We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Chayra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The saying goes high risk high reward. Starting a business is one of the biggest risks that a person can take in their life. It’s like jumping out of a plane with no parachute and hoping you land safely.

When I was graduating from the University of San Francisco, I thought to myself what is the next step of my life. I ran through all the options and thought it was time to take my company full-time and see what happens. It has been the riskiest decision I have made in my life. The thought of putting every dollar I’ve ever earned into an idea that came one night after a college party to see if it would work is crazy. It has been the best choice I have made. I have put everything I have into The World Is Small to make it work; my time, my money, my energy. It has allowed me to bring my vision to reality and has allowed me to meet and impact so many different people. Even if it were to end tomorrow, I know that I gave it my all and that it was all worth it.

Taking this risk was crazy but crazy people change the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The World Is Small focuses on creating community through fashion. All our products are exclusively made in Los Angeles, utilizing local vendors to bolster the vital garment district. Supporting the people who call this place home has always been a core priority for TWIS.

We also collaborate with emerging talent in Los Angeles, from models and photographers to videographers and graphic designers. This not only provides them with valuable experience but also infuses fresh creativity into our brand. This community-centric approach is what truly sets TWIS apart, as we enable local creatives to express themselves within our brand. For instance, this season, we collaborated with Lucky Rabbit Pictures, a film company, to produce a short film about our brand, and worked with Attiken Vega, an LA-based photographer known for his cityscape photography.

Additionally, each season we donate a portion of our profits to various nonprofits in Los Angeles, supporting their missions.

We are most excited about announcing our event series to further support local artists and performers. Our inaugural event will take place from July 12-14, 2024, at Film Scouts in East LA, showcasing work from our Spring-Summer Season.

Getting where we are today has been no easy challenge. Every day is a struggle to wake up and continue living the dream. For every one win, there are a thousand losses. We are constantly thinking of ways to find solutions to problems to problems. It is a solution-based job and one that you need to be quick and resourceful.

An important lesson I have learned along the way is to have everything in writing. It is so important that we document everything, from our meeting recaps to our contracts. It not only protects us but everyone involved.

Being at the forefront of this brand has the greatest risk in my life but also the greatest reward. Every day I wake up and make my dreams come true. I can bring something from an idea to real life. Every day is a blessing that I am grateful for and continue to live with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For the best street tacos, I would say go to Tacos A Carbon in East LA on the corner of Atlantic and Verona Street. If you’re looking to go out in LA for some good nightlife, go to Bar Flores, Little Joy, and Short Stop all in Echo Park all on the same street.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As cliche as this might be it is my family. They have been a pillar in the creation of the brand. They come to every popup day or night. They help me set up, they help me clean up, they help me package items, with photoshoots, and if it needs to get done my family is there helping me. The brand, the vision, and the mission would not be possible without them and I do it for them.

In addition, I want to shout out my friends who have been there since the beginning. They have seen me take this from an idea to real life. Every season they are always ready for whatever Tiktok or photoshoot I have them in. They have never once doubted the vision or our friendship.

I do it for my family and friends who support me unconditionally and who have been rocking with me since the beginning.

Website: www.twis.clothing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twis.clothing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twisclothing

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