Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Aguallo.
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I lost my job as a Design Director in March 2020 and, like the rest of the world, told myself I’d bounce back in a month. A week later, a friend working as a nurse asked me to help make masks as they were going to have a shortage at the hospital. I quickly brought out my sewing machine, made a pattern, and made masks.
I began producing masks for friends & family and donated a mask to a nurse/hospital for each one sold. COVID-19 gave me a business and community. For the past 15 years, I have been designing for the masses under corporations and the pandemic brought me an opportunity to chat, connect, and meet my community. As a local maker, I used all my Los Angeles resources to produce in Los Angeles, for Los Angeles. The mask demand slowed down once overseas production was in stores and I pivoted to creating comfortable loungewear. Los Angeles has had a special place in my heart as a place of opportunity and I’m lucky enough to share my initials with the city.
I founded my business to bridge the gap between the need to keep my community safe and the supply available. Because we couldn’t get shipments from overseas, I utilized my references in Los Angeles and created a business to make products JUST freeways apart.
My sewers are all located downtown, my Patternmaker is in Monterey Park, and the hospitals I donated to range from Santa Clarita to UCLA. I’ve offered masks to local outdoor markets in Redondo Beach, DTLA, Hollywood, Long Beach, and Culver City in addition to online access globally.
Los Angeles is the backdrop to a unique culture collision – sports, fashion, music and experiences shape a community unlike any other. From Chavez Ravine to Staples Center, Angelenos share a deep pride for their city and are eager to display this pride on their sleeves everywhere from the office to the stadiums. Providing goods designing and produced for Los Angeles by Los Angeles is the basis of my company.
Growing up in Fresno, California, I dreamed of designing clothing ever since I could draw. This dedication sparked at such a young age was the driving force I used to follow those dreams. I moved to Los Angeles to study fashion design and marketing and immediately started working even while in college with design companies. Through my 15 years of experience, I thought working for other brands was the dream until Covid-19 hit.
Today you can find my goods in 14 stores (and growing!) in California or at a local pop-up market in Los Angeles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started Made by LA based on a layoff. I’d say starting at the rockiest road has made any other struggle I’ve come across part of my journey. I’ve been in the fashion industry my whole career, so knowing when retail takes dips during the year has prepared me for future slow months ahead.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been designing clothing since I could draw. I chose the career my five years old self-set myself to do and it’s my life. I love to design clothing for all ages. I love to help others with their marketing and logos and use my expertise to bring their visions to life.
I am most proud of my ability to start my corporation. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. I would say what sets myself apart from others is that I have designed for all of the big box stores (Target, Macys, Kohls, Forever 21) and know how to read trends, find white space in the market, and develop an amazing products.
How do you define success?
I define success as happiness. Finding purpose in life and spreading my happiness to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madebylainc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebylainc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebylainc/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/madebylainc/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madebylainc
