Meet JoseMaria Marquez | Owner, Entrepreneur

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

Hi JoseMaria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When I think about risk, I see it as the foundation of everything I’ve built so far. Two years ago, I decided I wanted to be my own boss, and on July 5, 2023, I launched my very first business with pins for hats. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to create something that people could relate to and that also represented me. My first designs were a Richie Rich pin and, later, a 1911 pin, both of which I dropped while still in high school during my junior year. Sales were okay, but deep down, I knew I could do more.

That’s when I took another risk—I switched to clothing. My first shirt had “Casa Belicon” on the front and my catchphrase, Puro Pinche Desmadre, on the back, inspired by the party lifestyle I was living at the time. From there, I tried out a crewneck and later hoodies, and they started selling out to not just family and friends but even people I didn’t know. That gave me the confidence to keep going.

A year later, I took things to the next level by moving away from DTF and into screen printing. It felt like a big step because it was more costly and more complicated, but the quality was worth it. I spent 5 ½ months designing a hoodie completely from scratch, incorporating screen printing and rhinestones, and when I finally released it, it went crazy. It sold out, I had to restock multiple times, and that design even expanded into T-shirts and hats. That risk completely changed my world and showed me what was possible when I invested more into my business.

But risk didn’t stop there. I knew I wanted to push further, so I took a leap and bought an industrial embroidery machine—an investment of around $15,000. It was way out of my comfort zone financially, but I saw it as the start of my second business, Belico Blanks. I began selling wholesale blanks and offering embroidery services on everything from hats and hoodies to puffers and T-shirts. That decision opened up a whole new side of my career and gave me the freedom to quit my retail job after three years so I could dedicate myself fully to what I love.

At the same time, another passion of mine—cameras—turned into my third business, Belico Productions. Photography and videography have been something I loved since I was a kid, and I invested in myself by moving from a Canon RP to a Sony A7 IV. That risk paid off too, because it led me to work with big names and industries like DEL Records and multiple artists in the music world.

Of course, none of this was easy. I struggled a lot in the beginning—sometimes failing, sometimes feeling lost—but I’m grateful for those struggles because they forced me to learn, improve, and come back stronger each time. Every risk I’ve taken has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve grown not just as an entrepreneur but as a person, and I’ve built businesses that reflect who I am.

Now, I’m proud to say I have three businesses—Casa Belicon (clothing), Belico Blanks (embroidery/wholesale), and Belico Productions (photo & video)—and I’m surrounded by family and my girlfriend who support me 1000%. I know my story has just begun, but I’m thankful that I believed in myself enough to take those risks. They’ve brought me closer to my true passion, I’ve made so many connections within the music industry, etc., and I can’t wait to see how far this journey takes me.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve worked in retail for almost three years, and I knew I could do something better and truly do something I really enjoy full-time. I sent the message early in the morning telling my managers I quit, then dedicated myself to my Clothing brand/embroidery/photography, and videography. It was one of the biggest decisions I have ever made, but glad I did because it led me to make even more connections, spend more time doing what I love, and just be free.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, most of my time is either spent working on my businesses or celebrating life with my friends and family, so my idea of the ‘best time ever’ isn’t about tourist spots — it’s about the vibe. If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d show them my world.

We’d probably kick it off with a night out — I love being around music, good energy, and people who know how to have fun, so parties are definitely part of it. During the day, I’d take them behind the scenes of what I do, showing them how I design and produce clothing for Casa Belicon or run embroidery jobs for Belico Blanks. It’s a big part of who I am, and I’d want them to experience the hustle that drives me.

We’d also hang out at some local spots to eat — Mexican food is always a must — and spend time with my girlfriend, family, and friends, who are a huge part of my life. For me, the best time isn’t about sightseeing, it’s about making connections, live music, good food, and surrounding yourself with people who bring the best energy. That’s the experience I’d want my best friend to leave with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out my friends and family, and most importantly, my girlfriend (Janelle Garcia), who has given me her full support since the beginning. She has helped me be the person I am today. And huge shout-out to my friends Saul and Ramiro, who have helped me make more connections and give me tips about business. With my family, they help me make final decisions for my clothing brand, such as providing feedback on whether I’m missing any features or suggesting new ideas. They help me bring everything together. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Website: https://casabelicon.store

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casabelicon/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/belicoblanks/
https://www.instagram.com/belicoproductions/

Image Credits
JoseMaria Marquez