Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gaby Desir. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gaby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
I would change the life experience/requirements prior to graduating. Some high schools have electives such as business classes and economics but they are learning textbook definitions or seminars online. The students are not receiving hands on experience from business leaders. It would be helpful if leaderspresented the ins and outs for deep understanding of what to expect in a professional way with some take home activities for the students to consider.
I remember taking a business class in highschool and I can tell you while the interest was there the information was not retained. I recall the class being boring. My teacher knew text book definitions but no experience was shared of her businesses success.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Since the 3rd grade, I always wanted to be a designer. I always loved being around clothes and fabrics. Graduated college with a degree in Fashion Design and worked at a corporate level with it for years. I loved creating 1 of 1 pieces and finding items in thift stores that were hard for others to find and/or no longer mass produced. Later down the road, I wanted to spread my wings and launch a vintage boutique sourcing clothes from thift stores and consignment shops to resell as is for exclusivity or alter for a new unique modern look that resignates with my style.
I’m most proud of taking the step and launching the business. Everyday I’m still “figuring” it out but I learn something new about business ownership almost daily. My brand is for someone that wants that exclusive item that is not easily accessible like the big brands. While some items are reworked, handmade or sourced it’s my gift to share to all.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Failure. I had to unlearn that failing in my 20s would not define my success in my 30s. I have to still tell myself – shoppers will come. The “BOOM” factor will hit just keep up the hard work.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I wanted everything to be a resale or reworked piece and later learned I will indeed need to have some pieces mass produced to keep afloat. It did not mean I was shifting my brand or idea – I changed my mind to expanding and growing. Having the capital and ability to pre-purchase items was a blessing (also a gamble) but that’s the risk of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://desirexvboutique.com/