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

Hi Cindy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think risk is absolutely necessary in order to have a career or the life that you want. I don’t mean risking your life or jumping out of a plane. For example starting a company was a risk for me. You don’t know if your idea is going to work, if people are going to come work with you, or if anyone will hire you to do the job that you are offering. I like to make a pro and cons list to see what my odds are but at the end of the day without actually taking action, you will never know. And that’s a risk worth taking.

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?
I started Brema Bella Inc five years ago after working in the Apparel business for 20+ years. I had an idea that I could start an Apparel company that would oversee manufacturing in Los Angeles and China. And it turns out there was a market for it. We provide developing, sourcing, and production to smaller companies that do not have a production team in house and need someone to manage there production for them. I think what sets me apart is my experience and my ability to create relationships with me clients, suppliers, vendors, and factories. They know I am a person of my word and I am reliable.

It wasn’t easy to get started. Not alot of companies want to give the new person in business a chance. There is a lot of proving yourself and networking involved at the beginning. I have gotten all of my clients based on referrals and I am really proud of that. Last year I was able to branch out and start Lanni Ella an online woman boutique. I now get to experience the retail and design aspect of the industry and it has been amazing. I think I got to where I am today business-wise by asking questions, taking advise, and being able to identify constructive criticism vs negativity. I’ve learned many lessons these past few years, some more expensive than others. But I always viewed my challenges and set backs as learning lessons. Always have a plan B and C in your back pocket. I am the most proud that I am able to leave a Legacy to my daughter’s and they will one day take over the company. We recently acquired a retail space and my oldest daugher will now oversee and manage that store. While my youngest daughter interns during her High School years and learns the business.

What I would like people to know about me is that if I could start a business, anyone can. I was raised by a single mother that immigrated to the US from Mexico that worked 7 days a week, countless hours a day. She taught me to have a strong work ethic and to stand up for myself. I want to pass that work ethic to my daughters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite place to eat in Los Angeles are these resturants. The first is Mole de los Reyes in Bell. I take all my friends and family there when I can. Not only is the food great but you feel like you are eating at your house. My favorite dish from there are the Huevos Rancheros with hand made tortillas for breakfast. The Reina Azteca soup or Rey De La Huerta plate for lunch with a side of mole, and for appetizers the Tres Coronas Empandas. You can’t go wrong with any dish.

The 2nd one I like to go to and even have done catering with them is The Porter Junction in Los Angeles. Right off the 10 Freeway. They have great sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They also have the best Potato Salad ever. If I want something quick, I usually go there for lunch. The family that works at that establishment are the nicest people I have ever meet. They make everyone that goes there feel like a family member or friend.

And last our Neighbors The Blvd Market in Montebello. You can go there to eat tacos, Pupusas, NOLA food, and they also have a bar and coffee shop. On Satrdays they even have music. Once you are done eating you can visit the local shops on that street, including our new store front Lanni Ella Boutique.

Outside of eating and shopping unfortuntely I don’t get out much these days. I suggest looking for the local Farmer’s Markets in the area that you are staying in or pop up events to support small businesses. You can also see if they are any expos or sports events on the days that you are visiting. I recommend to visit the Stella Rosa winery and Resturant in Los Angeles. You can get something to eat and then go wine tasting. There is a lot to do while visiting Los Angeles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my husband Javier and our three daughters Breanne, Mariah, and Milanni for always believing in me even when I didn’t. Javier you have always had my back and you are my day one and my everyday. What was, still is. Breanne, Mariah, and Milanni everything I have done has been for you and I hope I’ve made you proud.

To anyone that was told it couldn’t be done, do it anyways! Prove that it can be done. And for those of you who feel invisible and not seen in this world, everyone has someone even if it’s just that one person. Find them and don’t give up on yourself. I believe anything is possible. If you have an idea, vision, want to start a business, or you already did but the challenges are getting to you. It is better to have done it and failed than to never have tried at all.

Website: www.lanniella.com

Instagram: lanni_ella

Facebook: lanni_ella

Image Credits
Lanni Ella Wild About Mary Blair

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