SoCal -based George Esquivel is one of many designers whose brands have come to a near-complete halt due to COVID-19. He oversaw an in-house factory for his collection of artisan-made footwear and leather goods, but now finds himself wondering when he will return to regular operations. We caught up with Esquivel to hear how he is trying to remain productive and hopeful during this uncertain time.

Tips for working from home 

“I try to create a schedule that I can stick to daily. The first few weeks were really rough, and like most people I imagine, I was a bit in awe and [at] a loss for words of the entire situation. Now I’m still only in a semi-normal routine. Some suggestions for working from home include:

• Don’t stay in leisure wear all day. I find making an effort to get dressed gives me motivation to get things done.
• Turn off the TV: At first I was glued to the TV, now the TV stays off during the day.”

On adapting to working from home

“Since we manufacture everything in-house, it’s been really rough for our team. We shut down almost all operations. We helped some of our employees find work sewing masks at other companies.”

On day-to-day Operations

“Day to day operations have almost come to a complete halt. It looks like one day people just disappeared and left things as they were. It’s a bit eerie, not seeing our production in progress. Typically there is constant movement and the products advance from one stage to the next. They have been sitting in the same spot since the mandatory closure of non essential businesses went into effect.”

His Personal Feelings During this Time

“I don’t think I have the exact words to describe how I feel. I feel horrible for the people that are alone, have lost their jobs, or have lost loved ones during this time. Personally, we have lost three friends (through non-Coronavirus related illness) and families and friends can’t properly grieve their losses. The mental and physical anguish that is causing is heartbreaking. At the same time, I have hope that we as people will come through this. God created us to be resilient beings. I think the love that has been shown during this time by our fellow humans has been so wonderful to witness first-hand. A lot of people are putting aside their differences and reaching out to support one another.”

On long-term Business Goals

“I really don’t know how this will affect our long term business. That will depend on multiple factors. When do things open back up? Will we have to shut down again? How long before people are allowed to get back to some type of normal, and most importantly, when will people feel comfortable with going out into the world?”

How he stays in touch with his team 

“We stay in touch with our team mostly by phone. Just checking in seeing how they and their families are holding up.”

Practicing Social Distancing

“I’m staying home as much as possible and only going to public places like grocery stores if I really need to.”

Tips for Being in Quarantine

“I have been catching up on things I have been wanting to do and haven’t had time – cleaned up all my computers; organized family photos; am working through ideas/projects that I have had but haven’t been able to properly plan out.”

Maintaining Mental Health

“I have been riding my stationary bike and reading a lot, which I never really do. I have also been sketching and developing new ideas for when we can get back to work.”

Thoughts for the Future

“I think the future will be filled with good and bad, which is just a part of life. We have to be present and enjoy when the good times come and remember that the bad times will pass.”

On His message for the Fashion Community

“Hang in there! We will get through this. And in the meantime, we should to use this moment to take stock of our practices, products, and value proposition. Let’s come out of this creating products that have true value and meaning for the world.”