Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Orellana.
Jenny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Ever since I can remember I always dreamed of having my own business, I remember at a very young age I made many plans for myself and always felt in my heart I was meant to do more than just a 9 to 5 job. As I got older, I became too scared and doubted myself so much I would talk myself out of any ideas I had. At the same time, I had allowed someone to make me believe I wasn’t good enough so if my own doubts weren’t enough they sure reassured me I couldn’t do it.
Soon after, I became a single mother with two girls, I went through one of the hardest and darkest moments in my life, and it took lots of souls searching and help from those closest to me to get back on track. I started having the idea of creating my own business and the kind of business I wanted to create, something that my girls could see and not only be proud of but be inspired to know that they too could create something special.
I knew I wanted some kind of apparel line and it wasn’t until I started to think of my hardest times in life that my love and passion came to be. Growing up coming from a Salvadoran family wasn’t easy, kids were cruel and meant because I didn’t fit into their normal that I started to believe it and started to become ashamed to say where my roots were from.
It took me years to embrace who I was and where I came from, and while though I was born and raised here in the US my roots are in my blood. I was treated differently by some and got made fun of or called offensive names that they thought were funny but really affected me emotionally for years.
So it came to me I needed to create a line for my Salvi community, a celebration of our culture, embracing and loving every part of who we are. I didn’t want my girls to ever feel ashamed of who they are, so this was for them, to show them at a young age to proudly say and represent where they come from.
At the same time, I wanted to create a line to empower and uplift women, as I was very lucky to have found that support, and it was because of those women that didn’t give up on me that I was able to be me again. Had I not had the support of those women, which I am still fortunate enough to have them in my life, I don’t know where I would be.
Has it been a smooth road?
There has definitely been challenges, from doubting if my idea would be excepted to actually being told why would anyone wear my designs to financially not being able to invest as much as I’d like to get it going. I’ve had to google many things and watch many YouTube videos and ask those who already have an established business as I don’t have the educational back round. But I did not let that stop me, and although I am still learning everyday and still making some mistakes, I know that in the end, it will all be worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bellesme – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My brand is for every mother, daughter, tia, sister, friend, and dreamer. The women who although may not see it or feel it is reminded with every piece that she has everything she needs within herself to make it happen. Every tee has a piece of my heart, and I hope that when they put on that tee, they can feel the love.
My “Beauty is found within” tee has been my best seller, and I couldn’t be more proud of that tee, I feel proud that both women and girls can rock this tee together.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love the way I have seen our community come together better now than I can remember growing up, and I hope that it will continue and grow even more. The only dislike I can say is our traffic is horrible, and I wish that could somehow improve lol wishful thinking. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bellesme_co
- Facebook: Bellesme_co
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
