Meet Olga Macias | Small Business Owner

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

Hi Olga, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
What a great question. I started Chatu and it was an almost instant success. At one point I couldn’t keep up, as soon as I would make a hat it would sell. Then, it began to slow down. I wasn’t making that much profit anymore. I seriously wanted to give up. I felt disappointed, and it felt personal. During this time, I remember sitting in my room finishing a hat, enjoying the process. When I was finished, I told myself “no, giving up is not an option…you love this.” I did, I enjoyed it.. the peace it gave me to create the joy I felt when I would see a finished product and the excitement when someone would wear it. I have had such an amazing support system ; my family, friends, other small business owners, and clients that I some how felt like I owed it not only to me but to them. After this point I felt the urge to keep going, I decided to expand to other items other than hats. Some items worked and others didn’t, but that’s okay. I kept looking for other ideas and ways to keep going. I also began to do more events, went to markets, asked instagram influencers if they would like a hat, asked other small businesses to collaborate (or for advice). I learned that just because something wasn’t going as planned, it didn’t mean it had to end.. it just meant it had to evolve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Chatu hats can be very simple or they can be over the top for some. I have always been open to ideas, Collaborating with other small businesses is always a treat. I feel like we can always learn from other businesses and bounce ideas back and forth. I love being able to challenge other brands to step out of their comfort zone and see the magic happen. I think that’s what excites me more, having two businesses empower each other. Some lessons I have learned along the way, not to take things personal. There will be times where somethings don’t turn out how you would like and that is okay. Stay true to yourself, you don’t have to fit into a mold, on the contrary it will make you stand out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visiting the beach is a must! During the day I would take them to Seaport Village or La Jolla Cove. Brunch in Northpark or Little Italy. Downtown for dinner and drinks. I would say if its summer I would take them to Hard Rock Hotel for a pool party (hi Mike!). Walk the Block on a Saturday is a MUST, to eat and support small businesses! They would definitely be eating TACOS from Villasana in National City. I love eating so I would be looking for suggestions from our Insta Fav Foodie @throughmybrownglasses for San Diego recommendations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed with so many amazing souls along this journey. First and foremost my family for unconditional love and support. My amazing friends, who have been there from the beginning and that still support and share my items. Thank you to all those amazing venues that support small businesses; Mujeres Brewery, the ArtHub and Walk the Block. Shoutout to SD LOCAL COLLECTIVE for being the first store to have given me the opportunity to join. Rancho La Laguna for opening their doors and allowing me to be a part of their events, they’re incredible and support their community. Thirty and Flirty, Puppy Playa, Leather Provision, Chava Chic Moonstone Boutique, Yelliezdoll these small business have a very special spot in my heart and many I have not mentioned, you too are amazing. Those who have collaborated with me, thank you for allowing us to combine ideas. My clients that have been with me throughout the years and have seen me grow, thank you, not a day goes by that I appreciate you all.

Instagram: ___.Chatu.___