Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwen Bates.
Gwen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Being a California native and a city girl, I was naturally attracted to bling and sparkling things. The first time I realized I could solder, sew and put together jewelry was when I stepped into my very first bead store in 2007. I had no clue such a world existed. I invest a hundred dollars to make simple jewelry and somehow, I managed to sell it. For the next six years after starting jewelry making, I decided to grow my family, so naturally creating accessories took a back seat. Within those six years, the creative process was more of an infrequent hobby while I completed my B.A. and MBA. Throughout this time, I never stopped designing and learning.
In 2015, I got serious and went full force with starting GFASH as a business. I created an exciting and bold collection with a whole new look and appeal. I took the time to develop GFASH into an actual glamorous, red carpet brand.
It was this initial collection that caught the attention of the media and styling networks on the news. Several prominent clients were renting the accessories for red carpet events to include the Emmy awards. GFASH had become an exciting glamorous brand that was making its way into magazines, news segments on various networks and local celebrities but most importantly the real woman.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish it was all smooth sailing but that would be a fantasy. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy or glamorous. It a lot of work, sleepless nights, networking and most importantly grit. Not to mention falling forward to success. My company has dealt with many problematic situations in the area of financial risk and partnerships. Financially, GFASH has had to write off countless dollars in the wrong marketing group, poor manufactured parts, freelancers who failed to perform or deliver a finished product, in-store product replacement, stolen and lost items from fashion shows and so on…
Partnership wise, we learned the hard way that small emerging businesses need to choose their partners wisely. The wrong partnering company or individual can taint a brand no matter how great the product or service is.
Please tell us about GFASH LLC – what should we know?
GFASH is best known for its sparkle on the runway. From big and blingy to small yet bold, GFASH shines with SWAROVSKI Crystal on the runway and around town. Our goal is to create pieces that are as special as the occasion a woman will attend. From prom, military ball, pageant, red carpet or going out with a friend, GFASH designs with a perspective of self-worth and “Fabulousity”. We currently produce fabulous business accessories and jewelry with the goal to expand.
We are proud of many of our achievements and many global runways thus far. We are most proud of SIC (Suicide Is Crap) our outreach in the San Diego area which also sets us apart from others. GFASH gives the average woman a glamourous opportunity while we also work with the youth to combat suicide by teaching a confidence-building skill and giving the youth an entrepreneurial outlet in the fashion and entrepreneurial space. GFASH found a purpose for existing by donating a portion of each sale, to self-esteem and suicide prevention. This truly makes GFASH more than a product.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe the characteristic of perseverance is critical for our future success. Being able to persevere after a poor business deal, or being rejected as a new business brand in the fashion space requires diligence. Many big companies were overnight successes after 20 years.
Pricing:
- Amethyst Splendor $65 (50% donated to SIC youth outreach)
- Diamond Bracelet $55 (30% donated to SIC youth outreach)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gfashnow.com
- Phone: 6193549371
- Email: joinus@gfashnow.com
- Instagram: gfash_now
- Facebook: gfashnow
- Twitter: gfashnow
Image Credit:
Caitlin Magner, Samir Crush, Gwen Bates, Sara Forgnone, Mayra Guzman, Kori Danielle, Kitana Hillegass, Ventura Priscilla
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
