I’m really excited about this interview with my friend Eddy Brenes. We’ve known each other for a couple years now. We used to promote products for the same luxury Fashion house. He helped me in that endeavor immensely. Recently, he decided to strike out on his own in a related field, fashionable yet affordable baby clothing. He also started a digital marketing agency. Without further ado, here is the interview with Eddy Brenes on fashion and his Baby Clothing Empire.
Where were you born and raised, what was childhood like, and what did you want to become when you grew up?
Born in San Jose, Costa Rica. I came to Canada when I was 1 year old. My parents brought my 2 brothers and me here for a better opportunity. Growing up I was always involved and figuring out different ways to make money from selling cookies door to door to putting on shows and charging people at the door in my basement. My parents never taught me any of my entrepreneurship skills, I developed those on my own. That being said they were very supportive of everything I did and the values they taught is what brought me to understand the balance of entrepreneurship.
What did your parents do for a living, and was there any entrepreneurship in the family?
No entrepreneurship in the family. My parents came to Canada for an opportunity. They got caught up in the rat race and therefore never taught me and my brothers how to invest or run successful businesses. They were all about the 9-5 and the broken school system. I knew better than that and decided to take a different route.
What does fashion mean to you?
I believe that a good appearance will make the difference in closing a deal or losing a deal. This can also translate into real-life situations, whether your meeting someone on a date for the night or you’re out networking meeting, new friends. A good impression can make the difference between you bein approachable to someone to run away from. Fashion will always be a priority of mine and I will carry that same importance to my son.
Describe your personal style.
I am in business and sales so most of the time I will dress business or business casual. When I am lounging around or heading to an event with my spouse and son, I like to put something more street. Some Nikes, joggers/jeans, and a sweater will just do on those days I don’t plan on meeting anyone regarding business.
Who is your favorite designer? Why?
I don’t really have a favorite designer. I like all brands and designs, although recently I have been a big fan of Zara for its affordability and quality.
How did you get involved and interested in fashion?
It actually started back in elementary. I never the most well-dressed kid. My parents didn’t keep up with the new styles or brands but I went to a school where I was surrounded around wealthy families that could afford to buy there kids Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Versace and it made me feel uncomfortable. Going into high-school I made a promise to myself that I would buy my own clothes and dress to impress people. I got a job and started to learn how to put different outfits together.
How did you get involved with entrepreneurship?
If I had to measure it back to my first entrepreneur moment, that would be when I convinced my brother and cousin to dress up as robots, rehearse a fight scene and had my entire family who was over for the holidays to pay me $1 at the door to come and watch them put on a fight scene for 10 minutes. From then on I understood how to make money.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
The process is what excited me to continue on my journey. The result is only a bonus to me. The process of being an entrepreneur is what is exciting. It’s what keeps me involved in the game and motivates me to play bigger games in life. My least favorite thing is time, I feel as If my clock is running out and I am now playing against time. That being said, that also drives me to continue the journey till I’ve helped enough people change their lives.
Talk about your businesses. What have you done in the fashion industry? Do you have any businesses in other industries?
I did run a fashion business where we would sell high-end goods. It was profitable and a fun business to build. Nowadays I build my success in my marketing agency, work with a startup in the real estate industry and run an e-commerce store selling baby fashion.
What made you choose luxury fashion initially? Why did you switch to selling baby clothes in your own store?
I like the idea of luxury fashion because they sell quality. That being said as I have become more spending conscious, I am moving towards brands like Zara or Rw&Co because you can get very similar quality for a fraction of the price. I look at it this way, if you can save money then there is more money to put towards your business or investing portfolio. At the end of the day, you can still get very similar quality in lower-end brands.
What is your favorite book right now and why?
My favorite book would have to be “think and grow rich”. I have read the book a few times and I am reading it recently. It really breaks down what type of mindset you need to have if you want to achieve great things in life.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
I love exercising so I head to the gym every other day and try to catch up on some sports like soccer or boxing. I also like to entertain/ host so every so often I will have friends over.
What’s one thing you’re passionate about?
I would have to say my son is what I am really passionate about. He was born in September and I will never forget the day he was born. Right now he’s the reason I hustle so hard.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
- Become a stay at home Dad to teach Lyric how to grow into a strong and smart boy
- Make 1 million dollars
- Stay consistent with my health and fitness
- Meditate every day
- Buy a $30,000 ring for my spouse
- Put my son in private school
- Travel 5 times a year.
What is your favorite quote and why?
I don’t have a favorite quote but I am a fan of affirmations. Here is one I say every morning, “I can tap into a wellspring of inner happiness anytime I wish”.
Here are Eddy’s businesses. First is his baby clothing store. called Gouchicoo (www.gouchicoo.com). Eddy was kind enough to offer my readers a 10% discount. Use discount code 10OFF when checking out.
Second, Eddy also runs a digital advertising agency called The Ads Men (www.theadsmen.com.) He can help you develop a total marketing strategy and manage social media for your company. If you’re in need of these services, I’d recommend checking out his website.
The post Eddy Brenes on Fashion and his Baby Clothing Empire appeared first on The Fashionable Entrepreneur.
