Today we’d like to introduce you to Denisse Espalter.
Hi Denisse, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I can start off by saying that I am a west coast girl at heart originally! I was born in California and grew up in Tucson, Arizona which I loved! I miss and love going back to see family. I come from a Cuban family and a very artistic family where my grandmother is a pianist, and my grandfather is an opera singer. I grew up with a love and appreciation of art, music, and the love of my Cuban heritage and culture. I went off to college at the University of Miami. I realized that political science and broadcast journalism were not what I saw myself doing, and I ended up heading out to NYC for a while and started getting involved in the fashion industry. I had the opportunity to work at NY Fashion Week, was part of the Limited Brands design team. I ended up moving back to Miami, where I went back to school and got my degree in Fashion Marketing & Design and started off as a Production Assistant at Miami Fashion Week, Chanel, and landed a job with Perry Ellis. Life then took me to Upstate NY where I moved to Rochester, N.Y. I ended up landing an amazing job with Lord & Taylor as a Regional Marketing & Events Manager, traveling to stores, events, community outreach programs and then Covid hit. Unfortunately, I lost my job that I loved and Lord and Taylor closed its doors. I knew I wanted to work on something that allowed women to treat themselves, to empower them especially during this crazy time and I launched my own company; Unboxed Life and Style. It started with gift boxes filled with items to promote self-care and partnering up with other women-owned businesses. I also got back to styling and now we offer a variety of box subscriptions and styling services. I truly help women gain confidence and empower themselves which can come in different forms through life and style.
In all of the multiple stages of transition in my life, I learned to gain my power back, love myself and find my voice again. I wanted to teach my daughters to not settle and be a strong woman. I now have a beautiful blended family where I gained another daughter making them a powerful three and a husband that truly allows me to be true and supports me with my goals and aspirations. That is a main support behind Unboxed Life & Style has been my husband!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel that the biggest challenge was deciding to take a leap and start a business right at the start of the pandemic. I had lost my job, my kids were home from school, shortly after my husband was let go as well because of Covid. I questioned my timing and what if this was not going to work out. It was scary, exciting and a whole mix of emotions! The biggest struggle at the beginning was learning the best cost-effective ways to keep expenses at a lower cost but also making sure I was offering great quality to customers. Thankfully, Unboxed gained a lot of support and the business grew pretty quickly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have always been involved in arts, performing, fashion, and has always been my true passion. I was Miss Arizona Pre-Teen and did land some acting when I was in my 20’s. With a family that loved the arts, as my grandfather was an opera singer and my grandmother a pianist, I was always around art, and music and that love just grew. I went to school for Fashion and have a degree in Fashion Marketing & Design and always knew I need to be involved in that space.
When I created Unboxed Life and Style, it allowed me to still be creative with creating these boxes. The quality and appearance of them give me the outlet I love as well as connecting with people.
I feel that when you love art and appreciate the beauty of fashion, music, and an overall artistic feel, you have the ability to truly connect with people and build relationships that you may view differently.
This is what happens with the styling side of my business and the relationships I get to build and connect with.
What’s next?
Plans for the future are to keep growing Unboxed Life and Style, connecting with more women, and gifting the gifts of an Unboxed! Since Unboxed Life and Style has become a lifestyle brand, we have started to evolve into other side projects that fall under this big umbrella.
I just launched a shoe line called Yo Soy – which translates to I Am.
With that, I am working on an Unboxed clothing line and would love to have a storefront where you can come pack your own Unboxed Box with items we carry that are unique and support other locally owned businesses.
So keep a lookout for some Unboxed Projects!
Pricing:
- Unboxed Boxes $49.99
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@unboxedlifeandstyle.com
- Website: https://unboxedlifeandstyle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboxed_lifeandstyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unboxedlifeandstyle
Image Credits
Eric Clark Photography
