Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shella Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shella, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

When my friend and I brainstormed business concepts, we combined our passions. She had a keen eye for children’s fashion, while I was drawn to the allure of vintage styles. This fusion led to the creation of a venture specializing in vintage children’s clothing. Through thorough research, we discovered a growing demand for vintage attire for kids, coupled with a relatively low level of competition in the market at that time.

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.

I earned my BA in Fashion Design & Merchandising and dove headfirst into the denim industry upon graduation. Over the next decade, I honed my skills in product development with renowned brands like Rock & Republic and 7 For All Mankind. Throughout those years, I poured my heart and soul into my work, realizing along the way that if I was going to pour this much energy into something, it should be for my own venture.

In 2012, Sweet Threads was born, initially as a vintage children’s mobile pop-up. From flea markets to craft fairs, we made our mark, catering to those who value unique, sustainable fashion for kids. Since establishing our permanent presence as your neighborhood’s children’s boutique in Long Beach, CA, in 2013, we’ve embraced diverse opportunities. From crafting a vintage-inspired children’s clothing line to championing over 85 BIPOC and Special Needs Owned small businesses, we’ve pushed the boundaries of creativity.

One of our recent standout moments was spearheading the first two LB Ube Fest events in Belmont Shore, which attracted over 2500 attendees. Creating unforgettable experiences is not just my skill—it’s my passion. Through my business, I find fulfillment and purpose, knowing that every endeavor is meaningful and leaves a lasting impact.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

In the early days of using Instagram, I started selling vintage pieces, and one day, I posted some 70s rompers that immediately caught the attention of customers. People were eager to buy them, sparking my realization of a potential demand that needed to be met. Drawing from my background as a product developer, I recognized my manufacturing skills and decided to explore producing the rompers myself.

Fortunately, I stumbled upon a local seamstress seeking work, which turned out to be the perfect opportunity to kickstart my brand, Paush. After two years of collaboration, and refining our process, we transitioned to manufacturing small batches using sustainable materials. Additionally, a customer connection led me to a manufacturing company that helped us scale up production.

An important lesson learned is the necessity of staying organized, particularly with tools like Work in Progress (WIP) reports. Manufacturing can be chaotic, so maintaining clear task management is crucial.

Furthermore, clear communication and attention to detail are vital to avoid costly mistakes. For instance, we once encountered a production run with garments two sizes too small due to a miscommunication. Implementing better communication protocols with contractors has proven instrumental in preventing similar issues in the future.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Utilizing partnerships with other businesses, influencers, and a strong presence on social media platforms has been an effective way of acquiring new clients. Collaborating with others allowed my business to reach a wider audience, increase brand visibility, and attract potential clients. Word-of-mouth recommendations, which naturally stem from these collaborations, helped build trust and credibility for my business, making it more appealing to potential clients. Additionally, partnerships not only expand my business’s reach but also provide access to valuable networks and referral opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopsweetthreads.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsweetthreads/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsweetthreads
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shella-garcia-b527488/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-threads-long-beach-2?osq=Sweet+Threads