Meet Jazmin Aguilar | Owner of JazzedUpLooks

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazmin Aguilar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazmin, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be that I truly tried to do my part in caring for this earth and that I added creativity and joy to others lives through my business. That I was able to connect with people and show my love for others through my encouragement of their self-expression, not just through clothes, but in general. I want people to remember that I made them feel seen and truly appreciated, not just as a customer, but as a human being who also believes in the power of being a good steward of nature and what is already in existence. I want my shop itself to be a source of creativity and inspiration–that people see what I have to offer and can’t help but feel an artistic stir within themselves!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My journey with this business started one day in my bedroom in September of 2018, after I semi-impulsively decided to create a seperate instagram to see if anyone would want to buy some clothes from my closet. After multiple comments from people either saying that I always find good stuff at the thrift store, or that they would PERSONALLY buy the shirt that I was wearing once I was ready to “get rid of it”, I decided to take a chance. At the time, I was 19, just starting college and saw it as a small opportunity to make money and just have some fun with it. I never thought that years later, I would still continue on with my then tiny JazzedUpLooks page. Things started to shift for me as I saw my page get more traction, and develop some loyal customers in my hometown (in the Imperial Valley), and then in San Diego when I moved back for school. This small opportunity then started to shift to something more. Not only that, but soon after I started selling secondhand, I became more invested and educated in the sustainability and low/zero-waste movement. I found it to be something that I was extremely passionate about. So not only was my business an outlet for creativity, a small way to make extra money, but it also became fulfilling to me in its involvement and contribution to a more sustainable way of living.
My first big step I took with this business was in April of 2019 when I decided to host my own pop-up at a local cafe, and on my own birthday too! I thought there was no better way to celebrate turning 20 than taking a leap of faith and finally getting out into the community. I wanted to expand from just selling pieces online to peers, to truly presenting my business on a bigger scale in person. I still think back to that time when I was so fearful, yet my community showed up and supported me in a way that I would have never expected!

Then, my next step was to do a bigger, more official event in San Diego, which I was able to do in June of 2019 at Kobey’s Swap Meet! Since then, I have sold there many times, as well as participated in Wotown’s vintage markets (another wonderful SD business), events in Chula Vista, and now Lucky Stars Market in North Park. I also continued to do events in my small hometown (where I have returned to due to covid) during that time as well, and have actually just recently started renting out a booth space at a local business, IV Colectivo, where various small businesses/artists are supported and hosted.

During these past few years, there have been many challenges, there have been times of burnout and discouragement, especially during covid and other personal events, but thankfully I never gave up, which I am so grateful for. Even as I continued this business while being a full-time student and maintaining a job outside of this business, I can truly say that I am proud of myself! This business has given me an opportunity to grow, learn, challenge myself, connect with others, and make a difference for a more green Earth. I still have a really long way from where I want to be with my business, but it has been a wonderful process to get to where I am now. Even now, after about three years, I am still surprised and shocked by peoples’ support and encouragement at times. I am still constantly learning how to run my business, how to improve it, and the mission is constantly molding with me.

As I am about to turn 23 in a few weeks and I reflect back on my years since turning 20 with this business, and my advice would be to simply not give up. If you want to start a business, you just need to push forward past the hurdles or discouragement that may pop-up or try to stop you. Even if you are making less progress than you hoped, or maybe barely any at all, the important thing is that you are still going. Regardless of your speed of growth, don’t stop. Continue to work hard and do the difficult behind-the-scenes work that no one sees, because one day it will be worth it, and the results will come! You just need to be patient and persevere! Also do your best to surround yourself with like-minded people in your field that may inspire and encourage you along the way, it makes all the difference. I wish anyone out there wanting to start a business the best of luck, I know that you can do it!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to take a trip out to San Diego and show my best friend all of my favorite spots it would definitely be a long, jam-packed week! I would love to visit Balboa park, walk around and experience the museums, shops and architecture. A wonderful spot there would be the Japanese Friendship Garden, or the Museum of Us. I would also. make sure to visit the beautiful beach, maybe by Coronado and relax by the fire pits. For food and snacks, my favorite place to visit in off of Convoy St. where all of the asian markets and restaurants are! Kura Sushi (the revolving sushi bar) is definitely a fun experience, especially for any friends that are wanting to try different types of foods). After recently doing an Escape Room for the first time, it would be 100% on my itinerary again to do with a larger group! Downtown would also definitely be on the list, in order to experience the bigger city vibes that San Diego provides. There is a really cute cat cafe in DT that would be a cute place for a date. I would HAVE to take my friends to Tacos El Gordo in order to experience the Campechana fries! They’re to die for!! I also love grabbing coffee at Chiquita Coffee and visiting Chicano Park, where seeing the murals makes me feel inspired and close to my people’s history! And obviously I would go visit different vintage markets such as Lucky Stars Market or Wotown Market Days and see all of the amazing vendors and makers! There is so much variety and diversity that it would be a bit hard to choose, but overall I feel like these things would capture a great chunk of what San Diego has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give credit to all of my customers and supporters, whether in San Diego or in my hometown–the Imperial Valley! None of this would not be possible if they didn’t believe in my brand and see the vision that I have for this business. I want to shout out the vintage community in San Diego, specifically those that participate in Lucky Stars Market (and obviously it wouldn’t be possible without the mastermind–thank you Kim!). They all make such a beautiful environment for events to happen and so many people are so kind and willing to lend a helping hand. It has been such an encouragement for me to be surrounded by strong women who also believe in the what we do. I also want to shout out my family and friends who constantly encourage me, help me brainstorm, or simply join me for a thrift trip. Their presence in my life, and their words of love have more of an impact than they know, both personally and in my business. Lastly, I want to shout out DeadSea_Vintage (another local SD vintage shop)– without him, I may not have ever started at all! He pushed me to pursue my business in a way that I think no one else could have.

Instagram: @jazzeduplooks