Sebastian Valencia, son of Rick and Sandra Valencia, was a young entrepreneur who impacted and inspired so many. I had the opportunity to interview Sebastian on Aug. 7 about what inspired him, the start of Brick LA, and his aspirations. 

Sebastian mentioned to me that he had never done a sit-down interview like this and he was grateful for the opportunity to reflect on his journey so far. When asked what inspires him, he responded: “Others. Creating opportunities for those I care about.” 

He loved watching others live out their potential and turning their dreams into reality. Sebastian started Brick L.A. because he wanted to make a name for himself and stand out in Downey. He remembers his business partner and best friend, Tony Ramirez, coming up to him and saying “you have been re-selling shoes since high school, let's start a business.” 

So they did. They secured their LLC, the location, and didn't even have a name yet but Sebastian knew that this was the next step for him. 

Sebastian was a true believer in being patient. He wanted others to know that the universe has everything mapped out and you can't force anything. Sebastian had dreams of opening up another Brick in Chicago and knew that the doors would open with time. 

“You have to be patient and stay true to your intentions,” he said.

When I asked Sebastian what keeps him going on his most challenging days, he said, “I practice being grateful. Meditating. Believing in energy and how our thoughts turn to words which turn to action.” 

He described that he felt others' energy and always wanted to provide positive energy because he wanted other people to feel that positivity to hopefully help them keep going. 

Sebastian and his team, who he gave so much gratitude to, recently celebrated 1 year of Brick L.A. and he was most proud of the impact the store has had on the community. 

“The way the kids come in the store with a big smile, there's no better feeling than seeing that,” he said. “Also being able to give back to our community and our store is here to stay.” 

He wanted others to know that failure is part of the process. Ninety percent of obstacles live in our heads so you need to think about where you are going to be in two years and go after it, Sebastian stated. 

“When starting your own business, you have to have a plan and don't tell anyone unless they are there to help you,” he said. “There will be people doubting you and that's okay. Keep your circle small with those who want to help you grow, just as my team has helped me.”

I asked Sebastian who inspires him and he let out a big smile with a chuckle. 

“I don't want to be cheesy and say my parents, but they do,” he said. With Drake playing in the background, he added: “Drake inspires me because he balances life and is living life but you don't know his business. He is everywhere but nowhere. You don't know his moves but he is making moves.” 

Sebastian was about to open another store, Garment Gallery, and was working on creating software for Brick L.A. that would also serve as his capstone project for his senior year at Cal State Long Beach. He aspired to then go for his MBA.

“Make sure that your reference point, not just for success but for everything, is yourself,” Sebastian said. “Someone is always doing something more or has more. But it's about what you want and not what someone else wants.”

Unfortunately, Sebastian passed away on Aug. 20. I want to thank Sebastian for giving me the opportunity to interview him, which inspires me to keep going. Additionally, I want to thank Sebastian’s family for the blessing to publish this story. 

His legacy and story will live on inspiring others forever. Gone far too soon, but never forgotten. Rest in Heaven.

Sarah Aguilar, raised in Downey, CA, is a graduate student at Illinois State University working on her masters degree in School Psychology.