Joey Galon, International Designer and Minister of Fashion

After graduating with a B.A. Degree in Fashion & Textiles design in San Francisco and Business Administration studies at San Diego State, Mr. Galon began his creative career in marketing, public relations & special events in the fashion industry, producing high profile fashion shows which allowed him the opportunity to establish new product launches, public relations, design sets, choreograph shows and work exclusively with top couture designers and their collections, including many well known super models.  In addition to fashion show presentations, Mr. Galon contributed his creative eye doing event planning & visual displays for such renown retail companies as I.Magnin, Neiman Marcus, Escada & Armani.  

He is known for contributing vast amounts of energy, creativity and talent toward the success of special events such as Macy’s Passport Fashion Show, Sausilito Art Festival and has worked exclusively on esteemed companies such as Bob Mackie Fashions, Thierry Mugler, Oscar de la Renta, Hubert de Givenchy(with the late Audrey Hepburn), San Francisco Opera & Ballet Fashion shows, De Young Museum & Asian Art Museum featuring various haute couture designers.

Combining his educational and professional career with fashion, Mr. Galon has been a beauty pageant aficionado. He started as staff member with pageants in the early 80’s with Miss Philippines USA Pageant, a preliminary to the Miss Philippines Universe, World & International Pageant in Manila, Philippines. He designed his first pageant gowns in 1983, which was the catalyst to study fashion design in college.  He has since been Executive Director for local pageants in the Miss America program, worked as staff member for Miss USA, Miss Universe, coached countless pageant delegates and has judged numerous pageants across the country and internationally. 

20+ years in fashion and with pageant involvements, plus 20+ years in personal development and public speaking has lead him to open an additional business called ‘Runway4Life’ (www.runway4life.com), a personal development, pageant & life coaching and wardrobe styling organization. 

His clothing line: ‘Joey Galon Atelier’ was officially launched at Miss USA 2010 in Las Vegas, showcasing his collections of evening gowns to the pageant world.  His gowns have been seen on national and international pageant stages.

He was featured on the TLC networks reality show 'Vegas Brides' as the fashion & wedding consultant, was a principle on the reality TV show series: ‘Model Latina’ as

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:02

You're an original, like nobody else. So why would you want to copy anybody? You are everything that you need. You're listening to authentic boys, the podcast, and I'm Janice McQueen your host each week. I will share with you inspirational stories with people that know who they are and believe in their passionate purpose. Authenticity is the best gift you can give yourself, begin your journey to authenticity right now.

Speaker 2: 0:35

[inaudible]

Speaker 3: 0:39

Hi, everyone. Welcome to authentic voice the podcast. I am Janice. McWane your host. And I'm really blessed and excited to be talking to one of the icons of fashion, Joey gala, who is with me today. And he's got not only a beautiful story of how he began in clothing and design, but also just a beautiful heart. He's gone through so much in the last year, the last few years that our show could go on for a week and we wouldn't cover everything. And that's why I wanted him to be on our show today because he's an inspiration for it's all. Welcome to the show, Joey, how are you?

Speaker 4: 1:21

Okay, great. Hi, Janice. So good to see you.

Speaker 3: 1:24

As I said, new to here in my living room with not a stitch of makeup on because I've been working all day and I'm embarrassed that I'm in front of Audi makeup, But I've wanted to talk to you for such a long time. I mean, not even just in this podcast, uh, scenario, which I'm blessed to be able to talk something to many beautiful people like yourself on the podcast, but just in general, have wanted to reach out to you because you have such a rich story and you've just have such a heart and you share it. You share your vulnerability on social media. We're going to talk about that because you're not only a designer, you are a coach and you believe in being your authentic self, which is what I believe in. So for our listeners, if you would please share a little bit about Joey and a little bit about who you are. Um, I'd love to get a taste of what you started. Let's talk about how you started from, from San Francisco out to Vegas, back to California and your whole story of being a designer.

