Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Gonzalez.
Alejandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story starts as a little girl watching my grandmother (my Abuelita Emma) and my great grandmother (my Abuelita Lolita) out in the backyard tending to the trees and to the plants in their home in central San Diego. I remember the excitement I’d feel when the kumquats (these tiny, sour, orange-like fruits) were ready to pick off the branches and eat. I always thought this was just a fond memory and nothing else but looking back now, I can see that gardening has always been in my blood. When I was in my teens and it came time to look for a job, I thought that a restaurant job would be perfect for me… and it sure was! I’ve always been an outgoing, energetic, people person so I was great in this type of fast-paced environment. I flourished from my first restaurant industry job at a small restaurant in my hometown of Chula Vista to some of the highest volume bars downtown San Diego has to offer. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working in every ‘front of house’ position in the restaurant and bar industry. I went from busser to hostess, to take-out server, to server, to cocktail server, to bartender, to trainer, all the way up to management. Being a manager required a lot of my time and dedication, I lost myself in the process of trying to climb up the corporate ladder. I wasn’t feeling truly happy, I felt that I was not reaching my full creative potential and I realized that I needed to change something in my life stat. I decided to quit my manager position after a year of not feeling like myself and stepped “back down” to a server position in order to pursue my dream of creating and gardening full-time. To some people stepping down means a demotion, but in my case, it was far from that, mentally and in my soul, my life got a huge promotion. With the extra time I now had, I focused on my personal goals which entailed getting healthier. I’ve lost 30 lbs since then and can tell you that I have never felt healthier in my life! But most importantly, the extra time and the flexibility of the bar industry allowed me to focus on my business goals and create Alesthetic Designs. I could now share my passion for creating and gardening with the world. Currently, I’m a full-time creator, I am also a freelance recreational enrichment instructor for the City of Chula Vista’s Recreational Department and still working part-time in the downtown San Diego bar industry. I hope to use my industry connections for the next step in my journey, to expand my succulent workshops back to the very bars I’ve had a pleasure of working in! I like to think of it as my coming “full circle.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are times when I do encounter obstacles and self-doubt and question absolutely everything! But in my heart and in my soul… all is good, as should be in yours while making tough decisions in your life’s journey. I can’t tell you to drop everything and go find what’s makes you feel fulfilled, I’m aware everyone still has rent or mortgages to pay but I’m a strong believer in “if there’s a will there’s a way” and you really are worth it. Everyone deserves happiness and success, whatever their definition of success may be. My story and struggles are actually still happening as we speak but I have found success in finding myself and in allowing my ambitions and my passions lead my way. I feel content in knowing nothing can stop me but me!
Please tell us about Alesthetic Designs.
I host succulent workshops once a month at the Heritage Rec Center in my hometown of Chula Vista. I think it’s super important we support our local community as much as we can! I also host private, curated gardening events, I’ll soon be expanding to public succulent socials at bar & restaurant venues in the very near future. Lastly, I create handmade dreamcatchers, succulent terrariums and arrangements, floral arrangements and other “unique gifts for the free spirit.” Because I am that…a free spirit out here doing what she loves and trying to catch her dreams! I like to incorporate things such as unique alcohol bottles or shot glasses that you may find at a bar into my work, I think it’s important to maintain my industry roots and let them seep into my creative work. I’d like to think my intentions and thought behind the details sets me apart from other shops. You really get a little piece of me in everything I make or sell!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
As I get older, I have found that self-help books and self-discovery guides are all the rage! I recently read The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. It highlights the importance of trying your best in all you do even when doing the seemingly minuscule. I also love podcasts! Currently, my Podcast library content includes: Mindful Living & Spiritual Awakening with Marijo Puleo Ph.D., Make It Happen with Jen Carrington and Being Boss: Mindset, Habits, Tactics, and Lifestyle for Creative Entrepreneurs with Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon. All very informative and insightful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chulavistaca.gov/rec
- Email: alestheticdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alestheticdesigns
- Facebook: @alestheticdesigns
- Twitter: @alesdesigns
- Other: www.AlestheticDesigns.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Jessica Rodriguez, Alejandra Gonzalez
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