We were lucky to catch up with Fuenberlin Portillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Fuenberlin, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, let’s take a stroll on memory lane, back to when you were an apprentice or intern. What’s a memorable story from that time that you can share with us?

Although I didn’t have a formal experience as an intern or apprentice, my journey with Soho Store has been my biggest learning experience and school. Starting from scratch and building a brand based on my passion for fashion and beauty taught me lessons I will never forget. I remember the early days when everything seemed like an experiment: every design, every marketing strategy, and every interaction with customers was a step into the unknown.

One of the stories that left the biggest mark on me was a launch in which I invested a lot of time and effort. I was excited, but the sales were not what I expected. At the time, I felt frustration, but I also understood that every “failure” is an opportunity to learn. I reviewed every detail, listened to my customers’ feedback, and adjusted my approach. That experience taught me that patience, adaptation, and genuine connection with my audience are essential for growth.

Looking back, I realize that those small lessons are what have shaped my leadership style: persevering, empathetic, and always willing to learn.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Fuenberlin Portillo, a Venezuelan mother in Nashville, and the creator of Soho Store, a brand that was born from my love for fashion and my desire to connect with people in a meaningful way. At Soho Store, we don’t just create jewelry, but unique pieces full of history and emotions, designed to reflect what matters most to each client.

We specialize in personalized jewelry with a laser machine, which allows us to engrave names, phrases, dates and unique designs on each accessory, turning them into tangible memories full of sentimental value. We also offer jewelry with photographs, where we transform images of special moments into pieces that you can carry with you, such as personalized medallions or pendants. These pieces are more than accessories; they are a way to treasure memories and keep the people and moments you love close.

Each creation at Soho Store is designed to tell a story, with the meaning that you want to give it. Whether it’s a necklace with a loved one’s photo, a bracelet with an inspirational phrase, or a keychain with a special engraving, our goal is to offer jewelry that captures emotions and turns them into something eternal.

What sets us apart is the love and dedication we put into every detail. We take pride in being part of important moments in our customers’ lives, whether through a unique gift or a piece that accompanies them day after day.

At Soho Store, your story is our inspiration. We offer jewelry with meaning, created to last and to always remind you how special you are.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn when starting out was the idea that I needed to have everything perfectly planned out and the ideal resources at my disposal to start. For a long time, that mindset held me back, making me believe that I wasn’t ready or that there was always something missing to take the next step.

When I started Soho Store, I realized that I didn’t have everything I thought I needed: not a big budget, not a large team, not advanced tools. But what I did have was creativity, determination, and the will to learn. I learned to improvise with what I had, to be resourceful, and to find ways to turn limited resources into something special.

For example, in the early days, some processes that I now do with advanced tools I did manually, investing time and love in each piece. That stage not only taught me to value each small advance, but also to trust that effort and passion can overcome any initial limitations.

Unlearning the idea of ​​perfection was liberating. I understood that it’s not about having everything from the beginning, but about taking risks, adapting, and building step by step. That lesson not only helped me grow as an entrepreneur, but also inspired others to dare to pursue their dreams, even if not everything seems ready yet.

Today, every piece I create at Soho Store reflects that essence: what’s special doesn’t always come from what’s perfect, but from the authenticity, dedication, and meaning we give to what we do.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The story of how I built Soho Store’s social media audience is one of learning, perseverance, and above all, genuine connection. From the beginning, I understood that it wasn’t just about posting products, but about creating a community, a space where people felt valued and inspired.

I focused on showing myself as I am, showing the face behind my brand and sharing my story, my challenges, and my triumphs. This helped give Soho Store personality and build trust with my followers. Being authentic allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level, transforming them not only into customers, but into people who support my vision and mission.

Additionally, I learned to listen and interact with my audience: respond to messages, thank them for comments, and take their opinions into account. Every interaction counts, and building genuine relationships made all the difference in my path. Today, a large part of my sales come from social media, a testament to how powerful a real connection with your followers can be.

For those just starting out, my advice is: be consistent, be authentic, and be patient. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be genuine. Share who you are, the purpose behind your brand, and how you can bring value. Create content that doesn’t just promote products, but inspires, educates, or entertains your audience. And above all, don’t be afraid to show yourself as you are, because people connect with people, not empty brands.

Building a community takes time, but if you put your heart into it, the results will be much more than numbers: they will be real, meaningful relationships that will drive your growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sohostoretn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohostoretn/profilecard/?igsh=MXI3NW15MWFqdGkyYw==