Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanny Garcia.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Fashion and helping others have always been my passion! My passion to help others and making a difference in the community led me to become a police officer for the City of Houston in December 2015. Although being a police officer has been such a rewarding job I still felt the burning desire to pursue my love for fashion. So, I decided to continue my full-time career as a police officer while pursuing my dream to launch an online boutique, Oh Gasp Boutique, on December 5, 2016. Becoming an entrepreneur was not my only goal. I wanted my customers to feel empowered and beautiful. I wanted them to feel valuable and worthy. In addition to receiving their beautiful and fashionable pieces, I decided to add encouraging cards that would inspire, uplift and encourage them to be the amazing women they were created to be! It was more than just a sale, it was all about sending personalized positive messages that would create self-love and joy. While being an online boutique owner and being a police officer has been challenging, the overwhelming love and support from my family, friends and loyal customers inspire me to continue to bring fashionable pieces and motivating messages to all who believe in me and my boutique.
After hundreds of orders and numerous of Pop Up Shops, I am blessed to having an online boutique that is thriving! I still have the same exciting feeling as I did when I received my first order. I’m confident that Oh Gasp will only continue to grow but most importantly my focus is to make women feel beautiful from the inside out.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my career, my online store, and my personal life. There’s only so many hours in the day and If I’m honest it’s caused me some stress. I’ve had to step back, take some time for myself so that I don’t feel overwhelmed. I’m learning to prioritize and make time for those that are important to me while still chasing my dreams. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Oh Gasp Boutique – what should we know?
My online boutique, Oh Gasp, dresses the most beautiful women. Although my pieces can make any girl feel and look great I’m best known for my personalized cards that inspire, encourage and empower my amazing customers! I’m most proud of my relationships with my customers and my desire to uplift them. You never know what someone is going through and we have the power to use our words to bring someone joy. My passion to change others from the inside out is what separates me from the rest!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had many ups and downs, but I’m very fortunate to have a great support system! My mom and sisters (Sandy & Bibi) are always willing to help me with my business. They have inspired me to be a better person not only with my business but in life as well. My cousins, friends, and boyfriend are my biggest cheerleaders. I know if I ever need help with anything, they’ll be there in a heartbeat! Also, I’ve been lucky to have amazing friends who take time out of their day to model my clothing. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported my business in any way! Most importantly, I thank God for blessing me! God’s favor has taken me places where I couldn’t go on my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ohgasp.com
- Instagram: oh_gaspboutique
- Facebook: Oh Gasp
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