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

Hi Yesica, how do you think about risk?
Life is all about taking risk and you will either fail or succeed, but what you learn through the experience no one can take that away from you. You can either take a leap of faith and go for it or stay in your comfort zone and wonder what if? As a business owner and just as myself, I believe in taking risk and just going for it. For years I lived in fear — fear of failing, fear of what others would say, fear of disappointment until one day enough was enough. I’ve taken various risks in life, but the latest and biggest one I’ve taken was going for it and starting my own small business, IXTA Apparel. Owning my own business had been a dream of mine for years and for one reason or another it never happened. In 2020 during the pandemic I was caught in a dilemma of investing in my dream or playing it safe and keep those savings. I didn’t give it much thought and just went for it and started my own business! The more you overthink the more you discourage yourself and that’s why sometimes it’s just better to not give it so much thought and just take the risk.

What should our readers know about your business?
IXTA Apparel became a reality towards the end of 2020 and we’re still going strong. Although, we’re a new small business we are proud of launching our brand and following our dream. Everyday we are striving to better our brand, evolve and bring some light to our community. IXTA Apparel is a brand made with so much love and our goal is to embrace the Latinx culture while offering products that empower and inspire others to live without fear, follow their dreams and do what makes them happy. As a small business it’s been challenging getting noticed and being overshadowed by bigger brands, however we are focusing on our brand, strategy, and staying true. We’re a small business which means we see every customer, order, comment, like and every single one of those things makes us do a little happy dance. IXTA Apparel is just getting started, growing, evolving and we are excited for the new items coming within the next few months!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA has many amazing places to check out, but here are some of my favorite spots through out the city:

– Breakfast at EAT in North Hollywood
– Hike at Paseo Miramare Trail in Pacific Palisades
– Lunch at Crave Cafe in Sherman Oaks
– Stroll around Placita Olvera
– Sunset in Marina del Rey beach
– Dinner at Castaway in Burbank
– Drinks at Tempo Cantina
– Desert best vegan donuts Dōnatsu in Little Tokyo

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?
They say, “it takes a village” and your tribe can make you or break you. When you have an idea or in the process of starting something new you need to be surrounded by people who will support and encourage your dream/ideas. If the right people are not around you it’ll be easier to just give up. I had an idea, a dream and IXTA Apparel wouldn’t have become a reality if it weren’t for the unconditional support from my family and best friend. A lot goes on behind the scenes of running a business even if it’s just starting, and it really does take a village to get things done. I’ve been so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by an amazing and supportive team. My family and best friend have been there since day one from brain storming business name ideas, searching for products, labeling our t-shirts, hats, mugs, helping with photos, taking order to the post office, creating content and the list goes on. I couldn’t have started IXTA without their help and support and I’m forever thankful.

Website: www.ixtapparel.com

Instagram: instagram.com/ixtapparel

Facebook: facebook.com/ixtapparel

Other: TikTok @ixtapparel

Image Credits
IXTA Apparel

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