The City Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 award is a well-known honor that has been bestowed upon some of El Paso’s most talented and ambitious residents, those who have made an impact on the community despite their young age. I’ve always been hesitant to participate in any kind of contest like this, but to my surprise, a few close friends nominated me this year. To my greater surprise — I won!
I’m incredibly honored to be named amongst the Top 30 Under 30, especially since my journey has been full of risks, adventures and pushing myself to my limits. In 2010, I started my career as unpaid intern, just so that I could be a part of the retail industry. Years later, after I was hired as a stylist, I took another unpaid internship as a Buyer. I proved my mettle, learned from my mentor about how to run a high-end retail boutique and grew ready to take on my own store.
During this time, I opened up the first blow dry bar in El Paso, and along side my partners, created a new phenomenon in the city. Staying true to my vision of contributing to the growth of El Paso, I stepped away from the blow dry bar in 2016 to pursue my dream and open GAL Fashion. My vision was to cater to my clients as though they were my friends (and most have become friends!), to do away with commission-based sales, and to style with honesty and integrity. To this day, I tell everyone who I style that if I am working for them, they are representing GAL, and therefore they will always leave looking and feeling their best.
After our first successful year, we expanded space and services to closet organizing and consultations. It was then, after seeing countless gowns that had been forgotten after one wear, I was inspired to create a 501c3 nonprofit organization called The Cinderella Foundation. The Cinderella Foundation accepts donated gowns at GAL, and where underserved girls can visit and enjoy the same styling experience as other customers at no cost. This is a cause close to my heart, since I felt insecure and out of place in high school.
The City Magazine asked a few fun questions during my interview that I feel are worth sharing:
Q: What is your favorite karaoke song? A: Hotel California by The Eagles
Q: What is your favorite TV show to binge? A: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Q: What do you love about El Paso? A: I truly feel it’s the land of opportunity! Although I will commute eventually, I will never leave the place I call home.