Today we’d like to introduce you to Bel Garay.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It started in elementary school for me when I started dressing since kinder and when I learned how to hand sew, I used to cut up pillowcases and sheets and make my own clothes and wear them to school. I was always teased by other girls because I dressed differently. Throughout high school, I would shop at thrift stores and had a unique style. Again, teased for the way I dressed and it didn’t help that I was this anorexic, tall girl that looked sick all the time. I didn’t care what people said and always told the haters, “when I get older and have kids, at least I’ll dress better than you and I won’t be fat!” Now, where are my haters?!? Asking me for fashion advice!
I have always loved fashion and styling. I also used to work for Neiman Marcus and learned more about the high-end designers. I even got offered by a client who lived in Beverly Hills to be her personal assistant and stylist! Of course, I couldn’t leave San Diego or my husband. I had to kindly decline.
For decades my best friends have always told me I should be doing something in the Fashion Industry. I wasn’t really into designing, it’s more of the styling aspect that I love. I finally decided to open an Instagram account- Bunkbedsandmascara (which represents my daughters and me) and use that as a tool to show people how to style and where to shop. This opened so many doors for me.
I had an opportunity to become a rep for a company called Shop Stevie. I was able to be the buyer and run my business however I wanted! Moving forward, that only lasted with them for about five months. I am no longer a Shop Stevie rep! I decided to be completely on my own starting from scratch and I am currently branching out and buying from multiple vendors. I run my business from my home and do in-home shopping, pop-ups, events and currently have a live website. bunkbedsandmascara.boutique.com
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing is ever smooth. You have to go through all the bumps on the road in order to learn and grow through your journey. My advice is to never give up! Don’t let other people take you down. Karma is a B!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Bunkbedsandmascara An Exclusive Boutique story. Tell us more about the business.
I am actually also an educator! I used to be a Pre-K (Child Development) Teacher for 19 years! I am currently an S.A. (student attendant) which is like a teachers assistant in the Chula Vista Elementary School District! I work in the Kinder/1st-grade classroom with children who have special disabilities. I made the rational decision to make the pay cut and demotion (title status) because I knew I was starting my business, my passion-fashion!
Through my journey as a teacher, I still stuck true to myself and was always commented on being the best dresser always lol. It’s just who I am! I love working with children and I love being able to get up every morning and dress the way I dress! Like my husband says to me, “every day is a runway!”
What makes me proud is seeing my two daughters (who are equally big-time fashionistas) look up to me as their role model! Hence the name “bunkbedsandmascara” I had to have a catchy name that represented the three of us. My daughters sleep on bunk beds and mommy can not go a day without mascara, lol!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom has always been my inspiration because she always allowed me to express myself. She encouraged me to be independent, she taught me how to carry myself and she taught me how to have fun to a certain extent lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: bunkbedsandmascara.com
- Email: bunkbedsandmascar@gmail.com
- Instagram: bunkbedsandmascara.boutique
- Facebook: Bunkbedsandmascara An Exclusive Boutique
Image Credit:
My 10-year-old daughter Madison
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