Meet Janelle Gamboa of Soul Threadz in Duarte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Gamboa.

Janelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was working a corporate job for a company I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to work for. I was fresh out of college and I finally landed a “dream job.” My expectations were quickly changed into reality and what I thought was my dream career was now questionable. I didn’t realize my 45-minute commute to the Norwalk Train Station and 30-minute train ride would be a pivotal moment in my life.

To be honest, until now I just realized how much those moments were significant to me. I studied fashion in college so naturally, I would come up with the inspiration of a design that I would want to wear. One day in traffic, I thought of the EMPOWER shirt. Empower came from what I felt the world needed more of, especially the space I was currently in. When you think of EMPOWER, I think of positive thoughts and intentions. The whole idea stood out to me and I just had to run with it. I always say it, but Soul Threadz is a reflection of the energy I want to put out into this world. Soul Threadz is not just a physical product, but it’s a piece of my mind, heart and soul.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been exciting. There were challenges that were presented to me for the first time… like my first vendor completely ghosting me once I had the artwork ready. I realized when inconveniences were presented to me, I needed to physically put my phone down, reflect and respond. My mentality was to be less reactive and more thoughtful. (If you know me, I have a track history of some good clap backs) I needed to collect myself and navigate and represent not only my brand but my brand values.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Soul Threadz – what should we know?
I envision Soul Threadz to be a street and lifestyle brand. I don’t want to give away too much, but apparel is just the start of this. I am in a stage of setting the tone and building my brand. I’m actually launching a couple pieces next week. I want Soul Threadz to speak for itself. The journey and reasoning behind this brand is what I am most proud of. I started this at such a low moment of my professional journey, but it was my way of soul searching. My goal is for the brand to be an outlet for other people, the same way it is for me. I want to create a space and community.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All of the entrepreneurs in this world right now. Crystal Benitez, who is the Owner of Obsessed Beauty in West Covina, CA – a 22-year-old business owner that runs a boutique and has her own lash line. My cousin, Andrea Lopo, Owner of Aesthetic Ink in Covina, CA. She quit her full-time job to pursue her own career specializing in Ombre Powder Brows, Lip Blush, Brow Lamination and now she’s sharing her skills/knowledge offering training courses. Sabrina Johnson, a Youtuber that goes by Marie Jay. All these people exposed me to the possibilities of doing whatever fulfills me.

A lot of my friends and family didn’t know that I was starting a brand because my goal was to launch and for everyone to be surprised. I wanted people to literally react and say “where the heck did this come from?” (the PG version) I also have to bring up the people from my community – Duarte, CA. I’m so proud of where I’m from and seeing my community support me and receive the message is indescribable. The support is literally the fuel that I needed to get back what’s mine. I was living for a paycheck and not living for myself. I was going with the motions of the corporate world that I was compromising my own purpose in life. I wasn’t doing anything for myself and Soul Threadz was the one thing I did on my terms.

Pricing:

• EMPOWER shirt, $15 (shipping & taxes not included)

Contact Info:

• Website: soulthreadzla.com
• Email: [email protected]

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