Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sandra Mateu, Founder of Gitana Styling, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
With Gitana Styling, we help people feel stylish, happy, and empowered with their looks! I specialize in styling photoshoots and fashion shows. I offer virtual personal styling services and create tools and printables to help women with their personal style. With the Fashion Entrepreneur Club, we help fashion entrepreneurs build successful fashion businesses. We have a free Facebook group, tools, templates, courses, a podcast, and more!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Sandra Mateu. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved with my family to the United States when I was 16. I've always had a love for media and fashion. I started by modeling while I went to school for a TV production. When I started working, I always combined these 2 areas. When producing commercials, I always styled the people on set, for example. I love helping people feel confident and empowered by fashion. At the same time, I love helping those who dream of having their own fashion businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've worked with amazing brands and organizations in the industry, like SONY, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, eHow Style, and many others, where I've learned so much and built incredible relationships. Nonetheless, my biggest satisfaction has always come from helping my customers (a model, talent, or business owner) and seeing the transformation they experience when they change their mindsets. Whether that is changing the way they look at themselves, thanks to the styling, or having the trust and confidence to go after their dreams with their fashion businesses, that keeps me going and doing what I'm doing.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's a constant self-improvement journey. You must invest time in self-development and mindset work because you are always stretching yourself, facing new things, and learning about new subjects to get to the next level. Also, learning when to take breaks and enjoy your personal life so you don't reach burnout and have the energy and creativity needed to run your business. You must also feel comfortable with uncertainty, trusting yourself, and following your instincts.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make a plan (be flexible with it, but have a plan of action to follow.)
- Join a community and/or get a mentor (you'll need support along this journey.)
- Get out there! (I know it can be scary, but you'll get your answers and find opportunities - talk to people, network, and socialize.)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://gitanastyling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FashionEntrepreneurClub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionentrepreneurclub/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramateu/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.