We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Esmeralda Chavez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Esmeralda, appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
There are many people with incredible talent for manual work, dedicated individuals who work with love and attention to detail. Sometimes when we are hiring for our small businesses, we look for elaborate resumes, but often these candidates are not as effective as these underestimated individuals. It’s worth giving them a chance and incorporating all types of workers into our companies. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Esmeralda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Esmeralda C and I am a Venezuelan-born, Miami-based handmade accessory designer. In 2017, I launched my brand CrystalDust Designs, with a focus on creating unique, lightweight handmade earrings that enhance and empower women. Through personalized attention, meticulous attention to detail, and collaboration with other women and designers, CrystalDust has exceeded my wildest dreams. Today, celebrities and models proudly wear my brand, and we have expanded to stores in Rome, Miami, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. It has been a dream come true, filled with sacrifices and relentless dedication. I couldn’t be more proud.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
When it comes to building my reputation within the market, there are a few key factors that have played a significant role.
First and foremost, I believe that patience has been crucial. Building a solid reputation takes time and it’s important to stay committed and focused on the long-term goals. It’s not always an overnight success, but with patience, I’ve been able to steadily grow and establish myself.
Persistence is another key element. I’ve learned that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you handle them that truly matters. By staying persistent and not giving up, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward.
Lastly, perseverance has been instrumental in building my reputation. It’s important to stay determined and resilient, especially when faced with adversity. By staying true to my values and consistently delivering quality work, I’ve been able to earn the trust and respect of my clients and peers.
Of course, hard work goes without saying. Putting in the time and effort to constantly improve and deliver exceptional results has been a cornerstone of my reputation-building journey.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One particular moment that comes to mind is when I saw Sofia Vergara wearing my earrings and accessorizing the runway of Luli Fama. It was such an unexpected and exciting turn of events! Seeing my creations being showcased on such a prominent platform not only boosted my confidence but also opened up new opportunities for my business. The exposure from that event led to increased interest in my designs, and I received numerous inquiries from potential customers and retailers.
This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and open to unexpected opportunities. It reminded me that sometimes, the most significant breakthroughs come from unexpected sources. It also reinforced the value of staying true to my unique style and vision, as it was the distinctiveness of my earrings that caught Sofia Vergara’s attention in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crystaldustdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystaldustdesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeralda-chavez-doganiero