When it came to success in fashion, Guillermo Irias had nothing going for him. Raised in the Honduras by a single mom who didn’t think a fashion career was a good idea, he didn’t have the financial or emotional support he needed.

But he is hardworking, driven, and passionate. And he wasn’t willing to let anything come between him and his dream to design.

Now, at the young age of 30, he lives in NYC and runs his brand, Gia New York, full-time.

• Learning to believe in your dream when no one else will
• Working your way through college after leaving home
• Funding your dream with side jobs
• Showcasing at New York fashion week
• Entering contests that can change your career
• Moving to New York and attending F.I.T
• Internships that lead to working with high profile clients
• Trying to find the right job after college

From making garments for friends to styling for NY residents, and entering contests to doing free internships at any brand that would take him, he saw every experience as an opportunity to learn something. He even had the opportunity to design for Madonna's Rebel heart tour in 2015.

GIA New York is a successful NY brand that has grabbed people's attention all across the U.S. With huge following on social media and a love for his unique take on fashion, he is taking the industry by storm.

To hear part 1, view photos + the video version of this episode, visit http://sfdnetwork.com/71

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