George and Shelley || Esquivel Shoes

I was first made aware of Esquivel shoes at A’Marees, the beautiful boutique on the water in Newport Beach a few years ago. They have carried the handcrafted and locally made shoes for many years and I finally ordered my first custom pair. Since then, I’ve gotten to know both George and his amazing wife, Shelley. I love the fact that they have kept their business local in Orange County, California, since they founded the company in 2001 and that they have stayed true to their core belief of handmade shoes. They are an amazing duo and remain humble, even though Esquivel makes shoes for many celebrities, business titans and sports legends that shall remain anonymous.

Their working relationship is inspiring. As we all know, that can be a tough road for a married couple and I respect George so much for giving his wife Shelley lots of credit for their success. I admire George as well, as his childhood was not easy. He took his negative circumstances and turned them around and their charity work is a testament to his background and helping others in what used to be his unfortunate circumstances.

Introducing Shelley Esquivel:

How long have you known George, and how did you meet?
George and I met in High School! The first time we met was in 10th grade when I was the Teacher’s Aide in his French class. Then, in our senior year, his friend had a locker right by mine so he conveniently kept his books there just to see me! And we have been together ever since.

Tell us about your family-how many children do you have?
George and I have 3 children. Our oldest daughter Savannah is 23, our son Benny is 20 and our baby girl Eva is 16.

We love the fact that George gives you credit in the success of you’re business. How did you and George start the business and what was your role when you started versus your role now?
When George began the business, he still had a day job and I was working full time as well. We had two young children at the time and it was pretty difficult since George was gone quite a bit trying to manage and build the business. My company offered an optional buyout so I took it! We used that money and most of the savings/retirement and put it into the business. That way, I was able to stay home and raise our children(which is what I had always wanted to do!) and George was able to do the business full time. For the past five years or so, I have had a more active role here at the office-but without a title!

What are the advantages of working with your husband?
One of the advantages of working together is that we go through everything together. This isn’t just a job that George goes to from 9-5 and I have no idea what he does.I get to be an emotional support for him as well as a support at the office. This is our life and it is 24 hours a day. Through the ups and downs of owning our own business, we have grown closer and our faith has grown stronger because of it. Also, we get to have day dates instead! Matinees are way less crowded.

What are the disadvantages of working with your husband?
While it is an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage that we can not turn off the business because it is 24 hrs a day. I remember earlier on being very upset with George that he was always on the phone with texts and emails, or that people were always stopping for shoes. I had to realize that the blessings that the business brought also came with a few annoyances. We just have to work a little harder to shut it off for a bit here and there.

How do you juggle being a wife and mother with running a company?
The flexibility of owning your own company has been so nice while my kids were in school! I have been able to leave and catch my kids’ soccer games or run home to pick someone up from school. Now that they are older, I don’t have as many mom duties to tend to, but I still struggle to get dinner done at a descent hour!

What is your best marriage advice- it’s so nice to see couples with longevity, especially working couples!
George has a great motto – Put the other person before yourself. I think we both try to be mindful of that.

What are the qualities you think are required in a marriage to make the business successful?
I am pretty easy going and laid back, George is more detailed and structured, so we balance each other. But that is just what works for us.

Where is your favorite place to travel with George, for work and for pleasure?
Our favorite place to travel together is Paris. The first time we went, we spent 2 or 3 days of walking non stop to see everything we could . We didn’t know if/when we would be able to go again. We have been fortunate to be able to go together a few more times. And to think that we met in French class!

Who are your favorite fashion designers/ brands?
I am a huge fan of Ryan Roche for sweaters, Jonathan Cohen has gorgeous prints, Baldwin Denim for jeans, Esquivel shoes is ALL I wear.

Tell us about a fun fashion experience!
I have been able to go to some amazing places. Vogue magazine and the CFDA put on great events and those are definitely a highlight! The year George was one of the top 10 finalist for the CFDA Fashion Fund would have to be my top choice!

Introducing George Esquivel:

Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I grew up all over Orange County. I Didn’t have a typical upbringing. I am the oldest child of five. We moved around a lot, I attended 13 schools from k-12 grades. We lived in motels most of the time. My father was a drug addict and dealt drugs. He loved the lifestyle that came along with that world. It caused a lot of chaos for us.

How did you come to be a shoe designer?
I had someone make me a pair of shoes while on a trip down to Baja. After receiving that first pair, I was hooked! I searched for someone locally to make me more pairs. Eventually I found someone. I became his apprentice working alongside him. What started as wanting shoes for myself grew into an addiction which then grew to starting a business.

We love and admire the fact that you have kept your workshop where you started in Buena Park, California. How hard is it to stay Handmade in the U.S.A.?
It’s been quite difficult. When we first started out doing everything by hand was the only way I knew how to go about it. Over time, in spite of the hurdles, I have fallen in love with the process of how we make our products. Thankfully, there are people that appreciate what we do and support our brand and love that they are handmade.

We also love that you give your wife Shelley props in building your business. What role do you think she has played in your success?
I think by me stating she is my partner in life about sums it up.

Who are some designers/ brands that you admire?
I’m a big fan of brands with craftsmanship as their core . Moynat, Nick Fouquet, Jonathan Cohen, Bottega Veneta are some that come to mind.

You are about to launch a campaign soon that is close to your heart. Can you tell us about the charity you have partnered with and designed a bag for, to help hungry children in the U.S.? The video explaining how you got involved with the charity below is so moving…
The organization this bag supports is Giving Children Hope. They are based here in OC. The program that I’m most passionate about is the We’ve Got Your Back project. They help to feed the homeless kids in OC and LA. We work with the local schools and every Friday the kids in our program receive a backpack full of healthy food that will get them and their families through the weekend.