Today we’d like to introduce you to Julien Gasca.
Hi Julien, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Julien Gasca, and I am a local entrepreneur and REALTOR here in Jacksonville, Florida. My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 16 years old, during the height of the pandemic and quarantine. Because of this, I saw shoe customizing rapidly gaining popularity on social media, and on my father’s encouragement, I customized my first pair of shoes; within 30 minutes of posting them, they sold. That was the day I created my first business, Custom Kicks By King.
Starting a business at such a young age paved the way for me to gain powerful traits such as communicating with actual paying customers, marketing myself, building relationships, and becoming a better artist. As my business began to grow, many amazing opportunities came my way, such as working with the WWE, Cricket Wireless, Caleb Wilson on the Chicago Bulls, and being featured multiple times on a local news station here in Jacksonville. However, what means the most to me and what sets Custom Kicks By King apart is that, with the orders that I receive, I set aside a portion of the money, and with that money, I buy shoes, customize them, and then donate them to either the homeless, kids within children’s hospitals, or kids within low-income families.
Another key moment within my entrepreneurial journey was in 2023, when I became a licensed REALTOR with Watson Realty Corp. Real estate has given me an entirely different perspective on business. It has taught me about negotiation, investments, communication, and the responsibility that comes with helping individuals navigate one of the most important financial decisions in their lives.
Today, I am taking everything I have learned from these different chapters and putting it into what is perhaps my most ambitious venture yet: Empress Bella, a luxury women’s fashion company that I am building from the ground up. From handbags and footwear to apparel, accessories, packaging, and the brand identity itself, I have been very hands-on throughout the development process. With the manufacturers located in Florence, Italy, I am very excited for the future of the company and for the release of my first collection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. However, I am grateful for all the obstacles thrown my way because those moments taught me the most. When you have big dreams, especially at a young age, not everyone is going to understand them or even understand you. I have experienced doubt from people around me, and there have been times when I questioned myself because of it. Another difficult part of my journey has been losing relationships along the way. Whether they were friendships, relationships, or even family relationships, this part of the entrepreneurial path is one of the hardest.
I think one of the things people don’t talk about enough is how lonely chasing a dream can sometimes become. As I’ve become more focused on the future I want to create, I’ve had to accept that not everyone is going to walk that entire journey with me. There have been numerous late nights where it’s just me, my thoughts, and the vision I have for my future. There have also been times when I’ve looked at other people my age and wondered if I was missing out by choosing to spend so much time alone working to be great. No matter how hard the road gets, never give up and always move forward. Quitting will never be an option for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For Custom Kicks By King, I specialize in hand-drawing and hand-painting designs on shoes for customers. The process goes like this: a customer will get in touch with me and send me the design they would like on their shoes, and from there, I will bring their ideas to life. Some of the things I am most proud of are the amazing collaborations and opportunities this business has brought me. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with the president of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the WWE, Cricket Wireless, Chick-fil-A, and most recently, NBA rookie Caleb Wilson. Every opportunity has been surreal, and I am truly grateful for all of them.
As exciting as those collaborations have been, what I believe truly sets Custom Kicks By King apart is the commitment we have to giving back. Giving back has been part of my business since the beginning. I have used my talents for good and donated customized shoes to the homeless, kids within low-income families, and kids in children’s hospitals. Because of this, I was incredibly honored to have that work recognized when I received the 12 Who Care Award, which remains one of the accomplishments I am most proud of.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say the most important quality for my success has been perseverance. I have learned that having a dream and being talented can only take you so far. There will be moments when things don’t go as planned; people will leave you; people will doubt you; opportunities will fall through; you will face rejection; and you will have many moments when you doubt yourself and wonder, “Maybe I am not destined for this.” I don’t believe success comes from never failing or never doubting yourself. I think it comes from having the courage to continue despite those moments. There are still so many things I want to accomplish, and I know there are obstacles waiting for me. But I know that I will never give up, no matter how hard times get. I will see my vision and goals through completely.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.customkicksbyking.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customkicksbyking/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/customkicksbyking
- Youtube: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=customkicksbyking&mid=E0FA96C9166215B0FC6DE0FA96C9166215B0FC6D&ajaxhist=0
