BLOWFISH MALIBU SPOTLIGHT: Gabriela TAMAYO

Get to know Blowfish Malibu’s Vice President of Customer Relations, Gabriela Tamayo.

Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.

I’m the VP of Customer Relations. My position involves ensuring our major Departments Stores as well as our Boutiques are being serviced.

When did you first become interested in Customer Service?

I actually started my career in sales. I transitioned into customer service after 5 years in sales. A previous boss recruited me into the company he was working with at the time. He felt it would be a great transition for me being I knew the sales position so well.

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?

I owned by own business consulting in the fashion industry. I helped new fashion brands establish a sales team, or restructure their current customer service team.

How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu?

A recruiter contacted me. It was the perfect time for me as I was ready to get back into a full time position.

What creative projects at the brand have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them?

I’ve helped create a more streamlined process in our ERP system, which has made the processes faster and efficient.

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?

I love expressing my style! 22 years now in the industry and the creativity in every company I’ve worked for has driven my passion to stay in it.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Seeing the changes I’ve helped implement into the company. These changes have helped our teams streamline and have made their jobs a lot easier.

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?

Well I’m born and raised in LA! So my answer might be biased! What can I say, it’s home. My favorite part is that it’s a melting pot of different cultures.

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?

My go to pair are the Play Sneaker. They’re an easy sneaker to style up or down.

What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?

Intern as soon as you can. Two things that are important; One, you will get a feel for the department and if it’s the right fit for you. Two, experience is key in customer service.

If you weren’t the VP of Customer Service, what would you be?

I would continue to pursue my passion for styling. I’ve dabbled into the field, styling celebrities and fashion brands for photo shoots. I love the thrill of putting together an outfit.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?

My new car, 1971 Ford Bronco

Where are you from and how has that shaped you?

I’m from Bell Gardens, a small city east of Los Angeles. My Bell Gardens upbringing has kept me humble.

What’s your dream travel destination?

Serengeti, Tanzania

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Coco Chanel

When do you feel best about yourself?

When I live a balanced life

What’s your personal motto?

“In Order to be irreplaceable one must always be different” –Coco Chanel. I have this tattooed, it reminds me that it’s ok to be you and be different.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

I own over 200 pairs of shoes

FILL IN THE BLANK!

I learn the most from: Time and Experience
I can’t live without: Coco (My four pound tea cup Yorkie), My fiancé Selene and my familia
You can find me shopping at: Online, I love a great deal!
My astrological sign is: Libra
I’m scared of: Losing my Coco
The last book I read was: The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz
Most people would say I’m: Fashion forward
I’m currently listening to: Ramon Ayala
My style mantra is: Easy to wear, easy to accessorize
I feel most comfortable in: High heels
When I woke up today I felt: Sore
Most people don’t know: I’ve been boxing for 5 years now!
I feel the most free when: I’m at home in my PJ’s