Speaker 4: 2:39

Sure. I'll try this and so good to see you, you know, it's like, we all got to experience this pandemic recently and it's still going. I mean, you know, it's the tail end of it, but, um, it allowed us to think it allowed us to think about life and what's important and what's not important. And it's just good to see you and just to keep on going. And, you know, it's like we just have to be a little bit more creative and do some things a little bit differently. Um, I'm just grateful that, you know, I've not had any health problems at all. And, um, for whatever reason I did, uh, with the passing of my father four years ago, and then my mom last year, um, I, it affected me and then I was doing all things, getting rid of the house and not, you know, funeral all online. And, um, I think when things slowed down come, the beginning of January is when it just all hit, you know? And, um, it is what it is. You know, I was out for a couple of months in the hospital for two months and then probably another few months outside of the hospital and I've had coaches and doctors and everybody just kept me back into place, just so grateful for, so it wasn't even able to talk a few months ago, you know, so to be able to do that now is, is, um, Hey, you know, God's got my back, you know, it's just kind of say that for sure. Um,

Speaker 3: 4:12

'cause, we're, we're we're I didn't recall. We were talking before we hit the record button, is that you suffered and survived a coma. Correct. And then in January of 2021, and that lasted through March and then you had been in rehabilitation may in June. And so this is, you're a miracle, you're a miracle that you've gone through. So you have something to say, and that is that you're here and you're well,

Speaker 4: 4:46

Thank you so much, you know, you're, you're so sweet and I'm so, so blessed and so grateful to run into wonderful people. Like you, you know, people that, um, have been there part of my career and it's just a different time, you know, it's like, I, I do a couple of things. I'm, um, one I've been into pageantry since I was a kid because of my sisters. Um, both my sisters, both my younger and my older were in pageants. Um, and then they were only in it for like a year. And then for some reason I stuck with it, you know, but all of my life I've watched miss America, miss USA, miss universe, you know, whatever came on TV, everything shut down in my whole time and watched it. And so that's been a part of my world for all of my life. Basically. I started designing after my, uh, for my sisters, um, primarily my younger sister, and then they stopped their career in pageantry and I kept going, you know, I met a lot of producers. I met a lot of pageant people and, um, eventually started designing for miss USA, miss universe, miss America many times. And, um, I'm so grateful, you know, in so many pageants, but I'm, I'm so grateful that I had that opportunity to just showcase my, my works. Um, what I did in college was fashion design, just so that I can focus on women and focus on gowns. Um, and then I got my degree in that and at San Francisco state and then graduating, I, I worked in it for a little bit, but I also worked in the events world. You know, it's why I moved to Las Vegas. I did parties and events, and I was kind of pulling away from pageantry and really pushing more on events. And then something kind of hit my system that, wow, I'm not doing what I love to do, which is, you know, empowering women to be their best and to do their best. And as I, and I was coaching this whole time, but I wasn't, um, I wasn't doing too much in pageantry. And so it wasn't until, you know, gosh, 20 years into event planning, um, at the desert Inn was my first one and opening up the performing arts center in Las Vegas. Um, so many different events, um, that I started getting back into pageantry again. And then I started getting into my own designs. I started designing my own, women's aware. Um, but each woman has a voice. Each woman has something to share and to be in, to do and to have, and to make a difference in our world. And I think it was having a discussion with you before in that, you know, I'm about coaching women to be who they are, because at the end of the day, the end of pageantry, and hopefully the pageant was, uh, a catalyst and a growth to them for their future. But at the end of the day, it's like, well, now I use what you learned from pageantry and take it with you. And that means be the, all of who you are now and forever, you know, don't, don't

Speaker 3: 7:54

Sound advice. So many people don't follow. It's hard.

Speaker 4: 8:01

[inaudible]

Speaker 3: 8:05

Itself. It's so hard to be yourself. I know that sounds crazy, but we're constantly looking to others for inspiration or what is that person doing or what are they doing? We know how are they dressed or what color is their hair? What clutter down are they wearing? And it's, you know, even in everyday life, um, even like for my day job, I noticed that people do that. Let's try to keep up with the Joneses. Let's try to outdo each other. And that's not what it's about. It's about being your personal best and really being unique to you. And that's what makes you stand out, which, you know, I have so many questions for you because, you know, I love that you shared that your inspiration, where your sisters and that you designed dresses and that you, you really changed your field of expertise, even though you love that you changed from event planning. And I know you dabbled in that again, you know, back and forth, and it's something you love, but your true love do what I need. Multiple things. You know, you almost live in Los Angeles, you have to hustle that. Right, right. Spire, your sister inspired you, but how you get inspiration for your designs. And I know you do more than gowns, so let's, let's start first with your project gallons. How do you glean your inspiration?

