We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natasha Valles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natasha below.

Natasha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The Conception of GiJaBell’s was born in my heart in 2013, during the time I was planning my eldest daughter’s Quinceanera (Her Sweet 15). I realized that Hays County had no local Shops to purchase any Quinceanera or Evening Wear of any type. During that time I was still working full time in the medical field, administrative mostly. I served in that field for 17.5 years. The latter of those 2 years, I went back to school to achieve my certification in Event Management. I had always had a passion for being creative, the arts of any sort, spoke to me. Later, I realized with having small children still at home, that most events take place on weekends and juggling home life with planning events would eventually clash, so I decided on one aspect of the planning of events. I narrowed my focus to one thing that was really needed in my local area and that was a Bridal & Evening Wear Boutique. Fast forward to 2019, This is the year I worked hard on research in the fashion world and connected with people in the industry, and began building my inventory. I worked on my business plan and moved forward with pursuing my dream of owning this Bridal & Evening Wear Boutique. Initially I thought I could do an online boutique, but after much prayer and thought, I felt my heart’s desire was to have a storefront. You see I am a social person, I love people, and that’s where I thrive the most. So early 2020 we began looking for space and saw several spots, but it wasn’t until I found this location in downtown Kyle that I felt it was a perfect size and start for my dream. Right when I emailed back to let them know we would be moving forward, the pandemic was in full effect and the shutdown happened! So we had to put a pause in moving forward. I felt so disappointed that it wasn’t happening. I thought for a moment “It’s over before it even started..” A few months went by and I felt in my spirit to just email and see if that space was still available, about 4. weeks went by and I still hadn’t heard back so I thought for sure, it is no longer available. Again, I was feeling sad about it. But then about 2 weeks later I finally received a response and they said the space was still available, they just had not been in office due to the shut down. Well we asked if we could see it once more and they of course let us. I know this may sound crazy but I am a Believer and I prayed hard about my business and I asked God to let me know what I should do. It wasn’t long after I heard God whisper to me “Now”! Many thought I was a bit crazy opening a business right in the middle of Covid, especially a bridal shop as no one was gathering, and especially because many businesses that were around for years, closed. Who was I to think that I could start a Whole NEW business…but I stood on my belief in my business and what I heard from God and we proceeded to move forward with it. We pulled the trigger and in July 2020 GiJaBell’s opened its doors!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

For those who do not know who I am, my name is Natasha Valles. I am the proud owner of GiJaBell’s – Bridal & Evening Wear. I am married to my amazing & supportive husband of soon to be 18 years and we have Four Beautiful Children together. 3 Daughters and 1 Son. My daughters are my inspiration for my business concept, having girls can be so much fun and many headaches at the same time, haha! They are all so different in their own unique way. They all have different personalities and fashion styles! My daughters were my Muse for the Concept of GiJaBell’s. As a matter of fact my business name “Gi-Ja-Bell’s” is their 3 names put together! My oldest daughter’s name is Geneva “GiGi”, Then we have Jadora “JaJa”, and lastly we have Isabella “Bella”. So I decided to name it GiJaBell’s. Being that they all have different personalities & styles I also felt I wanted to carry a variety of items for all types of girls and women. I am also the buyer for my store, so when selecting pieces I have to consider my demographic as well as the different personalities and styles that will come walking into my store. I even have to carry a variety of sizes to be able to cater to anyone who walks in the door. My Goal is to make every client feel beautiful, important and comfortable and that they walk out with the perfect dress for them! I got into this line of work after 17.5 years in the medical field, I love helping and serving people. I have always had a passion for planning parties for my family and for friends, making things look pretty and decorating; So That’s how I knew I needed a business that allowed me to have my creative outlet. I am most proud that I continued to pursue my dream even through the pandemic and in just a little less than 2 years, GiJaBell’s has now moved into a much larger facility and into one that has much higher foot traffic. God has truly blessed us. We are now located at the Tanger Outlet Mall in San Marcos, Tx!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A Lesson I had to “unlearn” was to not be afraid to be Bold. Growing up in a hispanic culture, we were always taught to be humble and to not boast or become too proud. I was an obedient child and havemuch respect for my parents and my elders; however after growing in my fatih the last 17 years, I realized I had to unlearn some of that mindset. I mean of course, I will always be grateful and humble about my successes, but in the business world in order to be successful we must also learn to be Bold, Clear, & Confident and it is totally ok to shout it from the rooftops that my faith in God and the belief in myself, I was able to succeed and even surpass my expectations, and I am honored and proud of my accomplishments. God is Faithful!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I strive to make every client feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin by embracing their own beauty. I show them pieces they ask to see but I always ask kindly if they would try something different also, just to be sure. Nine times out of ten my clients are always pleasantly surprised with how they look and feel in pieces they would have never pulled for themselves. We don’t rush clients and we try to be positive and encouraging, yet honest. We always ask our clients questions to truly hear them so we are able to capture the idea of what they want for themselves. I love what I do, and I think that is also important. The clients can feel the energy in the room. We have multiple reviews on Facebook and Google and I can’t thank my clients enough because it definitely has helped to grow our business to where it is today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gijabells.com
• Instagram: @gijabells
• Facebook: GiJaBells – Bridal & Evening Wear
• Linkedin: Natasha (Galindo) Valles
• Other: Tik Tok: @GiJaBell’s

Image Credits
Photo Credit: @RW Photography (Richard Wilson Photography)