Posted Under: Entrepreneurship, Our Heroes

So, after interviewing our previous guest Chris Luhur at Scarpasa Shoes, I felt something was missing. Then I realized, “well, what good are shoes if the ladies don’t have a pretty dress to go with them!” (insert a cheesy smile).

So, to make it up for that missing element, I went to Geebin Flores, our guest today under the “Our Heroes” series… This girl next door started as a data entry clerk at an age of 18 and quickly climbed the corporate ladder to become the VP of Sales Administration. But only then did she realize that there was so much more she wanted to do but only so little any job could offer. Followed by that realization, she quickly spotted her passion and built a business around just that. Let’s talk to her…

DD: Who are you and what kind of corporate job were you at?

GF: My name is Geebin Flores. I am a budding fashion designer about to open my own boutique in Miami. I started working at PostcardMania when I was 18. I started out doing data entry and helping with paperwork for new orders. From there I was promoted to Vice President of Sales Administration where I ran my own division that handled all data entry, new orders, re-orders, sending out sample packs, etc.

DD: What made you leave the job? When did you realize that you wanted to be an entrepreneur & why?

GF: Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a fashion designer. I decided about a year ago that I really wanted to design full time. It was a tough decision because I had been working at PostcardMania for almost 10 years, was making pretty good money as an executive and was very happy working there. Everyone at PostcardMania is like family to me and I have always looked up to Joy (CEO and founder of PostcardMania). But working in the fashion industry has always been my dream and I knew that ultimately this would make me happier. Seeing girls in my dresses makes me happy. I knew I would make less money for a little while and I was okay with that. It’s comforting to have a steady paycheck but there was only so much I could do at PostcardMania and in the end, designing my own label had been my goal.

DD: What did you do to break the corporate jail? How did you prepare yourself for the employee to entrepreneur transition?

GF: I didn’t go to school for fashion design, but I grew up with a very creative mother who always dressed us (my sisters and I) in the latest fashions and even designed some stuff of her own. Being exposed to a creative environment, I started designing stuff at a very young age. I started selling my clothes in January of 2009 to a fashion boutique at the Tampa International mall. I wasn’t able to put a lot of effort into it because I was still working full time at PostcardMania, however I created some basic promotion such as a website, promoted my stuff on Myspace and Facebook and held a few Florida fashion shows. Between that and wearing my own designs out and about and handing business cards to whoever asked about my dresses, I soon started selling my designs, as well as creating a few custom designs.  My plan was to leave my job once I was more established with my clothing line, but I realized that I couldn’t take it to next level unless I worked on it full time and gave it 100%. My transition was quick and kind of spontaneous….I saved some money and had over 100 dresses made. I started looking at spaces in Miami in November of 2009 and moved from Tampa to Miami at the end of January of 2010. I didn’t think it was going to take this long to get up and running. I’m still in mid preparations for getting the shop space. I thought I would be open within 3 weeks of my move, but finding the perfect location was crucial and quite a challenge. I could have stayed at PostcardMania for a while longer, but I’m glad I now have the time to devote to jumpstarting my line.

DD: What are your Top 5 tips for employees who want to be entrepreneurs but are hung up on something?

GF: 1) Save up as much money as you can because opening a business is not cheap. It may take 6 months before you start seeing a profit. 2) If you feel passionate about something…go for it! You have to take a risk. It may work, or it may not work but if you don’t go for it you’ll never know. You’ll be successful at something if you truly love it and are willing to work your butt off to make it work. 3) Start creating on the side so you can get a feel for how much work and effort it’s going to take and how much you change your mind on things. I’ve made a lot of changes since I first started my line. 4) Research! Take a look at what’s out there and how you can be different and stand out from the rest. Most successful entrepreneurs don’t follow suit. 5) Take everything one step at a time. Starting your own business can be a bit overwhelming, so don’t let yourself get caught up in the whirlwind. Keep at it!

DD: How are you now? Are you still in same business, and how do you feel?

GF: Well, I haven’t opened my store yet. The process is taking longer than I had anticipated but I’m as happy as can be because I’m doing what I love! I’ve been able to continue selling dresses even though I haven’t opened the store yet. I feel very confident that I made the right decision and I’m excited to take my fashion line to the next level!

DD: Thank you so much, Geebin, for sharing your experience with me! It is so inspiring to hear about others who decided to leave the corporate jail and pursue their dreams. I wish you the best of luck in the future and I’m anxious to see and hear about your new store! Keep us posted!

GF: Devesh, thank you for listening and for having faith in entrepreneurs like myself who just want to follow their passion and make other people happy while doing so. In my case, I am making myself and others happy by designing these dresses that make the women who wear them feel special and one of a kind. What more could I ask for?

DD: There you have it folks, Geebin Flores, executive turned fashion designer. It is such a great feeling to hear about another successful entrepreneur whose dreams have finally come true. A very important lesson to learn here: “My plan was to leave my job once I was more established with my clothing line, but I realized that I couldn’t take it to next level unless I worked on it full time and gave it 100%.” We all want the comfort of the month end paycheck until there’s another one coming from our business however, we forget that its just not practical. Returns are directly proportional to efforts put in; if you treat your business like a side gig, it will give you the income of a side gig.  So, for those who have started their business and are struggling to manage both a full-time job & a side business, stop procrastinating and start planning your exit.

And don’t forget to check out: http://www.geebinflores.com

Success to all!!