Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn Ordonez.
Hi Glenn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My final two years in high school I transferred over to an engineering and manufacturing program at Tolles Career & Technical Center where it prepared us for our future career. One day, some classmates and I got bored and used our laser engraving machine to engrave on wooden phone cases; after I designed and engraved my case, one of my classmates told me that it would be a good idea to sell them. After I graduated, I looked more into starting my first business, got my own laser engraver, and begin doing research on retail, wholesale, and starting a business all on my own. I shortly stopped the production of my first business because I felt as if I could do a lot more than phone cases. I loved creating products from my own home, but it felt like it lacked originality in some way, so I went back the drawing board and started looking for different ideas and products I could design/make myself without requiring assistance from another company to make it for me. I began to get into woodworking, sewing, graphic design, embroidery, and anything that required I make with my own two hands. I felt drawn to embroidery art. I had seen several independent artists make their own embroidery art on clothing, and it inspired me to get into that field and start embroidering apparel.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles are inevitable for any new business, and that’s something I’ve had to remind myself of constantly. In the beginning, the biggest struggle was finding a reliable supplier that was consistent in communication, timeliness, and most importantly, quality. As the years have passed, our struggles changed, from branding to building a website that I felt fit my brand, to finding models, to simply getting our companies name out into the world. Thankfully, I feel that I’ve built a team that I trust and who loves this company as much as I do, and together those struggles don’t seem quite so hard.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Forgotten Happiness isn’t my only source of income as we are still new and working hard to get our name out. For the majority of my day, I work for a company as a CNC (computer numerical control machine) operator, making tools for larger companies (e.g., Honda). For this same company, I’m also working towards becoming a CAD designer, where I would be designing the tools and making prototypes. Between my day job and running my own company, my schedule can get really busy, but I couldn’t be more proud of the work that goes into making every piece of clothing for Forgotten Happiness.
How do you define success?
Success to me is as simple as creating. I strive to make my clothing as affordable as I can. I see so many other companies doing the same thing we are and oftentimes charging double what we do. We do this for are in this simply for the art of it. It makes me happy to see people enjoying my art, and it makes all of the sleepless nights worrying about money, the future of my company, and our next ventures worth it.
Pricing:
- Hoodies: $45
- Crewneck: $40
- Shorts: $25
- T-Shirts: $25
- Beanies: $20
Contact Info:
- Website: Forgotten-happiness.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/forgottenhappinessclothing?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071910272535&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Noah Nell
Annie Odenweller
Devin Vandross
Kai Orian
Lydia Azzi
Kevin De la Rosa
Micah Haynes
Ben Hutchison
Madison Wright
Glenn Ordonez