Speaker 4: 9:24

You know, it's different for everybody. And, you know, I think it's the women that inspire me. You know, it's like some want to show a little bit more skin and some don't want to show scans. I want to show a little bit more leg and some tones, you know, um, they want to show something to help. And, and that's okay. You know, it's not about me being a trend-setter. It's about me listening to my clients and, um, going from there and then offering different ideas and some concepts, and then really running from there, you know, um, take you into a final to the final design. And then once we do select it from the sketches, then we start making it from there and we make a Muslim sample first. And then we make the actual gown, you know? So it's a lot of the fabric. A lot of it is timing, but, um, usually we have a little bit of time. Sometimes we don't, I don't want to always say we have enough a lot of time, but we may get happen, you know? And, um, I think it's listening to the customer, listening to who they are, because at the end of the day, it's not about me having a great, beautiful cash-in on stage. It's about the woman who did her best and gave her all onstage. You know, that is the woman that people aren't going to notice

Speaker 3: 10:37

No down. You feel, if you feel beautiful, you are beautiful. It's so many girls try to fit into a mold of, I need to wear this, or I need to wear that, or this looks good, good on me. I should wear white. And it's not really the dress I made. It is the dress, but it's how you feel in the dress. And so I'm glad you say that. And of course your gowns are exceptional because stand out on stage, they bring out the personality of the girl, but you just find so much more than gowns. And I don't know if everybody knows that I'm sure they do. If they, they follow you on social media, but you know, in this world of social media, social media overtake, it is also overload. And we don't always get to see everything that that person does. So let's talk about your other works and your other designs and the things that you love to do. Sure.

Speaker 4: 11:32

Well, I just, I think you mentioned it before. I mean, it, first of all, it's mostly women. I do a few things from, and, um, Brian Bozenie who used to be, uh, the first male supermodel. Um, he did, uh, some recent shots and people are a lot of my works, which was great. Um, it was awesome to be able to see him in, in a lot of my pieces, but mostly I designed for women because, um, it's how I grew up. You know, I grew up born and raised in San Francisco and my mom went to, and dad went to a lot of black tie events and they were always dressed up and, um, they went out, they dressed up to go to dinner and it's just what I was familiar with. And I love how women feel when they're all put together or not, you know, so either way, but, um, it's an event, it's an occasion. And, um, they put together who they are and they, they love it, you know, and they're, they're glammed out. And so to me, I think it's about designing for women. That's the most important thing. So either weddings, special events, pageants, um, you know, it's, it's, it's for women,

Speaker 3: 12:40

Everything, oh my goodness. I've taken one of my very best friends, uh, wanted a designer dress and this was probably five or six years ago. And you were in vacant. We'll get the time. And I so wish that we connected with you. I think you would have been perfect. Uh, you are the go-to for that as well. And I think sometimes we don't think about designer for that, but that really does. It's a day that you should stand out when you are improvement, whether you are a mother or bride or the bride itself, you need to stand out. So yeah,

Speaker 4: 13:14

Got it. And some people have the experience and some people don't, you know, I was talking recently to somebody who just won miss Nevada and I forgot she has the background, you know, she knows what she wants. That's awesome. That is fantastic. I always like to offer my services just, you know, because sometimes it's not an expertise, it's an area that women are used to. It's like, what should I wear? You know? And, and again, whether then me just project onto them, oh, you should be wearing this. That's that's not how I design. I get to know who the person is because everybody is so different, you know? And, and how you're going to showcase your piece on stage is the a hundred percent of you. Not me, not anybody else, but you hopefully,

Speaker 3: 13:57

And if I can help somebody else with something for myself, I can not, I'm not one of those. I said, oh yes, that, that design looks good on me. So I understand and respect the need of having someone like you in my life to say, this is what, maybe this, try this design, or look at this, and then you work it out together, but you get the inspiration, which is important thing and designer, and that you don't always see a designer that, that is like you, that really takes it to the next level and coaches, the girls.

Speaker 4: 14:35

A lot of times, it has to do with budgeting as well. You know, it's like, um, from a personal perspective, I can go all out and it depends on fabrics. It depends on how much battery. It depends on a lot of different things to simplify it a little bit. Uh, you know, it just really depends on budget.

Speaker 3: 14:54

Yeah. Budget. I mean, do you mind sharing, like what budgets you start with? Because I know that is a hot topic for so many, for people that are in everyday life budget, we're all budget conscious right now. So what budgets,

Speaker 4: 15:08

I would say, um, my budget starts at about 2,500 and they go up from there. Um, I don't think I have$10,000 gowns or, or$20,000 dresses, like some designers. Um, but I'd rather make my dresses much more affordable. Um, you know, and again, it's not about me, it's about, you know, making sure that, oh, wow. I just made that customer's day. You know, I made her experience that or pageant, you know, and now let's go cheer on, you know? And, um, that's just

Speaker 3: 15:43

Because everything is custom. That's what I really like about it.

