Gia Mezz, a 28-year-old based in Los Angeles, is the founder of the successful fashion brand LEAU. What started as a side hustle has now become a full-fledged business with nearly $10 million in lifetime sales. Mezz’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and perseverance in the world of entrepreneurship.
Mezz’s background in the fashion industry and her frustration with the rise of fast fashion inspired her to launch LEAU in June 2020. Despite the challenges of starting a business in the midst of a pandemic, Mezz’s dedication and creativity propelled her brand forward. She started by teaching herself graphic design in her free time and using her skills as a freelancer to fund her business. Every penny earned went back into LEAU, covering everything from sampling to marketing.
One of the biggest challenges Mezz faced was navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic, with factories shutting down and supply chains disrupted. However, she remained resilient and adaptable, constantly pivoting her strategy to keep the business moving forward. Through trial and error, she tested different design concepts and marketing strategies until she found what worked, leading to rapid growth and success.
Within the first year and a half of launching LEAU, Mezz saw significant revenue growth, allowing her to quit her full-time job and focus on the brand full-time. The brand is on track to achieve $10 million in lifetime sales by the end of 2025, all self-funded with no debts or investors. Mezz’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and thoughtful consumption has resonated with customers, setting LEAU apart in the fashion industry.
Running her own business has been a dream come true for Mezz, who finds fulfillment in redefining how people think about their wardrobes and inspiring them to move away from fast fashion towards more sustainable choices. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take inspired action, trust their vision, and be willing to adapt. Mezz’s story is a reminder that with passion, hard work, and belief in oneself, anything is possible in the world of entrepreneurship.
