We were lucky to catch up with Olivia Gonzalez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

My entrepreneurial journey began with a leap of faith and a burning desire to make a mark on the world. Despite lacking capital and industry knowledge, I embarked on this adventure while juggling part-time work as a bridal consultant and freelance wardrobe stylist. Using the commission from my job, I bravely invested in tote bags and hats, igniting my entrepreneurial flame.

With minimal experience but abundant determination, I turned to Instagram, capturing the essence of my creations in my humble apartment kitchen. The support of loved ones consuming built a spirits to navigated the uncertainty of pricing, sourcing, and sustainability. Through it all, I held steadfast to my belief that a higher power was guiding my path.

Now, five years hence, this journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of risk-taking. From those initial seeds of inspiration, I’ve cultivated a network of international partnerships, transforming my ideas into tangible products. My entrepreneurial spirit and self-taught expertise serve as beacons of inspiration for those embarking on their own journeys.

In hindsight, this journey underscores the importance of embracing uncertainty, trusting my instincts, and persevering through adversity. I hope my story serves as a reminder that with faith, determination, and resilience, anything is possible.

Olivia, 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 Olivia Marie Gonzalez, the owner of Only Manifest Greatness Apparel, a unisex athleisure clothing brand based in New Jersey. Founded in 2019 with the intention to inspire others to recognize their greatness and purpose. When I first launched OMG, it was simply a way for me to express my personal style and share it with others. To my surprise, the brand’s name and mission resonated with many, inspiring and captivating a wide audience.

The concept behind OMG originates from my initials, Olivia Marie Gonzalez. I aimed to imprint a part of myself in the world, thus devising the name by brainstorming words that match the initials, ultimately arriving at Only Manifest Greatness. This name exudes a sense of power, inspiration, and distinctiveness. In terms of the brand’s style, I wanted it to mirror my personal aesthetic – offering timeless, comfortable loungewear because I firmly believe that comfort is essential. I envisioned creating pieces that anyone could effortlessly wear while feeling polished. To explore our latest collection, visit our E-commerce store: www.onlymanifestgreatness.com

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

This question really resonates with me because on this journey, it’s easy to focus on the positives and gloss over the tough times. But undoubtedly, the toughest moment was navigating through the challenges brought by Covid-19.

I kicked off my brand in October 2019 with tote bags and a dad hat, which flew off the shelves faster than I expected. Encouraged by the positive response, I expanded the line to include tee shirts and sweatshirts for the winter season. By spring/summer 2020, I felt ready to elevate my brand’s presence and commitment, so I invested in a significant inventory of tee shirts, windbreaker jackets, varsity jackets, and hats. I was all set to make a splash with my first full season.

Everything seemed to be falling into place when I secured a partnership with a boutique in Englewood, NJ. But then, in March 2020, the pandemic hit, and the world ground to a halt. Suddenly, nobody was buying clothes, and staying indoors became the norm. I found myself with a warehouse full of inventory and no clear path forward. It was a daunting situation, but I had no choice but to adapt and learn from the experience.

That year taught me invaluable lessons about the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of resilience. If I could weather the storm of a global pandemic as a new clothing brand, I realized I could overcome anything that came my way.

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

One lesson I found crucial to reevaluate was my reliance on the expectations of others. Initially, I basked in the love and encouragement from those closest to me. However, as time progressed, I realized the need to broaden my customer base beyond just my inner circle. I had to seek out events and venues where my brand could truly shine.

In the aftermath of Covid-19, my focus shifted towards organizing pop-up events and reaching out to new clients, striving to elevate my brand’s visibility among unfamiliar audiences. This required a significant shift in my marketing approach. I had to let go of the expectation that those nearest to me would always be my primary supporters. Instead, I learned to appreciate their love and respect for my endeavors while acknowledging the necessity of expanding my reach as a young Latina entrepreneur navigating the complexities of business without a formal marketing background. Despite the challenges, I remained committed to scaling up my business and persevering.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.onlymanifestgreatness.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/onlymanifestgreatness
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/onlymanifestgreatness

Image Credits

@jo.era