This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A introduces Gia Mezz, a 28-year-old Los Angeles-based entrepreneur who turned her passion for fashion into a thriving business. Through self-taught graphic design skills, Mezz founded LEAU, a enduring fashion brand that has generated nearly $10 million in lifetime sales. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
What were you doing professionally when you began your side hustle?
After relocating to LA,Mezz started her career at a local fast fashion company,handling tasks like order fulfillment and inventory management. It was here that she began to see the darker side of the industry firsthand.
What inspired you to start LEAU, and when did you launch it?
“working in fashion for years, I couldn’t ignore the growing impact of fast fashion, especially with the rise of social media,” Mezz explained. Resolute to create a more sustainable alternative, she launched LEAU in June 2020—a time when the world was grappling with the pandemic. Her vision was clear: produce small, limited-edition collections that prioritized thoughtful design and ethical practices.
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
What steps did you take to turn your idea into a reality?
In her spare time, Mezz taught herself graphic design, using her newfound skills to sketch out her ideal wardrobe. However, the financial hurdles of sampling and bulk production were daunting. To fund her dream, she took on freelance design work, creating marketing and packaging materials for other brands. “Every dollar I earned went straight into LEAU, covering everything from production to marketing for that first launch,” she shared.
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
“Starting a business during a global pandemic was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Mezz admitted. Factories were closing, supply chains were in disarray, and timelines became unpredictable.Despite the chaos, she remained agile, constantly adjusting her strategies to keep the business afloat. Early on, she experimented with everything—from design concepts to marketing tactics—to find what resonated with her audience.
Mezz’s persistence paid off. Today, LEAU stands as a testament to her vision and resilience, offering stylish, sustainable fashion to a growing customer base. Her journey is a powerful reminder that passion, determination, and adaptability can transform a side hustle into a multimillion-dollar success story.
Turning Passion into Profit: A Journey of Fashion and Entrepreneurship
Building a brand from the ground up is no small feat. It’s a journey filled with trial, error, and moments of triumph. For one entrepreneur, the path to success began with a simple yet powerful idea: creating a fashion brand that champions thoughtful consumption and timeless design.
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
From Side hustle to Full-Time success
The journey started modestly.In the first month after launching,the brand generated $10,000 in revenue. Instead of pocketing the profits, the founder chose to reinvest every dollar back into the business. This decision paid off, as the brand saw a 50% growth rate in the months that followed. By the six-month mark, the earnings surpassed the founder’s annual salary, allowing them to leave their full-time job and dedicate themselves entirely to the brand.
Within a year and a half, the company had amassed $2 million in revenue—a milestone that still feels surreal to the founder. Fast forward to 2025, and the brand is on track to hit $10 million in lifetime sales. What sets this venture apart is its self-funded, debt-free model, with the founder retaining 100% ownership.
The Heart of the Brand: Passion and Vision
Running this business has been a labor of love. Every decision, every late night, and every piece of clothing has been driven by a deep-seated passion and a clear vision. “it’s more than just a job,” says the founder. “It’s a true labor of love.”
Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU
At its core, the brand aims to redefine how people approach fashion.“Clothing can and should be an investment: pieces that are thoughtfully designed, well-made, and timeless enough to be cherished for years to come,” the founder explains. By encouraging consumers to shift away from fast fashion and embrace quality over quantity, the brand is making a meaningful impact on the industry.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own ventures, the founder offers this advice: “Take inspired action.Your thoughts can become things, but only if you act on them.” One of their favorite quotes encapsulates this mindset: “done is better than perfect.” The founder emphasizes that you don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. “Launch with what you have and embrace the process. Invest in yourself, trust your vision, and keep moving forward.”
This story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and purpose. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and a willingness to take risks, you can turn your dreams into reality—one step at a time.
How to Craft SEO-Optimized Articles in WordPress for maximum Visibility
In today’s digital landscape, creating content that ranks well on search engines is no longer optional—it’s essential. If you’re using WordPress to power your website,you’re already a step ahead. But to truly stand out, your articles need to be meticulously optimized for SEO. Let’s dive into how you can write high-quality, SEO-pleasant content that captivates readers and climbs the search engine rankings.
Understanding the Basics: Meta Titles vs. Post Titles
One of the first steps in crafting an SEO-optimized article is understanding the difference between a meta title and a post title. While they might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes. The post title is what your readers see on your website, while the meta title is what appears in search engine results. Both are critical, but the meta title plays a pivotal role in attracting clicks from search engines.
“Proper SEO optimization of your blog posts is crucial in order to get them to rank well.The higher they rank, the more likely your site will be found.”
Keyword Research: The Foundation of SEO Success
Before you start writing, invest time in thorough keyword research. identify terms and phrases your target audience is searching for.Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can definitely help you uncover high-traffic, low-competition keywords. Once you’ve identified your primary keyword, sprinkle it naturally throughout your article. Avoid overstuffing—search engines penalize content that feels forced or unnatural.
Crafting Engaging Content That Ranks
SEO isn’t just about keywords; it’s about creating content that resonates with your audience. Start with a compelling introduction that hooks readers. Use subheadings to break up text and make your article skimmable. Incorporate bullet points, numbered lists, and visuals to enhance readability. Remember, the longer readers stay on your page, the better it signals to search engines that your content is valuable.
Optimizing for Mobile: A Non-Negotiable
With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your WordPress site is mobile-friendly is crucial. Use responsive design techniques and validate your srcset and sizes attributes to ensure images load correctly on all devices.A seamless mobile experience not only improves user engagement but also boosts your SEO rankings.
Internal and external Linking: Building Authority
Linking to other relevant pages on your site (internal links) and credible external sources can significantly enhance your article’s authority. Internal links help search engines understand the structure of your site, while external links show that your content is well-researched and trustworthy. Just be sure to use descriptive anchor text that provides context.
Actionable Takeaways for Immediate Results
To wrap up, here are some actionable tips to implement right away:
- Use a clear, concise meta title that includes your primary keyword.
- Write engaging, reader-focused content with natural keyword placement.
- Optimize images with descriptive alt text and proper sizing for mobile devices.
- Incorporate internal and external links to build credibility.
- Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant.
By following these steps, you’ll not only create articles that rank well but also provide genuine value to your readers. Remember, SEO is a long-term game. Stay consistent, keep learning, and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape. your efforts will pay off in increased traffic, engagement, and ultimately, success.
