Dany Garcia’s career is nothing short of inspiring. In the fashion world, she is making a name for herself with GSTQ, a brand which found inspiration in the British National Anthem, “God Save The Queen.” It launched in May with the aim to put the label’s wearer at the forefront of the conversation via pieces aimed to perform and elevate the everyday wardrobe. But that’s just one of the entrepreneur’s multiple facets. The Chairwoman and Founder of The Garcia Companies is also one of Hollywood’s most successful producers as Co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions, and she has shattered the proverbial glass ceiling as the first woman in the U.S. to own a major sports league, the XFL.

We talked to Garcia about GSTQ and fashion, advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and more.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I am the founder, CEO and Chairwoman of The Garcia Companies. After I graduated from the University of Miami School of Business, I took a job at Merrill Lynch, using the experiences there to increase my knowledge of financial tools, before founding my own private wealth management firm. Now, as chairwoman of TGC, I oversee a vast portfolio and foster growth for brands within the business, entertainment, entrepreneurial, fashion and food spaces, including the XFL, GSTQ, Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, virtual platform and live event experience Athleticon, the Project Rock line at Under Armour, VOSS, Acorns, Atom Tickets, ZOA Energy and Salt & Straw.

What – and/or who – inspired you to pursue your professional dreams? How so?

At a very young age, I had a keen awareness that success and wealth could have a direct impact in advancing the lives of the people you love as well as those around you. Then as a young teenager, I remember playing my French horn in the high school orchestra and receiving sheet of music of the British royal anthem, “God Save the Queen.” The title of the national anthem struck me as so inspiring. To think that an entire nation was invested in the welfare of its queen. I decided at that moment to adapt that title as my internal mantra and to think of myself as the queen. I would use it as an internal cadence to help drive me forward in the executions of my ambitions and goals.

Why did you decide to launch GSTQ?

I’ve had, what I call, a both a loving and passionate relationship with fashion, but with many ups and downs. As an athlete for most of my life, I had shapes and silhouettes that didn’t always fit to the fashion I wanted to wear. Additionally, I found that fashion would often feel restrictive and unsupportive. Add to that the building of my extensive enterprise and the necessity to be in various moments – running to meetings with studio partners, meeting executives and fellow investors across my portfolio etc. – I needed clothing to not restrict, but rather come along with me from the transition to each of these expressions in the most fashionable way possible. I knew that if I was feeling this way, other women were undoubtedly experiencing and also desiring the same solutions.

What is the philosophy behind it?

GSTQ was founded on the principle that fashion can be both a beautiful and supportive resource – something that drives you forward, rather than restricts who you are today. It was important that each of our pieces combine elevated style with a sophisticated effortlessness, allowing you to feel polished to perform at your greatest potential. Women are very much CEOs of their lives – non-linear, multi-faceted and unstoppable forces. Fashion should unwaveringly support us while visually celebrating who we are.

How did the “God Save The Queen” mantra inform the philosophy? 

The “God Save The Queen” mantra is the very foundation for GSTQ’s philosophy. Every item is reminiscent of the fact that we all have the ability to create kingdoms – to create universes. GSTQ provides the tools to run them in a way that honors who we are, empowers our strengths and drives us forward. At the core of GSTQ, there is a belief that there is something great inside of you.

You’re a true trailblazer, and are the first woman to own a major sports league in the U.S. What drives you? 

I’m driven daily by the desire to make impact, build incredible businesses, foster opportunities and wealth to impact lives. For me, anything I do across my portfolio and all my enterprises is steadfastly rooted in advancing the human experience and authentically serving our global community.

What are some of the biggest challenges female entrepreneurs face to this day?

One of the biggest challenges female entrepreneurs face even to this day has to do with this institutionalized idea that there are set ways and mentalities to achieve success. Creating environments that provide the freedom to foster personalized strategies and thought processes as to the success you want to achieve is paramount. It’s definitely one of the reasons I believe that as women, if we are succeeding quietly and not being visible with our achievements, we are failing. Creating consistent examples of success, especially success that highlights female led strategies and executions is vitally important. It becomes an opportunity to showcase to and empower future female business leaders, future producers, future chairwomen and future any woman who wants to see that yes, success can be achieved.

What key advice do you have for women pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations?

What key piece of advice that I would try and bestow to women and one that I swear by has to do with the antiquated notion of “doing it all.” It’s important to recognize that we can’t and shouldn’t “do it all.” I don’t do it all, but I do “all that I want” to do because I work thoughtfully, efficiently and have incredible support. I have invested a great deal of time in building and growing best-in-class teams across all of my endeavors, brands and businesses. Fostering a strong team has been vital for me. It’s allowed me to take a 50,000-foot approach to the work. I’m, in turn, able to answer one question that informs 100 other answers. I also have a wonderful family who supports my career – they contribute and add such tremendous value to everything I do.

What’s the area/industry you have your eyes on next?

Sports continues to be a strong focus for me. Currently I’m ecstatic about the development and upcoming launch of the XFL in 2023 as well as the 2022 launch of the Staten Island minor league baseball team that I co-own. Additionally, women’s professional sports has become of great interest to me and I look forward to entering those markets as well.

Finally, it’s National Hispanic Heritage Month. What does it mean to you personally and how do you mark it?

NHHM is a sacred month for me personally. It is that time of the year where I get to center the purpose of my activities and remind myself that my efforts and success carry a responsibility to the incredible community that I am a part of. Additionally, I deeply enjoy the celebration and immersion into fellow Latinx peers as they are highlighted throughout the month. Quite simply, it become a month of great inspiration rooted in my culture.