Meet Gianna Iovino | Entrepreneur & Clothing Designer

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

Hi Gianna, how does your business help the community?
Made by Gianna, my up-cycling clothing business, contributes to the community and the world by cutting down on waste, encouraging sustainable fashion, and boosting local economies. By repurposing old clothing, I’m helping minimize textile pollution, save resources, and raise awareness about the environmental toll of fast fashion. Made by Gianna aims to inspire creativity and motivate others to embrace more eco-friendly lifestyles!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Made by Gianna, founded in Sherman Oaks, CA, is the culmination of my lifelong passion for creativity and sustainability. My journey began in childhood with sewing and art classes, and by 17, I took my first entrepreneurial step by selling handmade jewelry at a local coffee shop. This reignited my artistic spirit and eventually led me to focus on upcycled clothing. Today, I transform secondhand clothes and jewelry into unique, eco-friendly pieces that reflect my sustainability and individuality.

What sets me apart is my up-cycling, turning forgotten items into new treasures, and my goal to inspire others to embrace eco-conscious living. The path hasn’t been easy—there have been challenges with balancing my business, school and work, but persistence and the support of my community have kept me going. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, patience, and staying true to my artistic vision. Ultimately, I want the world to know that Made by Gianna is more than just a brand—it’s about fostering creativity, sustainability, and individuality, one handmade piece at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Sherman Oaks for the week, I’d plan the perfect mix of food, shopping, and local hangouts to give them the ultimate experience of the area. Here’s an itinerary I’d suggest:

Day 1: Eat, Drink, and Relax
– Breakfast at Marmalade Café: We’d start the day at this cozy spot with freshly made omelets, pastries, and locally-sourced ingredients—perfect for a relaxed morning.
– Morning Thrift Shop Tour: Time for some thrifting! We’d hit up my favorite stores, like Buffalo Exchange, The Antique Mall, and Goodwill, where we’d find vintage treasures, unique clothing, and quirky accessories. It’s always a fun hunt!
– Afternoon Treat at Creme Caramel LA: For dessert, we’d stop by Creme Caramel LA to indulge in their Filipino-inspired desserts. The ube upside-down pie is a must-try!

Day 2: Explore and Discover Local Gems
– Breakfast at Alfred Coffee: A trendy spot for a great coffee and a light breakfast to fuel our day of exploration.
– Thrift Shopping at Crossroads and Wasteland: We’d head east to Studio City for another round of thrifting at these two gems—known for their curated collection of retro clothing and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s a perfect mix of vintage style and trendy pieces.
– Lunch at Shanghai Rose: After a successful shopping spree, we’d enjoy dim sum and classic Chinese dishes at Shanghai Rose, one of the area’s best spots for flavorful meals.

Day 3: Culture, Shopping, and Local Finds
– Breakfast at Joe’s Pizza: Yes, pizza for breakfast! Joe’s serves up amazing New York-style slices that make for the perfect morning indulgence.
– Sherman Oaks Farmers Market: We’d head to the Farmers Market at Westfield Fashion Square for fresh produce, local art, and handmade goods. It’s a great spot to discover local talent and support small businesses.
– Lunch at the Westfield Fashion Square: After shopping and exploring, we’d grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in the mall, perfect for refueling before our next adventure.

Day 4: Relax and Unwind
– Explore Local Art Galleries: We’d take in some culture by visiting local galleries like The Art Gallery of Sherman Oaks, where we could admire contemporary pieces and chat with artists.
– Lunch at Casa Vega: A classic spot in Sherman Oaks, Casa Vega is known for its delicious Mexican fare—perfect for a casual, flavorful lunch.
– Browse Ventura Boulevard: We’d walk along Ventura Boulevard, popping into all the small stores and boutiques, from quirky shops to hidden gems.
– Dinner at Midci: To end the day, we’d enjoy a cozy dinner at Midci, where they serve up rustic Italian dishes and amazing pizza.

Day 5: Get Active and Stay Cool
– Morning Hike at Runyon Canyon: For some fresh air and stunning views of the city, we’d start the day with a hike at Runyon Canyon.
– Picnic at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park: After the hike, we’d stop by Trader Joe’s to pick up everything we need for the perfect picnic at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park. With a gazebo, picnic benches, and plenty of grassy space, it’s a peaceful spot to relax.

Day 6: The Best of Sherman Oaks
– Breakfast at Nat’s Early Bite: A great local spot for a hearty breakfast to kick off our final day in Sherman Oaks.
– Visit the Sherman Oaks Antique Mall: For vintage lovers, this place is a must. It’s packed with mid-century furniture, antiques, and knick-knacks that capture the nostalgic charm of the area.
– Lunch at Harvest Moon: A relaxing spot for a delicious, comforting lunch with fresh ingredients.
– Thrift Shopping at The Village at Sherman Oaks: To wrap up the trip, we’d visit The Village for a mix of mainstream and eco-friendly boutiques, offering everything from stylish vintage finds to locally made, sustainable products.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Ms. Shannon’s Sewing, in Valley Village, where I first learned how to sew as a child. Her support and encouragement played a key role in igniting my passion for sewing. Through her mentorship, I not only learned the technical skills but also developed a deep love for sewing and creativity, which have become the foundation of my business today.

Website: https://madebygianna.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made.by.gianna/

Image Credits
Gianna Iovino, 2024