Meet Gia Mezz, the 28-Year-Old Behind LEAU
Gia Mezz, based in Los Angeles, started her fashion brand LEAU as a side hustle to address the issue of industry waste. Her journey from a fast fashion employee to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring.
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
The Spark of Inspiration
Gia launched her brand in June 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, due to her frustration with the fast fashion industry's impact exacerbated by social media. She began with limited batches of thoughtfully designed pieces.
From Idea to Reality
To kickstart her side hustle, Gia taught herself graphic design during her free time. With a limited budget, she freelanced for other companies, using her earnings to fund her business's initial costs, including sampling, bulk production, and marketing.
Overcoming Challenges
Launching during a pandemic posed significant challenges. Factories were closing, and supply chains were disrupted, pushing Gia to continuously adapt her strategies. She tested various designs and marketing approaches, focusing on what worked and building from there.
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
Rapid Growth
After launching, LEAU generated $10,000 in its first month, which Gia reinvested into the brand. This led to a 50% growth in subsequent months, allowing her to leave her full-time job within six months. Within a year and a half, LEAU reached $2 million in revenue.
Current Status and Future Goals
Now a full-time commitment, Gia is on track to achieve $10 million in lifetime sales by the end of 2025. She proudly owns 100% of her business, which has been self-funded without any debts or investors.
Passion for Change
Gia's mission is to promote thoughtful consumption in fashion, encouraging customers to invest in well-made, timeless pieces rather than succumbing to fast fashion's wastefulness.
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Gia's key advice is to take inspired action. Dreams become reality through effort. "Done is better than perfect" — launch with what you have and adapt as necessary. With determination, anyone can change their life in under a year.
This article is part of our ongoing Young Entrepreneur® series highlighting the stories, challenges, and triumphs of young business owners.
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