We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gio & Estefi Hidalgo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gio & Estefi below.
Gio & Estefi, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
My sister and I always dreamed of combining our skills and passion to open an online store. Like many others, we often experience self-doubt, and I’ve learned that imposter syndrome tends to resurface from time to time, regardless of how far along you are in your journey.
When we first started our business, we frequently felt that fear. There were moments when we questioned our abilities and wondered whether people would like or accept our designs. I realized that while imposter syndrome may always exist in some form, it doesn’t define us or our capabilities.
We began celebrating small victories, always keeping in mind the direction we want to take in our journey. With every positive piece of feedback, our confidence grew, and we embraced new challenges—even when we felt scared. I won’t say this is something you can overcome quickly; it’s definitely a journey where mindset plays a crucial role.
Focus on your mission, continue your journey, connect with other entrepreneurs, and keep learning!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Estefi and I (Gio) are originally from Venezuela and moved to the USA a few years ago, bringing our dreams and passions with us. We discovered our love for creativity at a young age—mine began with handmade jewelry when I was just 7. I remember asking my parents to take me to the mall for supplies and eventually selling my pieces at school. Estefi, the younger sister, found her passion for art at the age of 2 when our mom gifted her a set of colored pencils. Since then, she hasn’t stopped painting.
When Estefi moved to the USA, we knew we wanted to create something special together— That’s how Pinkalula was born. This handmade store allows us to combine our passions and inspires us to create gifts that bring joy to others. We focus on crafting special and personalized items designed to make people happy.
Estefi is the creative force behind our brand. Her charming illustrations and stickers give our products a unique touch, reflecting her artistic vision. I oversee the handmade jewelry segment, leading the design process and crafting pieces that blend precision and artistry, all made with love.
During spring and summer, we actively participated in local markets and events to deepen our connection with the community. Now, we’re shifting our focus to enhancing our online presence, and we’re excited to announce the launch of our website, www.pinkalula.com. This platform allows us to reach a broader audience and share our creations more widely.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled about new products and events on the horizon. Our goal is to continue creating meaningful items that resonate with our customers and celebrate the joy of giving.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on our journey, I believe three qualities have been most impactful: courage, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. The first step is often the hardest, so my advice is to start now—don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Even if you only have an idea, begin to materialize it by creating a list of goals you want to achieve and taking small steps toward them.
Adaptability is also crucial. The ability to pivot and adjust your plans based on feedback and changing circumstances will serve you well. While it’s good to listen to different perspectives, not all opinions will align with your vision. Trust your instincts and remain flexible as you navigate your journey.
Finally, embrace every opportunity for growth. Engaging with your audience, whether through markets or events, provides invaluable insights into what people prefer and like. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from direct exposure to your community.
For those just starting out, I encourage you to embrace these qualities. Take action, remain open to feedback, and never stop learning. There’s a market for everyone.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing our parents did for us was to always believe in our potential. They raised us without the stigmas often associated with being women, instilling in us the understanding that skills and abilities are not determined by gender. This empowering mindset created an environment where we didn’t have to worry about limitations; instead, we learned to trust ourselves and our capabilities without any societal constraints.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinkalula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkalula/
- Facebook: pinkalula
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