KEYLA PARRA GAMINO
High School: Eastlake High School
Hometown: Chula Vista, CA
“With the quick, consistent motion of scissors on a ribbon, I effortlessly curled the string of a balloon, transforming it into a sleek decoration. I repeated this process countlessly, assisting my grandmother in restocking her supply of products as she prepared the rest of her handmade, adorned, gift boxes.” Guided by the callused hands and soft wrinkles of her grandmother, Keyla Parra Gamino discovered the enchanting world of entrepreneurship. From a young age, she marveled at the artistry of trading hours of hard work not just for currency but for the smiles and satisfaction of each customer.
In 2017, fueled by this ambition, Keyla unfurled the virtual doors of her first Etsy shop, crafting custom "slime" and capturing the essence of her products through meticulous product photos. What began as a small venture burgeoned into a thriving business, generating $700 in revenue by 2019. Empowered by her Hispanic roots, she seamlessly integrated into the local craft community, attending events that echoed the cultural vibrancy of her handmade creations. When the pandemic struck, she transformed her online school space into a creative haven, handcrafting engraved rings and achieving over $30,000 in revenue. The long nights spent creating over 3,000 pieces of jewelry earned her the calluses she had seen on her grandmother's fingertips—a testament to the resilience embedded in the entrepreneurial spirit.
As her business flourished, so did her prowess in customer relations. From overcoming shyness to mastering the language of merchandising, Keyla navigated the intricacies of customer service. Strategic maneuvers, such as incorporating coupon codes and enhancing communication, catapulted her sales by over 132%. Little did she realize that, alongside her Etsy shop's growth, she was maturing into a confident young woman. She soon ventured into the realm of social media, strategically leveraging TikTok to propel her business. With daily posts and simple transitions, her social media page amassed over 100k followers and 3 million views, fostering a global community and enhancing her marketing skills through insightful feedback.
In the pursuit of giving back, Keyla organized and hosted her own successful artisan event, uniting her local community and fostering connections with other vendors. Every moment of planning and execution reflected her dedication to promoting other local, small-owned businesses. She also volunteers as a one-on-one tutor, offering her time and knowledge to support her fellow students. Furthermore, she has taken the initiative to participate in clean-up initiatives and organize donation drives for disadvantaged families in Mexico, demonstrating her strong sense of social responsibility and global awareness.
Keyla, of Guatemalan and Mexican descent, is an AP Capstone Diploma recipient with a 4.0 GPA. She is a trailblazer who transforms challenges into opportunities and will begin her studies at San Diego State University, the University of Washington, or Syracuse University, majoring in economics and minoring in forensic science.
