Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabian Machado.
Hi Fabian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I recently moved back to my hometown of Chula Vista/San Diego after spending about 12 years in Los Angeles. I left home at 19, right after graduating from Bonita Vista High School in 2009. Fashion and streetwear have always been a passion of mine. I dreamed of creating my own brand one day, but for a long time, I didn’t know where to start.
Coming back home really changed everything. I met my now close friend Quintis, the owner of Davidsons Distributions. We play soccer together on Mondays, and from the moment I shared my vision with him, he helped bring every idea to life. I’ll explain what I see in my head, and he’ll make it a reality.
My brand, Oro Boys, is deeply personal. It’s inspired by my 7-year-old son, Davian Mateo Machado, who I unfortunately lost custody of last year. He is the face of the brand—literally—in a cartoon design based on one of my favorite photos of him wearing a cowboy hat and making perfect eye contact. Oro Boys is also tied to my Mexican roots in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and many of my designs come from old-school sayings and cultural phrases I grew up hearing.
I chose the name ‘Oro Boys’ because gold never loses its value. To me, it represents who I am as a man and a father. Through all adversity, I’ve never lost faith in God, and I continue to push forward no matter what comes my way.
This brand is more than clothing; it’s a symbol of hope and resilience. My son is autistic, and before he was taken from me, I worked hard to support his growth—getting him out of diapers, changing his diet, and helping him reach new milestones. Losing contact and seeing his progress regress has been incredibly painful, especially since the court order gives me scheduled time with him that hasn’t been honored.
Oro Boys has become my outlet—something positive to focus on while I fight for the chance to be in my son’s life again. Building this brand keeps me grounded, motivated, and connected to him. Every design, every idea, every shirt is a reminder of my love for him and my hope that one day he’ll be back in my arms.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I started building my brand, I was going through a major transition—moving back to my hometown of Chula Vista/San Diego and trying to rebuild my life from the ground up. I didn’t have a big budget, a team, or a clear map of what to do next. I had to teach myself almost everything, from design to marketing, while juggling personal responsibilities and trying to stay consistent.
There were times when I felt stuck or questioned whether I was doing the right thing, but those challenges really pushed me to grow. Every setback taught me something and helped me get clearer about what I wanted this brand to stand for. The struggles ended up shaping my vision and making the journey more meaningful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.? What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I create apparel that blends streetwear with personal expression. My focus is on designing pieces that feel meaningful—not just something to wear, but something that represents a story, a mindset, or a moment in someone’s life. I specialize in clean, bold designs that still carry depth and intention.
I’m most proud of how much my brand has grown organically. Everything I’ve built so far has been through consistency, self-teaching, and staying true to my vision. Seeing people connect with my work—whether it’s the message behind a design or the meaning it gives them—means everything to me.
What sets me apart is that I don’t create based on trends or what’s popular at the moment. Every piece comes from real experiences, emotions, or things I’ve lived through. I put intention behind every design, and I focus on quality over rushing products out. My goal is for people to feel something when they put on one of my pieces, and that’s the part of my work I take the most pride in.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my brand and taking it to the next level. I’m working on new drops, more detailed designs, and collaborations that align with my vision. I want to continue building a community around the brand—people who connect with the meaning behind the pieces as much as the style itself.
One of my biggest goals is to move into more in-person opportunities, like pop-ups, events, and partnerships with local creatives here in San Diego. I’m also planning to grow my online presence and eventually develop a full collection that reflects the growth of the brand.
Overall, I’m excited for everything coming next. I’m taking things step by step, staying focused, and staying hungry. There are definitely big changes ahead, but they’re all geared toward creating something solid, meaningful, and long-lasting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: oro.boys
