Meet Joseph Castro of BrightLife Designs in Huntington Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Castro.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Blue River, Oregon, which is a small country town with a population of about 800 people. In this town, I didn’t experience an abundance of opportunity. However, I always knew I had an entrepreneurial spirit. I was eight years old when I started my first nightcrawler business. At night, I would capture the worms and store them in the worm farm I created. I would then package the worms into breathable Styrofoam cups with compost and sell them to the local fisherman. I began selling these cups by the dozen and half dozen. At one point, I had a small display in the cooler section at a few local moms and pop convenience stores in town.

I transitioned my nightcrawler business at the age of 13 and started Smokin Joe’s Walking Sticks. I acquired the name, Smokin Joe, from my stepdad because I was always a fast runner. I lived on the McKenzie River and would collect driftwood from the water and also cut down my own branches from the trees. I would skin the bark, sand the sticks and chisel or burn designs into the walking sticks. The top end of the walking stick was wrapped in leather and sometimes had a peacock or bird feather hanging from it that I had collected. This business had a display at a local restaurant for customers to buy.

After high school, I moved to Eugene to start college and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. To get through college financially, I began working full time at a clothing store as a sales associate, bartending at a popular nightclub at night and in the summers’ fighting fires as a wildland firefighter.

I decided it was time for a change and moved to Los Angeles seven years ago. I didn’t know anyone in LA at the time but felt it was necessary to make the transition. I accomplished all that I needed to in Eugene and was ready for new challenges in my life. To support myself, I worked odds and ends jobs at the beginning of my time in LA. I was starting my own business providing essential services, cell phone service, TV, internet, gas and electric for residential and commercial businesses. While that business was in the early stages, I started working for and managing a Commercial Lighting and Holiday Décor company, that gave me the experience and knowledge to start BrightLife Designs in 2018.

Fast forward to today, we have been in business for a little over two years. BrightLife has a profound client portfolio of some of the most reputable companies in their industry. We have grown organically to be one of the top premiere holiday décor companies in southern California in a short time.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road and there are many challenges associated with starting and owning a small business. Some of the difficulties include managing overhead, meeting client’s expectations and performing in a competitive space. During this current environment, COVID has made a huge impact on the business and the clients we serve. Many of the facilities we decorate are unsure if they will be open during this holiday season. We are hopeful there will be a holiday season and people will need the holiday cheer to lift up their spirits more than ever. In business and in life, there are many challenges. One thing I know for sure is there will be more obstacles in the road ahead. The best way to deal with them is to work hard, be consistent and make sacrifices.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with BrightLife Designs LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
BrightLife Designs is a commercial lighting and holiday décor company that specializes in Christmas Décor. Our services include installation, removal and storage. Some of the products include large animated indoor and outdoor artificial Christmas trees, ornaments, garlands, wreaths, lights and pole-mount decorations and other products. We are dedicated to all things holiday!

We’ve helped numerous Cities, Municipalities, Lifestyle Shopping Centers, Malls, Management companies, Theme parks and Country Clubs create pleasing visual experiences for their public spaces. Our clients include Downtown Disney, City of Long Beach (Belmont Shore), Porsche Experience Center, Hilton & Holiday Inn Hotels, Hyundai Motors Headquarters, City of Santa Ana, City of Carson, City of Huntington Beach, Long Beach Airport, Ontario Airport, and Canyon Crest Towne Centre just to name a few. Our clients have trusted BrightLife Designs for multiple years with their holiday lighting and décor needs.

I believe in multiple streams of income and also have my online business. This website brokers essential services under an umbrella of a company that has been around for almost 30 years. These services are everyday services that people need, want and cannot live without. I share this opportunity with others that want to make some money on the side, outside of their busy schedule, and build something they own for their families.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of my most proud moments of my career so far has been the start of BrightLife Designs. It wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of my mentors and business partners. I value good people and take pride in surrounding myself with quality individuals that want to see others succeed. I wanted to create a culture of team members that support the business and see growth within the company. I also wanted to create an environment for them to achieve their individual goals and support their families. I couldn’t have achieved these things by myself. I am so blessed to be in business with great people that are not only my business partners but also my friends. I was proud to make a dream a reality. In ending, I will leave you with a quote from a mentor and gentlemen I have the upmost respect for. “It’s never been easier to make money. It’s never been more difficult to make a difference.” – Greg Provenzano

Contact Info:

• Address: 16351 Gothard St, Ste. C Huntington Beach CA 92647
• Website: www.BrightLifeDesigns.com
• Phone: 7143268326
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: BrightLife Designs
• Facebook: BrightLife Designs LLC

Image Credit:
ROF Industries Inc

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