Life & Work with Solmayra Jacobo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Solmayra Jacobo.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Solmayra Anahí Jacobo. I am 27 years old and are a recent graduate from Cal State LA. I established my business in July 2019 from an impulse I had. I always knew I belonged in business and knew eventually I’d have one of my own. I was a full-time student and employee but a part-time dreamer, and I was tired of that. My boss decided to change career fields which meant he was putting up his business up for sale and that’s when it truly hit me that I worked so hard for someone and something that ultimately wasn’t mine. I was awoken by the thought that I could be unemployed soon so I picked up my laptop and immediately began researching how to establish a business up on Google. It took me around a month to gather up the information I needed and then so it began. In July 2019, Sole Los Ángeles was born. Sole derives from a nickname I had in high school. I always wanted my company or logo to be something short and sweet, and what better than that.

In addition to that, I added Los Angeles to it because Los Angeles is a very special place to me, My parents have always worked in and out of it and now I get to do the same. They call it the city of Angels and at times, it truly feels that way. I chose to establish a store in the fashion industry because fashion is universal and a unique way of self-expression and empowerment.” Other than that I have no complaints. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with. In my teenage years, I struggled so much with my self-image and finding a “group” to fit into, as well as my style. You were either girly or tomboy, sporty or glam but you had to choose. I hated that. I am a girl who loves to dress in fit clothes just as much as I love wearing a pair of baggy jeans. I had friends from all circles and just wanted to alternate my style without judgment.

Furthermore, Sole Los Ángeles is a vivid representation that anyone can transform with a change of garments. You can become a whole new person when you feel good and look good. I want anyone who feels like they can’t wear something or lacks confidence to find themselves in my clothing. To know that someone out there understands them and has opened a door for them and a lot more. It’s super important for me as a Latina to show young girls out there that they can do anything they set their minds to. I needed that a lot more when I was younger so that’s who I’m ultimately trying to make proud. We need to be the person we needed when we were younger. So now I sell clothes but with ethics and lots of love. I’ve built the best of friendships through my business and now get to do what I love for a living!

Not many people get to say that and I am very blessed. It sure has been one of the hardest things I’ve done but I wouldn’t have it any other way. All you really have to do is believe in yourself. The rest comes after.

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?
Man I wish it was smooth! I came into business not really knowing anything but what I’ve learned at school, work, and google! I was a full-time student and employee when I started Sole Los Ángeles so I dedicated the time I had to it after school and after work. Now that I realize it, it was always at night…. you can truly call me a dreamer haha… but that was the only time I had and I am a fond believer that you can get anything you want in life if you truly work for it and I did. Not only did I struggle with finding the time but also finding the courage to be the face of my company. I struggled with my self-image and honestly found true confidence when I started my store. I wanted to help woman out and they ended up helping me. I wore my first crop top in public at 26 and that’s sad to me. So even more, I wanted to push a self-love agenda through my store and think I’ve done a good job at it. I love when my clients and friends tell me they wore something because of my shop or me. They have no idea how long it took me to gather the courage so it means the world.

Other struggles I’ve had to face are having overflow of inventory, influencers keeping my clothes and not posting in them, days with no sales, and even not having enough inventory but all of that is part of the business and I’ve had more positive outcomes than negative. That’s the only way you really learn. By going through and taking chances.

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 was a Boost Mobile Regional and Lead Manager. I worked for a huge authorized dealer in the Westlake Area for about five years. I was in charge of making sure our ten stores and employees were up to date in sales and trainings. I managed full-time a store on my own and its team. It was one of the most busiest stores we owned in that company at the time and I truly learned a lot from it and its customers. My bosses at the time were always very motivating and encouraging of forming a business of my own. They let me work on Sole in store at times and are now even customers of my own. I left it to work full-time on Sole Los Ángeles. I am a very tech-savvy person and can do a lot on mobile and desktops. I designed all of my website and are the creator behind our Instagram image. I also offer mentorships to other business owners or creatives.

Before working at Boost Mobile, I was employed by a small fashion store in my neighborhood for several years and that’s really where I learned how to manage a business in fashion. I was in charge of making visual displays along with remodeling the looks of our store and servicing our customers. I learned the names of a lot of companies that I get to buy from now, learned how to audit inventory, prepare merchandise and style. My boss however didn’t really let me or my co-workers have an opinion when we had so many ways of help making it better so that created the seed to have a fashion store of my own. On weekends, I’d go with my mom to resell vintage clothing to vintage shops in Highland Park and Silverlake. It was our way of bonding and my first taste at setting prices and negotiations. I always wanted to maximize her dollars. She’s a big influence for me and motivator and I am most proud of her for showing me to never give up. Her love and charisma shaped the person I am today.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Believe in yourself! How can anyone believe in you if you don’t? Take the chance, start now because there isn’t any better time than now. The only thing you’ll miss the opportunities you didn’t take. We’re all out here trying to figure things out so be patient because nothing good comes easy nor overnight.

I wish I’d known that behind all that fear I had on starting a business, there was this amazing opportunity waiting for me. I was really scared like anyone to fail but I gained a lot more than customers. I gained a family and support of many girls both on and offline and that’s much more than I was asking for. My girls mean the world to me and I wouldn’t change a thing about it, just that I’d taken the chance sooner.

Pricing:

• 14.99
• 19.99
• 39.99
• 49.99
• 79.99

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.solelosangeles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solelosangeles/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ishopsole.la/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/solelosangeless

Image Credits
Models in photos Kali Estrella, Michelle Flores, Nico Apigo, Solmayra Jacobo