Influential Woman · Fashion, Jewelry

Daniela Gonzalez

Head of Wholesale, Beaded Blondes

Houston, TX

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Master's in HR

Her Story

About Daniela

I've been in my field for 2 years, overseeing the wholesale department of my current company and specializing in B2B sales. My role involves extensive account management, particularly with our bigger wholesale accounts, and I manage a team of wholesale employees. Working in a startup environment, much of my day-to-day involves developing new policies and procedures and figuring out systems for how we're going to do things, whether that's on the front end like customer facing, or fulfillment. I have a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in HR because I wanted to deal with the people side of business, but I've definitely shifted from where I thought my career path was going to go. This opportunity is not so HR-focused, it's more sales and the development of systems, but it's been for the best. I work in the jewelry and fashion industry, which I'm passionate about. My best friend is the owner of the company, and she's the definition of a powerful woman who built this business alongside her sister from scratch. Seeing how much you can grow and succeed if you just put everything into something made me want to join the journey with her.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Daniela

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say just not giving up, being relentless, just always going for it, even if it's kind of out of the blue, or doesn't follow a certain route, just still going for it. I think it's about being persistent and willing to take paths that might not be traditional or expected, but pursuing them anyway because you believe in them.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received is that you don't have to follow a certain path that's laid out in front of you. It's okay to veer from that path and follow something that you're more passionate about. I've learned that it's important to pursue what truly excites you, even if it means changing direction from what you originally planned.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

The advice I would give is go into an industry that you like. Even if you might not like the role that you're doing itself, but if you like the overall industry, I think that you can be a lot happier and successful, and then grow from where you are. For example, you could be doing sales, but if you're doing tech sales and you don't like tech, then that's not as exciting for you. But with fashion, we get to dress up, dress people up, all that, so it doesn't feel so much like you're doing a salesy job. It feels like you're more just having fun and doing what you already like to do.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think finding gaps in the market is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities. Of course, I do jewelry, which is everywhere, but it's about finding where the gaps are and trying to fill those in that space. It's about identifying what's missing in a crowded market and positioning yourself to meet those unmet needs.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I think a welcoming company culture is really important to me, with friendly co-workers and employees. I value having room to make mistakes and knowing that you're not gonna be reprimanded for those mistakes. I also think it's important to know that there is a path for development, wherever you are. Having that growth opportunity and supportive environment where you can learn and evolve is crucial to me.

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