AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR SPY MASTER

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

Hi Eusebio, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better” by Émile Coué.

It is a beautiful affirmation that serves to remind me that wherever I am, at whatever stage, is exactly where I need to be. It has become a daily mantra of self healing and a dose of confidence when needed.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
SPY SCHOOL L.A. is a luxury apparel brand that represents contemporary menswear essentials. It retains iconic styling cues as well as vintage prep-school nuances. Inspired by my obsession with spy novels, SPY SCHOOL LA is a statement of the new masculine, discipline and confidence. Eco-friendly with minimal packaging because we throw it out anyway, right?

The origin story is simple in nature: Necessity. The need to create.

After years of working with various fashion brands as a visual creative, I realized I had bolder ambitions, a hunger for more creativity, and a particular narrative I thought I could do more with. But it was more of a glossy pipe dream at that point. I knew what I wanted, however, I had enough self-awareness to know I did not possess the necessary business skills, resources or experience to launch my own brand.
I also did not have the luxury of time to take on an internship or go back to school.

Then, when the pandemic shut down so much of our economy; our world really, I found myself without a job.

Was this the break I was hoping for? It was clear that there was no time to waste and I fast-tracked a degree in Fashion Merchandising at L.A. Trade Tech. It was there that, with the help of wonderful teachers and mentors, I developed the idea that came to be SPY SCHOOL L.A. : A curated California-Cool collection with elements of all my favorite things.

The thought process behind starting my own business was a booming voice in my head screaming “IT IS NOW OR NEVER”.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SPY SCHOOL L.A. really feels like a complex team effort, from fashion designer friends like Ms. Ivy Vining and Stephania Corti, to fashion design mentors such as Kevan Hall (of Halston fame) and Cross Colours founder Thomas “TJ” Walker.

Going back to school as an adult is truly humbling and can be a scary experience. However, the fashion department at LA Trade Tech supported and cheered for me every step of the way. Professors Diane Murphy and Nichole Dwyer were an integral part in the development of my brand. After seeing the spy theme repeat itself in my assignments, they convinced me that my homework projects could be ready for market.

But a brand idea isn’t a business. Professor Rudy Lopez patiently guided me through a gamut of legal processes; from business plans and filing a business name to registering a trademark and stock market initiatives. As a business mentor, he set out goals, timelines and realistic possible outcomes that facilitated my launch.

A special ‘Tip of the Hat’ (is that a thing?) to Joe Grover: For all the ways you help.

And of course, big ole’ shout out to family and friends who continue to help the brand by either shopping, sharing or letting me use them as models. (I see you).

Thank you all.

Website: www.joinspyschool.com

Instagram: joinspyschool

Other: Personal INSTA: Brownish_Bambino