Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Escamilla
Hi Steven, 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?
My journey to becoming a successful business owner began at a young age. At nine years old, I started crafting and selling handmade lanyard keychains to friends and family. I even organized my neighborhood friends to help sell these keychains door-to-door, compensating them with a small weekly fee.
Growing up, I was quite shy and often avoided social interactions due to fears of rejection and being judged based on my sexuality. Throughout my early years, I struggled with loneliness and had very few friends. However, in my junior year of high school, a supportive friend encouraged me to embrace my true self. This friendship was pivotal, leading me to become more engaged in school activities and sports, and ultimately, to rediscover my passion for fashion and art.
I took a significant step by starting a fashion club at my high school, inspired by my growing interest in fashion. This venture helped me to express myself more freely and to develop a distinctive style that reflects my personality. Fueled by this passion, I enrolled at FIDM in Downtown Los Angeles in 2018, majoring in merchandising and marketing. Moving from Los Banos to Los Angeles was a bold move, and I gained invaluable skills and experiences during my time there.
Unfortunately, I had to pause my studies in 2019 due to burnout and mental health challenges. During this break, I focused on personal growth and rediscovered my self. This period of self-reflection was crucial for my recovery and development. I eventually decided to forgo continuing my formal education due to financial constraints, which was a difficult decision but one that refocused my efforts on my entrepreneurial dreams.
In the fall of 2021, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business, aiming to create a clothing brand known for high-quality, affordable fashion streetwear. I began with a collection of freshwater pearl cross necklaces, gradually expanding my designs. Despite initial challenges, including low sales and limited support from those around me, I remained persistent. Positive feedback from customers and continuous improvement in product quality and service helped my business thrive.
Over the past three years, I have sold over 7,000 necklaces, a milestone that far exceeded my expectations. The experience of handcrafting and packaging each piece, while balancing a full-time job, has been demanding but incredibly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the support from my customers, whose appreciation for my art drives me to keep pushing forward.
While I recognize that there is still much to learn and achieve, I am proud of the progress I’ve made and am committed to continuing the growth of my business. My journey has been marked by resilience and passion, and I am excited for the future opportunities ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to success has not always been smooth. One of the key challenges I faced was maintaining self-belief and trusting my intuition, particularly when comparing my progress to others. It’s easy to feel disheartened when observing others achieving success more quickly. However, I’ve learned that such comparisons can be detrimental and counterproductive. Each person’s journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for success in business.
Instead of focusing on others, I have learned to concentrate on my own path. Success comes from perseverance, continual learning, and adapting strategies that work specifically for my business. It’s important to remain committed to your goals and work diligently towards them.
As my business grew, it required sacrifices, including less time spent with friends and social activities. While it was challenging to decline invitations and prioritize work over socializing, I have come to understand that such sacrifices are often necessary for achieving long-term success.
Overall, the key has been to embrace the journey with patience and resilience, recognizing that the path to success is often characterized by both trials and triumphs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in crafting handmade jewelry targeted at a younger demographic who appreciate statement pieces and distinctive, trendy styles. My focus is on delivering high-quality, fashionable jewelry at an affordable price. Growing up, I was aware that many high-quality and unique accessories were prohibitively expensive. My goal was to establish a brand that offers stylish, high-utility jewelry accessible to everyone, regardless of their income level.
I take great pride in having grown my business independently, despite not having a formal degree in merchandising and marketing. Financial constraints prevented me from completing my degree, so I became self-taught in areas such as taxes, marketing, graphic design, manufacturing processes, and sourcing materials. This experience reinforced my belief that a business degree is not a prerequisite for starting a successful business—what you need is a clear vision and determination.
The journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding, especially seeing the tangible results of my hard work. What differentiates my brand is not only the unique designs but also the exceptional customer service I provide. I believe in creating a memorable customer experience and continuously improving upon it.
By analyzing competitors and identifying their gaps, I’ve been able to offer something distinct. Unlike many competitors who offer similar products, I strive to create and manufacture unique jewelry designs that stand out. Customers seek fresh, original pieces that set them apart, and my designs aim to make them feel confident and empowered.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Looking ahead over the next 5 to 10 years, I anticipate significant growth in the jewelry and accessories market. These items will continue to play a crucial role in self-expression and fashion. Over the past three years, I’ve observed a surge in new brands and innovative accessory designs, providing consumers with diverse options to reflect their unique styles.
The industry is characterized by rapidly shifting trends, often changing quarterly or even monthly. Staying relevant requires not only adapting to these trends but also maintaining a distinct design identity. Balancing trend adaptation with a unique style is essential; failure to do so can result in decreased sales and diminished market presence.
One of the primary challenges will be distinguishing oneself in a crowded market of small businesses. To remain competitive, it’s crucial to stay true to your vision and intuition while being flexible enough to adapt to emerging trends. This approach will help ensure sustained relevance and growth in an evolving industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.depop.com/blade_la/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blade_la/?hl=en
Image Credits
Photographer from my business campaign shoot Bishop Elegino also known on social media as bish.op
