We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabriela Galarza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabriela below.
Gabriela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My love of fashion came as a child and grew as the years went by. I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California and that helped me narrow in on what area I was most passionate about. Owning my own business. I have always loved jackets! To me it’s the finishing touch that’s always needed on any outfit. I didn’t want to make just “any jacket”. I started GABRIELA CAROLINA to create unique pieces that are built to stand out, made to last and have character. Focusing on exceptional fit, quality and structure. GABRIELA CAROLINA is for the fashionista on the go.
Gabriela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
GABRIELA CAROLINA is a high-end made-to-order brand specializing in woman’s jackets. Our jackets are for the fashionista on the go, built with outstanding quality that lasts everyday wear.
Every aspect of our jackets is built with exceptional quality materials sourced from the world’s top artisan manufactures. From the first time you slip your arms into the jacket, the fit and finish is an experience onto itself.
Some say it feels like armor made for you, this is GABRIELA CAROLINA.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
As soon as I could get a job I started working when I was 17 at Juicy Couture. I was fascinated by their story they had fun clothes and I always thought there campaigns were super creative. Pam and Gela were part of my inspirational figures to enter into this world of fashion. I would save money every paycheck and put some aside for my future business not really knowing what it would be or when I’d even start. None of my family is in the industry and I knew I needed to learn as much as I could. I started researching different colleges and found FIDM throughout those years I would work and save.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
In the beginning I had someone helping me sew and someone that would make patterns for me throughout the years finding the right manufacture is really tough. You need to visit several different places and do your research! I had in my head a list of things I would look for or ask. When choosing a manufacturer it has to make sense logistically and who will produce the best quality that isn’t overly expensive. It’s a balancing act. Producing here in Los Angeles can become costly. You should always have a couple manufactures you can use. I like to be hands on and see what’s happening.. what jackets are getting done.. seeing this getting ironed etc. It’s good to always be open to seeing where you can manufacture.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabrielacarolina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela____carolina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialgabrielacarolina/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gabriela-carolina/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/G____CAROLINA
- Other: https://liviagreg.com/it/portfolio-item/gabriela-carolina/
Image Credits
TIMEZAC PHOTOGRAPHY https://www.instagram.com/timezac/ https://timezac.com