Astrid Montalvo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Astrid, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I am in my 30’s now and I have been in the fashion industry for quite some time now. What is more important to me?!? Intelligence, energy or integrity?! To be honest, all 3.
My knowledge and experience has shown me to harness that knowledge of life and use it for good. Energy is the one thing no one is taking from me any more! I choose who I give my energy to and it has made me happier than ever. Lastly, my integrity means the world to me. My values and what I truly stand for is louder than it has ever been. I am finding my tribe, my niche, my voice and it feels so great.
I love fashion to the core but I love earth more. I am a luxury sustainable rock n roll fashion designer with a dark femme aesthetic .. If you love my vibe, we will have the best time together but if you don’t………. It’s ok too, I know now I am not for everyone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Astrid Montalvo, I am a San Diego fashion stylist/ designer/ creative director and luxury content creator. I created my own fashion house: House of Montalvo and a production company named Electric Sole Productions. House of Montalvo is my wardrobe and prop rental shop. I render my styling services in exchange for a small rental fee per item being rented out.
My History:
5 yrs of experience as a wardrobe stylist for celebrities
10 yrs of experience as a fashion stylist for brand campaigns
5 yrs of experience as a stylist for local & international runways
5 yrs of designing my own creations
5 yrs of experience as a production director for my own runway shows.
I have build my own empire and I am proud to share my experience with anyone willing to listen and learn from me.
House of Montalvo is open for custom orders for the artists or make an appointment to come to my shop: get styled and rent a look for your next shoot, event, TV appearance or music video.
Need more than that? I can curate an entire team for content creating for your brand. As Electric Sole Productions, Lisardo Nava(my partner) and I organize: campaigns, commercials, events and can produce marketing collateral thru his own business called EZ Prints. We do everything in house.
Want to stay connected? Follow us on
@houseofmontalvo
@electricsoleproductions
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was younger I knew there was something special or weird about me. My family comes from very smart genes and I was always so weird and odd. I hated school and just wanted to draw all the time. I felt sheltered and constructed with all my decisions. Not until I got my first job in retail and met the most amazing person. She was just a customer at the time and loved getting styled by me. She would give me absolute freedom to put whatever I wanted in her dressing room. After coming back 5 more times, she finally let me know she wanted to be my life coach. I have always been a go-getter ( I get it from my mom) so I did not even hesitate, I wanted to see what she truly saw in me.
She took me to lunch and just told me straight up. “YOU HAVE A TALENT! You are just absolutely amazing and have a keen eye for fashion but in your own way. You should be a stylist for the stars. Think about it. I can help you, guide you, and teach you the correct path. “
I was only 21 and as amazing as it all sounded, it sounded too good to be true. I also knew life coaches were not cheap and it would take a longgg time.I was 21 so my mind was all over the place. Yes, I was a go getter but I was also young & dumb. I loved going out and dressing up. I went out ALOT & dressed myself, my girls friends, even my guy friends. Everyone always wanted ME to style THEM, Was that another sign??
I couldn’t stop thinking about my lunch chat so I decided to call her on it and let her be my life coach.
The rest is history.
SHE saw me and helped me narrow down the exact journey to take and I did.
All the way to New York City. I followed my dream and became exactly what she knew I could be.
I thank her, she will not be named but she will forever be my guardian angel.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
YES!!! 2020! 2020 was the worst time of my life!
I went thru every emotion in the book. I lost my entire career that I worked so hard to build. I lost it all and I did not know what to do. My life coach died and I felt so lost. I did not know what to do with myself so I just went under a rock. I ate my feelings until I couldn’t feel a thing. I did not work, go out, or dress up.
I just gave up for almost an entire year of doing NOTHING.
Then I had an old friend come into my life and bring that fire back out. He is now my partner in business and life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Myself. My happiness will forever be a journey to find. Money makes the world go round but without happiness, there is no point. As long as I commit to myself, I will continue to be inspired to keep creating.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Most people that see my work think one thing but as soon as you meet me you start seeing the true fun creative in me. Since I have been burnt in the fashion industry before I do not let just anyone in my circle.
Those that do not get an opportunity to work with me might think I am very stuck up, kind of mean, and play the political card when it comes to choosing talent for productions I am involved in. That could be so far from the truth. I try to give everyone a chance but I choose the ones that stand out to me & show me they are as hungry as I am.
I go for 80% talent 20% vibe
The vibe is usually not apparent until we meet in person. Once I meet you, I know right away what kind of person you are. I read vibes and most people that work with me have that vibe I look for.
The talent is something I see potential in and if you have the full 20% vibe I am looking for then you are fully in.
I do push my boundaries and focus on finding more talent every time I do a new project.
I want people to read this and realize that I do not discriminate against anyone. If you see me, do not be afraid to pull me and say hi. I will never push you away. I might not be the first one to approach but I love when you approach me.
I want to be remembered as a Fashion Icon.
Your go to Luxury Sustainable Rock n Roll Fashion Designer/ Stylist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.houseofmontalvo.com
- Instagram: @houseofmontalvo
- Other: @styledby_astrid_
Image Credits
Katie @therealkatiebozner
Xi @shotbyxizeng
