a necessary for me to work and pregnant.
At 5 months pregnant that when La Chica Fashions Boutique came along. I told my boyfriend how I wanted to start selling jewelry and little by little bring clothing, shoes,handbags until I had everything I wanted my boutique to have. He was really supportive and happy for me that I was finally going to do what I dream off. My parents were extremely excited for me. So with the last paycheck I got from lowes that was only $400. I decided to invested all. I bought as earrings and necklace I could. Did my first live sale on Instagram Live back in December of 2020. I completely sold out. I was extremely happy, never thou I will sell out that fast. I got a lot love and support. I continue doing live sales and slowly starting building my clientele. After 8 months constantly doing live sales I was not only selling jewelry but started to bring hair accessories, handbags, clothing and shoes. It took over my daughter room.
My boutique will not be where it is today if it wasn’t for the support of my parents for all the good advices growing up and they still do till this day. They made me the person I am today. I will always be thankful and grateful to have such amazing and supportive family.My boyfriend for believing in me and helping me every step of the way. My customers with their continuing purchases & support unconditionally. Social Media for allowing other people to see my work and promote my boutique. We are so close for reaching 10k on Instagram. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business during a pandemic is not an easy start and being a first time mom definitely not easy at all. It’s something I had to learned and adapt to. When it comes to obstacles and challenges with La Chica Fashions Boutique on the business aspect majority of it has been smooth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Before I started my small business I was already know as Jess & Trin age gap relationship on TIKTOK. We went viral on a video we posted about our relationship. In a day we had over 38k followers. There was people with mean and positive comments. Now we have over 238k followers on TIKTOK. I’m focusing on constantly doing out fit of days on our TIKTOK. For our supporters can know I own a boutique. Start recognizing me as the owner La Chica Fashions Boutique. One day have enough money to open my first storefront in Houston.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Being a small business owner it could be hard sometimes. Is like we never stop working because we constantly promoting on social media, taking pictures, updating our website, bring new inventory in etc. Advice for you as a small business owners put yourself out there don’t be scared to hand your business cards out when you are out and about. Promote and keep promoting. If I can do it you can. Never give up, if you fall it’s ok. Stand up and keep on moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Email: LaChicaFashionsBoutique@gmail.com
- Website: https://lachicafashionsboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lachicafashions_/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/JessTrin
