We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Gainsley Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was a clothing designer for many years so it felt like the natural next step to start dressing people. I wanted to do it because I love engaging with different types of people and love helping woman + men find confidence through their clothes. Getting dressed is not easy for everyone and it can have a negative effect on how your day feels and it does not have to be like that. I am here to help bring confidence and comfort into peoples lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am lucky in that I always knew what I wanted to do professionally in my life. From a young age I always wanted to be a clothing designer. I went to school to study that and ended up in that part of the fashion industry for many years. It wasn’t until I had a child and really reevaluated my life that I decided to make a shift into personal shopping/wardrobe consulting/styling etc. Instead of being behind the scenes I felt compelled to be with clients to help them find the best version of themselves. Since I understood fit and construction and love connecting with others, it felt like the obvious next step. Now I am marrying my love for style and clothing with launching a vintage straight to consumer business which marries my love for design + style + helping people feel their best. Nothing in this industry has ever been easy, but I am so passionate about what I do that moving forward and overcoming the bumps along the way is just part of it all. It also helps to weed out the negative energy and just keep positive forces and people that inspire you close by.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In all honesty, I am a complete homebody. So I enjoy being at home and cooking and chilling. I love the beautiful hikes that Los Angeles has to offer and the beaches as well. SO that would be my focus with a visit from my bestie. Eating delicious food at home, hiking (even if the air quality is questionable) and sitting on the beach and taking it all in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents definitely deserve recognition as they always supported my dreams as a clothing designer. Along the way there have also been many supportive characters and characters who were not supportive, who in the end made me work even harder to achieve my goals!

Instagram: @jessieriverastyle @iwannathriftwithyou

Image Credits
Closet Photo: @public311design

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.