Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Benitez.
Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Essenza began in late 2021 as a very small, personal project. At that time, I was working in product management and design, and over the years I had developed a deep appreciation for well-made products and thoughtful details. At one point, I felt the need to create something of my own—something that reflected my values, creativity, and personal story.
I started Essenza from a one-room apartment, working with limited resources but a very clear vision. From the beginning, I’ve been behind the design process and the launch of each product, ensuring that every piece reflects the brand’s identity and attention to detail. As the business grew, my husband, Camilo, joined the project and took on the responsibility of production, order processing, and fulfillment.
Together, we’ve built Essenza as a true team. What started as a small idea has gradually grown into a full-time business with a dedicated workspace, serving both individual customers and businesses looking for custom, engraved products. While the brand has evolved, our core intention remains the same: creating meaningful, beautifully designed items made with care and purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been an easy road. This was our first experience selling online, and especially our first time working with marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon. There was a long learning curve that required us to dive deeply into areas such as photography, marketing, SEO, and customer service. At the same time, we were also learning the technical side of production. Working with different machines and laser technologies has been a constant challenge. Each time a new machine arrives, it means learning a new system and a new technology so we can continue expanding the services we offer to our customers. In many ways, the journey has been about continuous learning. Almost every day brings something new to figure out, improve, or refine—but that process has been essential to the growth of Essenza.
As you know, we’re big fans of Essenza Store. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Essenza is a design-focused brand specializing in personalized and engraved pieces created to mark meaningful moments. We work closely with customers to turn their ideas into tangible products for occasions such as bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, gifts for the mother of the bride, anniversary presents, and special celebrations. We also create custom pieces for corporate events, corporate gifting, and holiday gifts for employees. What truly defines our process is collaboration. We love when clients share what they want to express—whether it’s gratitude, celebration, or brand identity—and we work hand in hand with them until we reach the exact design they envision. Using a combination of laser engraving and full-color technologies, we bring those ideas to life on carefully selected materials.
Another important part of Essenza is our focus on supporting small businesses. Many of our clients don’t meet the high minimum order quantities required by larger manufacturers, and we intentionally design our services to offer flexible solutions for them. Being able to provide high-quality, custom products with low MOQs is something we’re especially proud of. At its core, Essenza is about creating thoughtful products that feel personal—designed with care, produced in-house, and made to be part of meaningful moments, both personal and professional.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating work with intention and integrity. Every product that leaves our studio represents not only our brand, but also a moment, a relationship, or a message someone wants to share. Knowing that our work becomes part of people’s most meaningful experiences is something I take very seriously. It also matters deeply to me to build Essenza in a way that feels human and sustainable. We value quality over quantity, long-term relationships over quick results, and constant learning over staying comfortable. Building this brand as a family, as a true team, has reinforced the importance of trust, collaboration, and care in everything we do. At the end of the day, what matters most is creating something we’re proud of—something that reflects who we are, supports our customers, and grows with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://essenzaengravings.etsy.com