Speaker 4: 15:47

It, I mean, I keep thinking about that person and, and it's that person's name? That's on the dress, you know, that's the name of the dress

Speaker 3: 15:56

Rice. So, um, okay. So 25 plus 500 plus I think that is extremely affordable for account of the caliber that you create and they can go to you for anything and everything. So, okay.

Speaker 4: 16:10

Absolutely. Marriott costumes, dresses, suits, you name it.

Speaker 3: 16:16

I love it. And you've been in that business for some time. Do you know what you're doing? So I have to ask you, do you it's okay. If you don't want to answer it, but do you have a favorite gown, a favorite competition when that gown and that girl walked down on stage? You said that is my finest work. Okay.

Speaker 4: 16:36

I don't think I have a favorite gem because I love all my gowns. So like my kids, I don't have kids. I'm not in a relationship other than I have animals. I have three birds and two cats, um,

Speaker 3: 16:48

Cats in the background. I have cats too. Yeah.

Speaker 4: 16:50

Yeah. I have two cats and three birds. And there's some around my loft here in downtown. Um, I think that, I don't know, it's just, I'm in a different place with each dress. I think it all comes back to the very first dress and she won in my gown, which is great. It was a very first pageant. I also coached her to, um, it was a strapless evening gown. It had orchids all over it. Um, all beaded and sequined, and then it just had ostrich blooms all throughout, um, the, from the five down. Um, so it was more, two more trumpet shaped. Um, but it was my very first gown, you know, my very first one to get out there in public and on stage. And, and she would, you know, and know nurture too. So I love all my dresses, but I especially love that one because it was the first one Very tour and beautiful. And that is the one thing I, I really do love about your line is that it has this approachability to it, but also has this element of fashion runway and the fashion run endure in that course, this taping is going to be everybody listening. I'm letting you know now that I'm featuring Joey and an article that I'm doing for P VIP pageantry magazine because New York fashion week is next thing, you know, it'll be here. And, you know, you're one of, you're such a, an amazing designer that you are runway quality, uh, clothing, but yet you have an approachability to the project because it's an extension of the girl. And that is something that we need more of in pageantry. I feel I see not negative, but I see a lot of rat gowns out there as a coach, myself and as a judge and as a former and nothing against a rack out. I love them too. And I, I wear those as a foreigner, but some about a design dress has been from, from scratch. Right. Just, it's just beautiful. Okay. I'm going to switch gears just to add, please feel free to add it again. This is all a conversation for you guys, and I want you to really get to know the real Joey and he's so fantastic. We're S we're here on camera and this will probably be my first podcast, even though I'm, they'll have a situ makeup on that I'm going to put on YouTube or video are going to see something because people have been asking for me to do that. So guess what, Joey, you're going to be my first because everybody needs to see realness. I think that's what we need in the world. So we talked about at the beginning of the podcast, we just, we talked briefly about the fact you've gone through this horrific, these horrific events in your life. You lost your dad, you lost your mom most recently. And I know that was hard because it's always hard to lose the last parent. Yeah, I know. And not lessening it by saying this, but I know what you, what you went through. I know how that feels. I know a lot of people listening knows how that, how that feels. And it caused a lot of stress. And you went through some health problems when you never had health problems. What advice can you give those of us who have gone through such tragedy? What has helped you get up every day with that big smile on your face and to be positive, I'm getting really emotional it's okay.

Speaker 3: 20:36

Yeah. That's emotional. So, no, please. Don't sorry.

Speaker 4: 20:45

You know, I'm both, my parents lived to 91 and they were four years apart and they, my dad lived in 91 and he passed and my mom lived to 91 and, um, they were great, great, uh, rocks in my life. So to do it on my own, it's like what my mom and dad aren't here. What is that? But I think most importantly is I've so much to be grateful for. I mean, it, that, um, takes my breath away. It takes my voice away because there really is. There's so much to be grateful for. And I think it matters on what we focus our attention on. And my attention is always on what's to be grateful for I'm alive. It took a few months, it's still taking a little bit of time and coaches and doctors and appointments and all this stuff to get me back to normal, again, north some normal say again. Um, but there's a reason for everything. You know, I really want to get out there and speak more to people and to encourage them to be their best and to not use age as an, as a number. I mean, I've got so many more years ahead of me. That's nothing ages, nothing. And, and I shouldn't stop me or anyone from moving forward. And what your dreams are. I started in fashion, got my degree in fashion, made a career out of event planning for a long time. Um, opened up a lot of casinos in Las Vegas and then went back into fashion again, you know? And, um, I honored my likes, you know, it wasn't just doing it. Wasn't just being, it was honoring my likes, you know? And I think that that's what we should do. We have something we're born with or blessed with, um, some kind of challenge that I think we should showcase that, you know,

