1.TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND
I was born and raised in Venezuela. I moved to the United States when I was 11 years old. I migrated with my mother, father, and sister to Orlando, Florida. After a few years, I decided to moved to Los Angeles after finishing college to continue my education in fine arts in Interior & Architectural Design. After finishing my internship, I decided to ultimately focus my career on fashion. I created an online business, designing and manufacturing my own clothing brand called Humble Hustler. My collections for both men and women began with a series of form-fitting activewear, streetwear, and ready-to-wear lines. After 4 years in the garment industry, I discovered my passion for haute couture design. It was then that I decided to create a new label of custom-made garments with the finest craftsmanship and materials. I also became a mother of my beautiful daughters, Sofia Anaya and Isabella Estefania.
2. WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER AND START YOUR FIRST LINE, HUMBLE HUSTLER?
Design and Fashion has always been a part of my life. Several years ago, I partnered with the founder of Humble Hustler, father of my daughters, Parminder Gyani, and eventually took over the brand to see all operations. I started my journey designing and manufacturing, focusing more on the creative side of the business. After our first year launching the brand, I took over every aspect of the company. Since then, I committed myself to succeed in the fashion industry. After starting my fashion career with ready-to-wear, I pursued fashion for haute couture design and created Paola Estefania label.
3. AS A LATINA, WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES YOU HAVE FACED WITHIN THIS INDUSTRY?
Being an entrepreneur, as a Latina woman looking to make an impact in the face of adversity and balancing motherhood with being the boss, can be quite challenging. You face stereotypes and overall inequality as you become a female business owner. There will always be insurmountable obstacles that one faces as a minority trying to make it in such a competitive industry. Still, I have been fortunate enough to have had the same opportunities as any other majority race and male counterpart. Immigrants are not afraid of new challenges. We come to America for a better future not only for ourselves, but for our families. Latina women are paving the way for female entrepreneurs everywhere, and I am proud to be considered one of them. Latinas have the drive to achieve whatever they set their minds to.
4.CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY TO ME? WHO IS THE IDEAL PERSON YOU WANT TO DESIGN FOR?
My designs include ready-to-wear and evening wear couture pieces. Bridal gowns, swimwear, maternity wear, performance gear for professional female athletes, intricate costumes for world-famous singers, actresses and moles. I also refurbish vintage designer goods into men custom garments. My personal style is sophisticated, bold, and feminine which translates over to the garments I create. My goal as a fashion designer is to cater to the needs and desires of the modern international men and women who love distinctive, and luxurious garments.
5.WHAT STORY DO YOU WANT TO TELL US THROUGH YOUR PIECES?
I created something out of nothing at all. I want to continue to inspire other Latin women and working mothers, to have the courage to succeed in their field of interest and be an inspiration to their peers. I have always been relentless, disciplined, and focused on my signature style, and creative identity. I created a successful business that is unique, and worthy of admiration. My biggest reward is the satisfaction of my clients; after I create their custom garments. Their feeling of empowerment, is the reason why I love my job so much. Most importantly, making women feel beautiful and elevating their self-steam motivates me to continue to design and create.
6.DO YOU PREFER DESIGNING READY-TO-WEAR PIECES OR HAUTE COUTURE?
I love both. I have incorporated always ready-to-wear in my couturier brand. I have started to design custom men thanks to my background with Humble Hustler.
7.WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF A YEAR FROM NOW?
I have had the privilege to start carrying my collections in retail stores. I have currently partnered with David Orgell and Ritmo Mundo fine jewelry and watch store at the West Field Century City Mall, in Beverly Hills. I want to continue to grow my portfolio in the luxury retail space. My goal is to carry both my couture and ready-to-wear brands in the biggest high-end department stores nationwide.
8.CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL?
Your Guardian Angel Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping my fellow countrymen, women, and children in need. We receive donations of over-the-counter medicine, clothing, food, and many other essential products. We send these goods to those in need in Venezuela with the help of my family members, who then distribute these donations to schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. After an extremely difficult year, the pandemic restrained us from sending any of these donations. My goal is to continue to bring awareness and partner with other organizations in Venezuela, who can help me, and can receive these items to distribute them safely to those who need it most. There is a lot of work to be done. Unfortunately, my country is under an extreme corrupt government. I have dealt with many obstacles trying to deliver these donations in a safely manner. I won’t give up, I have always felt it is my moral responsibility to continue to use my platform to help as many people as I can, and I will.
Photography Chris Martin @Bychrismartin