Meet Brooke Exposito | Founder & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Exposito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of STEL is my passion. Since I was young, I have always loved fashion as well as creating my own pieces. My mom and I have always made my halloween costumes from scratch each year, as well as anything I wanted in my closet that didn’t exist. My passion lead me to create a lifestyle brand that I felt was missing from every gal’s closet. I began creating pieces that I loved and felt I needed for my daily life when I’m on the go. Accessories for day to night, traveling, going to work, gym, beach, and always blocking the wrinkles! Everything I have created is something I feel passionate about and I knew that if I focused on what I love, the customers would see that and grow to love it too.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our mission: STEL is a lifestyle brand inspired by the gal on the go. The gal who loves to travel, but also has priorities like work, family/friends, gym, and happy hour. Our goal is to relate to our customers lifestyle by combining luxury personalized pieces with affordable prices, while making all gals feel beautiful wherever life takes them. A STEL GAL is one who inspires others with her style and grace. She is the girl I strive to be. I feel what sets STEL apart from others is that it’s curated for the gal on the go. Where you can find personalize items for every occasion, as well as great gifts for your gals. Starting STEL was not easy. I personally did not know anyone who designed, manufactured, and sold products so I had to do a lot of research on how the process worked and how to find manufacturers. I did a lot of trial and error with different manufacturers and lost money due to faulty items and items that did not replicate my designs. At times I felt I didn’t know what I was doing or how to take the next step. However, I would not trade these losses, because they are what highlighted the correct paths and taught me to get it right next time. It’s scary starting your own business and investing your money in something you’re not sure if people will like or buy. STEL is my passion and if you do something you truly love, you won’t second guess the risk. Thank you for reading our story! I hope you get a chance to check us out and grow to love STEL as much as we do!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a difficult question because I haven’t been out much since the pandemic and haven’t been to many new places. I am also a homebody and love to hang out versus go out haha. However, if it was pre-pandemic some of my personal favorite staples and things to do: Eats: -Uchi -Omakai -Pubbelly Sushi -Hiden (Can you tell I love sushi :)) -MC Kitchen (Fiocchi pasta) -Sugarcane Things to do: -Bar hopping during the day in Wynwood (I prefer the day scene more than the night scene) -Go on the boat with friends -Hang out by the pool -Go for a run or bike ride down the Venetian Causeway -Go shopping and have lunch in Design District (other places for shopping and lunch: Merrick Park, Bal Harbour, The Grove, Miracle Mile, Sunset, Wynwood, and Lincoln Road)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband definitely gets a shoutout for putting up with my crazy ideas, supporting me in every way, and allowing STEL to basically take over our first apartment. My parents and brother who continue to tell me I can do anything and they will always be here to support me, who have also allowed STEL to take over their house as well! My whole family and close friends for encouraging me to keep going, supporting me, helping with shipping tasks, and who are always available for STEL design meetings when I need advice or ideas My mom gets a special shoutout for being my favorite employee/partner in STEL. Thank you for always keeping STEL organized and helping me find ways to make my ideas come to life! All of our STEL GALs who got us here! Your energy, style, and kindness is why we’ve been able to grow. Love you gals!

Website: https://www.stelgal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stelgal/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-exposito-msot-otr-l-b9a20b140

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stel_gal?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shop.stel/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/stelgal/_shop/

Image Credits
Karla Garcia Costa (@kgohhsnap)