Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Salcedo.
Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was raised by my grandmother in San Diego. She was full of love and joy and passionate about what she did for a living. She was a seamstress who worked from home. From alterations to weddings and beauty pageants, she could take three measurements off someone and create stunning pieces. Growing up with her, I was very creative and inspired by fashion and photography. That lead me to go to fashion school for college. I graduated from FIDM in Los Angeles and lived there for about six years after. I loved LA and still do, however, I had to move back home for personal reasons this past year and am now rediscovering San Diego. It’s changed a lot but I appreciate how relaxed and supportive everyone is towards each other. I found all the small businesses throughout the city inspiring. Since I’m not working in Visual Merchandising anymore, I needed a way to let out some creativity which lead me to open my own Depop shop called Lavender Moon. I have a big dream of owning my own business with my own designs and wanted to get the groove of what it would be like. Instead of posting photos of clothes on a hanger, I created an Instagram and have friends model all the pieces I’ve gathered to resell. I wanted everything in my shop to reflect what I eventually want to create myself. A mood board through an online shop. Even though I just started, I’m already excited every time I find new pieces, create a post or have a photoshoot. My friends and family have been very supportive and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
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 I could say it’s been a smooth road but life doesn’t always work out that way. When I was in school, I had a totally different view on life and what I wanted to do for a living. I’ll admit I felt a lot of age pressure and like I was falling back by moving to my hometown. However, moving back to San Diego has allowed me to spend more time with myself and become sure of what I wanted to do. I’ll admit I’ve gone through some mental health struggles that were holding me back, however, I eventually surpassed that and just pushed myself to get started. I didn’t let certain situations be an excuse anymore. Even though this is a new journey for me, I already feel proud of getting as far as I have. It’s amazing how powerful you can feel once you push through that first barrier. If you feel like you don’t have full support but you’re truly passionate about something, I say just go for it. I know it’s a lot easier said than done, however, I promise that any small step towards that goal of yours will make you feel great and motivate you to get further and do better.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lavender Moon – what should we know?
Aside from Lavender Moon, I’ve been working in retail ever since I graduated from high school. From being your average cashier to working behind the scenes and visual merchandising. It’s been a long journey of working for various companies, however, I’m finally at a company I truly feel happy at. I love the brand and enjoy styling people as well. I try my best to incorporate something I personally enjoy into my work. Yes, retail can be a bit draining at times, but I’ve learned that it also has to do with the attitude you take in. At the end of the day, you’ll be going back home to your own life, working towards your own passions. Sometimes you feel that you can’t give up your normal job to work towards a dream of yours. However, you only spend so many hours at work and how you spend the rest is something you have full control over. I’m able to balance working full time, spending time with friends, family and running a business on the side. I hope what I’m doing motivates others to work towards their own personal goals. Even if it’s simply volunteering or just living a healthier lifestyle. With Lavender Moon, I incorporated something I enjoy (fashion and styling) and turned it into work. The fact that it never feels like work is amazing and I wish for everyone else to find enjoyment in what they do for a living.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Sometimes you feel like you need to go out and find someone to mentor you. Other times, a good friend or family member can do just that. I would say my grandmother was my mentor growing up. It’s something I never put much thought into until a few years ago. She always gave me great advice, pushed me to do my best and seeing how passionate she was about what she did for a living really motivated me to do the same. I know it’s easy to keep a close relationship fun, but if someone you already feel comfortable communicating with is doing something that interests you definitely, don’t be afraid to ask questions! When I finally did that, it strengthened not only my relationships but my confidence in what I was working on.
Contact Info:
- Website: depop.com/shoplavendermoon
- Email: lavendermoonshop@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/amypiee
- Other: instagram.com/shop.lavendermoon
Image Credit:
Lavender Moon, Amy Salcedo
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