We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mirj Gschwind a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mirj, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a child, I was extremely shy and quiet. School was especially difficult for me, and I struggled academically without understanding why. Later in life, I realized that I have dyslexia, which explains why learning often felt so overwhelming. At the time, no one recognized it, and as a result, I withdrew even more and became increasingly silent.
Around the age of sixteen, things began to change. I discovered dance, music, and creative expression. Creativity became my language. In 1999, my journey took me to Los Angeles, the first place where I truly felt accepted and where I could be myself without judgment. Being surrounded by creative, open-minded people allowed me to open up and step into who I am. This environment helped me build confidence and self-esteem naturally. I learned to trust myself, use my voice, and embrace my individuality.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I was born and raised in Lucerne, Switzerland. I attended business school, and in 1997 I enrolled in a makeup school in Germany, becoming a professional makeup artist in 1998. In 1999, I traveled to Los Angeles with the intention of staying for just four weeks to take an additional beauty makeup course. Little did I know that those four weeks would turn into a life-changing experience that continues to this day. Los Angeles became my home.
In 2005, my business partner, ex-husband, and best friend, David Sofro, and I founded DM13, specializing in apparel screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products. The “D” stands for David, the “M” represents Mirj, and the number 13 symbolizes our favorite and lucky number.
We cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses to large corporations. Whether you need custom t-shirts for a corporate event, embroidered uniforms for your staff, or promotional products to enhance your marketing efforts, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.
At DM13, we prioritize building strong and lasting relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand their goals and objectives and work closely with them throughout the entire process, offering guidance, expertise, and customized solutions. We take great pride in our customer service.
Our motto: We bring your vision to life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, the three most important skills are staying strong, staying focused, and staying positive. Having a clear goal or vision helps you move forward, no matter what others say or what doubts arise along the way. Life brings many challenges and obstacles, but strength allows you to endure them, focus keeps you on your path, and a positive mindset helps you grow through them. Fear can be the biggest barrier to progress, so believing in yourself, trusting the process, and maintaining a positive outlook are essential. Even when results take time, staying strong, focused, and positive allows you to move forward with confidence and trust that things will work out. Don’t give up – keep going…
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has played a significant role in my personal development is Thoughts Are Things by Prentice Mulford, written in 1889. Prentice Mulford was an American literary humorist, philosopher, and an early figure in the development of the New Thought movement. This book has had a lasting impact on my life. Whenever life becomes difficult and I lose focus, strength, or positivity, I return to this book as a reminder of what truly matters. It helps ground me and brings me back to a place of strength, clarity, and optimism, especially during challenging times.
Some quotes from the book include:
“Power comes of looking forward with hope—of expecting and demanding the better things to come.”
“Look forward. Every regret, every mournful thought, takes so much out of your life.”
“Faith is power to believe and power to see.”
There are many more passages that continue to inspire me. This book still guides me today, reminding me that our thoughts shape our reality and that belief, trust, and a positive mindset are essential for growth and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dm13.net
Image Credits
Picture 1. Mirj Gschwind
Picture 2. David Sofro
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
