Check Out Kimmi Gutierrez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimmi Gutierrez.

Hi Kimmi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the foster care system, I always felt I didn’t fit in. I got married at 18, was divorced by 24, and from that point on, it felt like It was me against the world. But despite the ups and downs, one dream always stuck with me: I wanted to own a business. I didn’t have a clear picture of what i wanted to do — I just knew I wanted to create something that was mine.

In 2013, that’s when everything changed for me. I stumbled on a glass etching pen at a friend’s house. I asked if I could have it — and when he said yes, that simple moment sparked something inside me. I was obsessed with etching on glass where ever I went I had an etching pen and a piece of glass in my hands I would etch on any and everything I could get my hands on. I soon learned how to use a Dremel with different diamond tips to up my drawing skills!

Then in 2018, I was in a car accident that broke my wrist that I drew with. I honestly thought that was the end of my etching career. So I turned to resin art and pour painting, searching for another way to express myself and Slowly, as my wrist healed and my confidence started to rebuild, During 2019 lockdowns I discovered a new technique for etching. And with that, my passion for etching was lit on fire once more.

By September 2024, I officially launched Kimmiz Kustomz LLC — a business born from pain, fueled by passion, and grounded in resilience. From a foster kid with no clear path to the CEO of my own company, I now get to do what I love every single day. My art is more than just design — it’s my story carved in glass.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Not by any means this road had potholes, cliffs, and no damn GPS. I had to build the road while walking it. Nothing about this journey was handed to me. I come from the foster system — no trust fund, no safety net, no backup plan. Just me and a dream I refused to let die.

When I found my love for glass etching, it was like finally finding my voice. But life came swinging. In 2018, I got into a car accident that broke my wrist — my drawing hand. I was devastated. The tool I used to create felt like a weapon I couldn’t lift anymore. That broke me for a while. I fell into depression. I stopped creating. I doubted everything.

And let’s be real — building a business from scratch with no guidance? That is brutal. I’ve had moments where I didn’t know how I’d pay my bills, times where I questioned if anyone would care about my art, and days I felt invisible. I had no team, no manager, no investor — just me learning the ropes by trial, error, and straight-up stubbornness.

But guess what? I didn’t give up I got creative. I taught myself new techniques, pivoted into resin, poured my pain into my work, and came back stronger. Every “no,” every detour, every sleepless night just added fuel to my fire. I turned struggle into strategy.

So no — the road wasn’t smooth. But I made it mine. And I don’t regret a single bump — it’s what gave me the will power that built Kimmiz Kustomz.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Kimmiz Kustomz, I specialize in custom etched glass art and unique resin creations — all handcrafted, all self-taught, I’ve etched on almost anything you can think of from wine glasses and mirrors to glass panels and even Cars, I create pieces that carry energy, emotion, and individuality.

What I’m most known for is my custom etched glass. Every design is a custom piece that takes hours to prepare and perfect. That kind of dedication and patience is rare, and I take pride in knowing my work is one-of-one, not something mass-produced or AI-generated. It’s art that speaks for it’s self.

I also work with epoxy resin, creating everything from vibrant trays to custom keepsakes. That medium taught me how to flow with life, how to pour pain into something beautiful. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s emotional and it’s healing.

What sets me apart? I don’t just make art — I tell stories through every piece. I’ve built this business on resilience, teaching myself everything from technique to branding to customer service. I took something I found by accident — that etching pen back in 2013 — and turned it into my passion, my therapy, and now, my profession.

What I’m most proud of is that I never gave up. After breaking my wrist in a car accident, I thought I’d lost my gift. But I pivoted, adapted, and came back stronger. I turned struggle into strength — and that’s what my art is really about.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
> I honestly didn’t have a mentor when I started — no coach, no blueprint, nobody walking me through the steps. I had to teach myself everything, from glass etching techniques to how to run a legit business. I learned by watching, failing, trying again, and staying curious. I had to become the mentor I never had.

So my advice? If you don’t have anyone to guide you, don’t let that stop you. Start anyway. Learn everything you can. Stay hungry, stay teachable, and trust your instincts. You’ll be surprised what you can figure out on your own when you’re really committed to your vision.

As for networking — real connections come from being real. I’m not into fake handshakes or clout-chasing. What’s worked for me is sharing my story honestly, supporting other creatives, and showing up as my true self. That energy attracts the right people, slowly but surely.

And even if you’re building alone right now, that’s okay. Some of the strongest foundations are built in solitude. Just keep showing up, keep learning, and keep doing the work — the right mentors and community will find you when your light starts to shine loud enough.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kimmiz_kustomz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimmiskreation?mibextid=JRoKGi
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/bKHO618MbR
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimmiz.kustomz?_t=ZT-8yKVxj7jzIM&_r=1

Image Credits
Kimmi Gutierrez

https://www.instagram.com/usghostz?igsh=aThmZG1kMXBoZHZ2

https://www.instagram.com/djeddyy420?igsh=MW42cXE5c2E3MDNyOA==

https://www.instagram.com/infinity_and_beyond2011?igsh=bnJpMGFpNmZiN2o=