Meet Glenn Axel Ordonez

We were lucky to catch up with Glenn Axel Ordonez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Glenn Axel, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

When I first started Forgotten Happiness, I constantly compared myself to those around me. I often felt like I didn’t fit the mold.

As I grew, both as a person and as a business, I came to realize that comparing myself to others and their ideas was counterproductive and negatively impacted me. Instead, I decided to focus on my own path and determine how I could distinguish myself from other businesses. Within the clothing industry, I constantly observed the artwork of other brands while seeking a niche for my own. Once I determined my art style, other aspects of the company began forming to reflect my values. For instance, Forgotten Happiness is in the process of transitioning from plastic hang tags to recycled paper tags to enhance environmental friendliness, complementing our existing use of compostable shipping bags. It is crucial to search for unique ideas that align with your brand, while also making it truly your own. Throughout this process, I learned to overcome my fears that my ideas wouldn’t be good enough. I pushed myself to do markets and conventions to get live reactions of my work. This allowed me to understand what people’s preferences were and to make my clothing more appealing to my customers.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

In March 2021, I began my career as a CAD design engineer, specializing in designing and creating cutting tools. Although I enjoyed my work, I sought an avenue where I could express my creativity more fully. This led to the official launch of Forgotten Happiness Clothing in June of the same year. I taught myself embroidery from home, starting with a single embroidery machine. As the brand quickly grew, I invested in additional machines and materials to enhance production efficiency.
Since the beginning of Forgotten Happiness Clothing, I have managed all aspects of design production in-house, without outsourcing from a third party. I firmly believe that hands-on involvement adds a personal touch to the brand, instilling a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work produced.
Over the first two years of running the business, I learned that success doesn’t come overnight. It requires understanding customer preferences and maintaining a consistent theme and aesthetic. 
Despite our growth, we faced a sales challenge, the brand would make online sales all over the US, but we would rarely get sales from Ohio where the company is based from. In order to increase sales I explored new strategies, including participating in pop-up events at conventions and local markets. This approach helped us reach a broader audience, and continue our mission of creating meaningful and expressive clothing.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One of the most crucial skills in any small business is effective communication, particularly in customer service. I have always been learned to go above and beyond in treating others with respect, regardless of how they treat you. It is essential not to let anyone undermine your personality or take negative interactions to heart.
In managing a small business, it’s vital to know how to respond to both positive and negative feedback, especially constructive criticism. Understanding what can be improved based on customer or loved one’s advice is critical. By being adaptable at handling feedback, you’re able to strengthen connections with customers, business partners, and even loyal friends.
Someone I often turn to for constructive criticism is my close friend Maddy, who’s also a small business owner. Maddy’s transparency is invaluable, she is someone that can tell me what would need improvement and why these changes can positively impact my business. I am grateful for her honesty, as these insights come from a place of genuine concern for my success. It is my responsibility to take their thoughts into consideration and use them to better my business.

Quality control and maintenance are crucial skills, particularly when you are responsible for producing the clothing yourself. During my research process for the company Forgotten Happiness, I explored options such as drop shipping and outsourcing embroidery design to factories. However, I decided against these methods due to the high bulk costs, as I was just starting out. This decision led me to learn how to embroider at home and manage all aspects of production in-house.
While my initial attempts were challenging, each mistake provided valuable lessons. Over time, I learned how to produce high-quality products and identify the best materials for my small business. Mastering the maintenance of my embroidery machines has been essential to ensure a smooth and issue-free stitching process.
Another reason I chose to self-teach was due to concerns about some factories not meeting the standards of other clothing brands. For instance, my friend Alex, a manager at a clothing store, shared an experience where they received a shipment of shirts from a manufacturer that were missing the intended design. This incident highlighted the potential pitfalls of relying on third-party companies.
Choosing to handle the manual work myself has been a decision I do not regret. It adds a personal touch and deeper meaning to the clothing I sell. When I see someone wearing my creations, I see someone who appreciates and values the hard work and artistry I have invested in the brand.

Time management is, in my opinion, one of the most essential skills an individual can possess. Effectively managing your time allows you to focus on your small business, make time for loved ones, juggle a second job, and take care of both your physical and mental health. Understanding how you spend your time enables you to gain control and prioritize what’s important. Establishing a routine can make life easier and significantly reduce stress.
Initially, I struggled with time management, but I continue to learn and improve every day, working more efficiently and in a more organized manner. Over time, I have discovered several strategies that have greatly enhanced my productivity and well-being.
A critical aspect of time management is prioritization. By identifying the most important tasks and addressing them first, you can ensure your efforts are aligned with your business goals. Creating a daily or weekly plan helps in setting clear objectives and staying on track. Tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and project management software can be invaluable in this process. In conclusion, mastering time management is not just about squeezing more tasks into your day; it’s about making deliberate choices on how you spend your time to achieve a balanced and productive life. By prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, eliminating distractions, maintaining work-life balance, continuously improving your strategies, and leveraging technology, you can significantly enhance your efficiency and well-being.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe that doing a little bit of both—leveraging existing skills and embracing new experiences—can go a long way in business success. While it is important to utilize skills we are already proficient in, it is equally crucial to venture into new areas that can enhance and grow our business.

For instance, I am self-taught when it comes to running embroidery machines, a skill I was initially very hesitant to pursue. During my first year, I encountered numerous mistakes and frequently doubted my ability to achieve my dream of running a small business. However, the more I pushed myself to persevere, the more I overcame these challenges. Each mistake became a valuable learning experience, helping me improve and refine my skills for the future.

This journey taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences, even when faced with setbacks, is essential for personal and professional growth. It is through these experiences that we learn, adapt, and ultimately succeed in our endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forgotten-happiness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgottenhappinessclothing

Image Credits

Noah Nell
Goodlife Studios