We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gerardo Encinas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gerardo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living as a fashion designer. It hasn’t been easy; the journey has been demanding but incredibly rewarding, blending passion with persistence and continuous learning from both successes and setbacks.
As a child in Mexico, I used to sketch designs in a secret notebook. Fashion has always been my passion. I loved looking at the pictures in the fashion magazines my mom used to own. Despite this early passion, I pursued a diploma in international business in college, a career that has helped me in various aspects of my fashion design business.
In 2001, I decided to visit my sister in Columbus, OH. I fell in love with the city and decided to start a life here. I worked two full-time jobs and one part-time job for three years, saving money and improving my English. In 2004, I began a career in event planning, primarily serving the Latino community. I started baking and decorating cakes, but over time, my customers requested additional services: flower arrangements, hair & make-up, photography, linen & china, catering, event coordination, and more. My passion for fashion was reignited when I began creating custom-made clothes for my client’s birthdays and weddings. My business grew to become one of the few all-service event planning agencies in Columbus fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
In 2014, I was invited to co-direct the Miss Ohio Latina pageant, which allowed me to further immerse myself in the world of design. One thing led to another, and in 2017, I premiered my first official collection inspired by the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. From that year until 2022, I showcased collections annually at various fashion shows in Ohio. The first three years were challenging, as I didn’t sell any of my collections. Instead, it was more about investing in my name and gaining visibility. Participating in these events was crucial for showcasing my work and networking with industry professionals. As a result, I was hired to design dresses for Tiffany Moon from “The Real Housewives of Dallas” and for the international celebrity drag queen Nina West, who wore one of my gowns on the cover of the prestigious New York magazine in 2019.
I’m also very proud of my collaborations with Opera Columbus. I presented a fashion show during their Annual 2019 Gala and was selected as the costume designer for operas such as “The Poppea Project” in 2020 and “Maria de Buenos Aires” in 2023. The latter marked Columbus’s first Spanish opera and achieved record-breaking box office success. I was tapped by the organization to craft costumes for their 2024 prestigious annual opera singers “Cooper-Bing Competition” and their 2025 production of “West Side Story,” where I’ll be designing the dress for María, the main character of this famous romantic story. I have also participated in the Couture Fashion Show at the renowned “Highball Halloween” event and designed costumes for the North American premiere of “McQueen,” a theatrical production inspired by the life of British icon Alexander McQueen, whom I deeply admire.
In 2021, I ventured into retail by opening my own downtown Columbus boutique, where you can find distinctive couture gowns, bridal wear, and men’s and women’s ready-to-wear lines. Managing the business aspects of fashion, like finances and production, has been challenging. Looking back, seeking mentorship or business advice earlier could have accelerated my progress, but I am proud of where I am now and what I have accomplished. Looking forward, I am very optimistic about the future of my career.

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

As a self-taught fashion designer from Mexico, what started as a hobby has grown into a deep passion, a fulfilling career, and my livelihood. I am committed to create beautiful garments, pushing the boundaries of creativity to craft designs that captivate and inspire.

My work is about more than just making clothes; it’s about how clothing can truly change and impact us. I believe that wearing a well-made gown can positively affect how a woman feels about herself and how she connects with others.
My approach to fashion is all about staying up-to-date with the latest trends and evolving over time. I pay attention to what top brands, designers, and celebrities are doing and how they influence fashion—not to copy them, but to inspire my own creative vision. This ongoing learning process helps me blend these trends into my own unique style, so my designs always feel fresh, relevant, and distinctly mine. I aim to create pieces that are not just eye-catching but also personal and empowering, using high-quality materials and top-notch finishes.

What makes me different is my commitment to always learning and trying new things. Each design is a chance to experiment with new techniques and ideas, which keeps my work fresh and original. For those who know me personally, they’ll say my personality sets me apart too. I’m deeply passionate about my work, take it seriously, and fully stand behind it. Designing clothes always excites and motivates me, and the more time I spend at my sewing machine, the better I become.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a fashion designer is seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they wear something that’s just right for them. I feel incredibly lucky to work in a field I love and to have my own boutique. It’s amazing to combine my passion with making people feel great and truly themselves.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is all about elevating my craftsmanship and pushing the boundaries of creativity even further. I aim to refine my techniques and deepen my creative vision so that my designs become unmistakably recognizable as my own. Defining my style will ensure that my work not only stands out but also continues to evolve in exciting and unique ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gerardoencinas.com
• Instagram: gerardoencinascolumbus
• Facebook: Gerardo Encinas

Image Credits

Jaime Aguilar
Adam Allen
Martin Schoeller
Gerardo Encinas