Today we’d like to introduce you to Pedro Batiz Mexia.
Pedro, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Creativity runs in my blood and I always had an interest in Fashion. I ended up going to a Fashion trade school, where I got an AA in Apparel Industry Management and then went on to get a Bachelors in Business Management. While studying for my Bachelors, I instead decided to go into my family’s business, which is in the Produce Industry, something I never thought I would ever go into. It is a beautiful industry, which I am appreciative I was in for a few years, but I never got rid of the itch to go into Fashion. I am blessed to have been able to get the backing to start the clothing brand GUILLEN. It has been a journey! I initially wanted to start with menswear, but started moving towards womenswear instead because the market is twice the size, but finally decided to listen to my gut and move forward with menswear. COVID hit and it was a challenge to get the brand going. I launched a year later than expected, but it has been a growing experience. I wanted to create a menswear brand that was easy, minimalist, that made men feel the best dressed in the room and was all about community. GUILLEN also celebrates imperfections—nothing is perfect and it is those imperfections that make us unique. I launched the brand in September, direct-to-consumer on my online store at shopguillen.com. It has been a ride and thankful for every moment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! Some of the struggles were pushing through COVID. Many of the factories and contractors had shut down because of the pandemic. When some opened, capacity was at 30% because of social distancing, people getting sick, and everything that went along with COVID. Some factories shut down never to return, unfortunately. I could not go to the factories to see samples or to the dye houses to things see in-person to make decisions. So basically the about 50% of the brand was created making decisions through email, Zoom, and pictures. It is really tough when you can’t see everything in-person because pictures don’t show things exactly as they are in real life.
Some other struggles are learning all the ins and outs of a business. There is so much to do always and never enough time. But again, it has been a wonderful ride. I am thankful for it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So, GUILLEN is a clothing brand that offers refined casual menswear basics with unique details. The brand has a minimalist aesthetic with a touch of city and streetwear that are perfect for everyday and business casual occasions. We also offer leather goods that are sleek and functional. The entire brand is made in Los Angeles, California. We also use sustainable dyes, washes and our collateral (boxes, tags, receipt envelopes, etc.) are all paper. We are known for our quality fabrics, construction and our distinct aesthetic.
What does success mean to you?
Success is creating a brand that I am proud of, that is consistent, has a point of view, has a clear DNA, that is cool, but that also reaches people. There are two sides to success, one is internal and the other is external. Without people who I am able to serve through the brand, to elevate their lives, that are moved by GUILLEN emotionally, it cannot exist. In the same way, without the brand being something great, no one can appreciate it. Another side of success is evolution. The brand must evolve and keep thinking forward. It will die otherwise. A question I think about is, “Are we ahead of the trend or following it?”
Contact Info:
- Email: customercare@shopguillen.com
- Website: https://shopguillen.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shopguillen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopguillen/
