Life & Work with Austin Abaca of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Abaca

Hi Austin , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Bill Cunningham once said that “fashion is the armor to survive everyday life” and that resonated with me because growing up in a first-generation immigrant family in a suburban town, I had a lot of trouble finding my identity. Since there were not a lot of Asian Americans in my hometown, I was the black sheep for most of my life. No matter what I did or who I interacted with I was always seen as the outsider. Fashion helped me find my own personality and even character. Fashion took me on a whole new course. It helped me compress all the negativity into fuel to enhance myself and my character.

This all started when my cousin took me to my first sneaker release at 303 Boards for a pair of Nike “Tiffany” SBs high in 2014. It was my gateway into the world of fashion, more specifically streetwear. All of these sought after products helped me grow and acquire more exclusive pieces. Collecting all these items helped me build connections that formed my character. This landed me a job at Bait within a couple months of the grand opening. While at Bait I was able to see a broad niche of people. I realized what I knew of the fashion industry was just the beginning. I dove deeper into fashion with inspiration from the people around me and social media and it helped me find my own personal style. Through this process I was able to grow my presence on social media and within the community which gave me the opportunity to travel and indulge in various cultures. I gained my inspiration from the people on the streets of New York. I was able to see how fashion is diverse and natural in different regions of the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I honestly believe if it was a smooth road, Im on the wrong path. There are always road blocks to every course and how you overcome those road blocks shapes you. My fashion journey has certainly not been a smooth road. There have been many roadblocks along the way, particularly when it comes to financial challenges. One of the primary struggles has been having enough capital to sustain and grow the business. Without sufficient funds, it’s difficult to keep up with the demands of the market and stay competitive.

Another significant challenge has been losing out on sales. Fashion trends can be unpredictable, and sometimes, despite the best efforts, certain collections or pieces don’t sell as expected. This can lead to excess inventory, tying up valuable resources, and impacting cash flow. Additionally, fluctuations in consumer preferences and economic conditions can make it challenging to predict sales accurately, leading to financial instability.

Navigating these financial hurdles has required resilience and creativity. It’s been a journey of constant learning, adaptation, and finding innovative solutions to keep the business afloat and moving forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in buying and selling sought-after clothing, catering to fashion enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for unique and exclusive pieces. In addition to this, I run operations for GLS Official, a fashion sneaker brand based out of Japan. My role involves overseeing various aspects of the brand, ensuring everything runs smoothly and aligns with our vision.

I’m also working on growing my presence on social media platforms, as I believe it’s crucial for connecting with a broader audience and showcasing the latest trends and collections.

What I am most proud of is my personal growth throughout the years. Navigating the fashion industry has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my passion.

What sets me apart from others is my determination, confidence, and hard work. I approach every challenge with a positive mindset and a relentless drive to succeed, always striving to improve and make a mark in the fashion world.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was empathetic, welcoming, and stubborn. I always made an effort to understand others’ perspectives and create an inclusive environment around me. At the same time, my stubbornness drove me to pursue my goals relentlessly and never give up, no matter the obstacles.

Interest-wise, I’ve always had a strong inclination towards business. Even from a young age, I was constantly looking for the next best thing, always trying to level up. Whether it was trading collectibles or coming up with small ventures, my entrepreneurial spirit was always in full swing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_abaca303/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@austinabaca
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@a_abaca303?_t=8no1aPofVYw&_r=1

Image Credits
@_visualvin
@sidotramirez