Speaker 3: 22:43

I love bring your, your passion. You know, it gives you joy. And I love that. You said gratitude for what you have. It's not easy to lose anyone, especially your parents. It is not easy. And I didn't mean to make you steam up there for a second, but in the car. And I know that people are grappling with, you know, loss. I lost my mother-in-law last year. So my husband's going through a similar feeling. I lost my parents when I was very young when I was a young mom. So I think I, you know, it's hard and I don't wish it on anyone. We want our parents to live, to be in their hundreds, right? We want to live to be in our hundreds, but you are smart and saying that, sorry, my cat is on my desk here. And I try to hear my mom on the keyboard to this number. One thing that we should do and embracing our joy, embracing our loves. And I agree with you. My friend age is button number. It means nothing. I feel the same way that I did when I was in my twenties and thirties. And it doesn't matter. I'm always going to take care of myself. And I like to encourage anyone listening to this that don't allow anyone to tell you that you're too old to be in a pageant. You're too old job. You're too old to go to school. And none of that is true. You are, you are the right age at the right time for the right purpose in your life. And you have in by the, by the way, you don't have a wrinkle on your face. So you still look like you were like 30 something. I'm so jealous,

Speaker 4: 24:23

Jealous older than you.

Speaker 3: 24:27

I doubt it. You were a baby and you look like a baby. So key Thing that you do, because you're such an inspiration and I, I'm definitely going to reach out to you for, you know, I love to coach too. And I want the back of the screen. This is my life. This is COVID life working from home. And, but I'm, I'm so grateful to be able to work from home job and to be able to be with my lovely cats who just love me so much. They want to be near me.

Speaker 4: 25:05

I'm listening.

Speaker 3: 25:06

Oh, impressed with you. And I, I just want to make sure before we say, say goodbye for today, um, there's anything that you would like to share with our listeners because we have listeners all over the world, and this is your moment that if you have anything else that you would like to say, please share,

Speaker 4: 25:25

You know, there's so many pageants and they're all around the world. And not even just pageants, but contests or, um, an opportunity for us to give our best to do our best, but B you don't do what anybody else says or does, or whatever, just be you, you can learn from them. Absolutely. But be who you are. You know, it's like, that's why you're here on this planet is to give us who you are is that's the gift. Don't just make it up. You know, it's like, just be the, all of who you are, have fun with it. I mean, peasantry should not be, should not be a burden in any way. Um, I mean, there's work to do, obviously just like anything, but I think you should have fun. There's no.

Speaker 3: 26:10

Well, we stalk you on social media, find you, follow you. How can we get in touch with you?

Speaker 4: 26:20

Joey Golan[inaudible] is I think on Facebook. Um, I think you can find me on there on Facebook. And then, um, my website is Ruth by Joey. If you want some masks, it does my mom's name. And, you know, it was just fun to be able to, I mean, of course the pandemic started after her passing, but it's just fun to be able to use her name and, um,

Speaker 3: 26:45

Ruth

Speaker 4: 26:45

By Joey Golan. And I have bling months, I have simple ones. I have all kinds on there and for kids as well. And, um, what else? I mean, all, all over the social media. So from Twitter to you name it, I'm on there and it's under my name under Joey gone.

Speaker 3: 27:01

Okay. I'll have all the links in the show notes. And for those of you don't know what show notes are. When you click on the podcast, you'll be able to see as a description underneath the actual show. I will have hyperlinks in there that you'll be able to click and find Joey and follow him on his journey to greatness. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you very much for doing this.

Speaker 1: 27:25

Well, Hey guys, I wanted to give a shout out to one of my very favorite people. Bria is, and she was a guest on my show a couple of weeks back. So make sure you go back and listen to her episode. And she is a holistic health practitioner, and she has suffered from so many things, including hypothyroidism. And that's something that I suffer from. And it's something that I was diagnosed with about 10 years ago. And it caused me to gain about 15 pounds. And I just have the toughest time shedding that weight and having the energy to do all the things that I do in my life. And I'm a busy gal. I have this podcast, I'm a writer, I'm a coach. And I have a full-time job that I love. I'm a wife, I'm a mom and a best friend to so many people. So I'm a busy gal, very involved with my church. And the way that I keep saying is by eating a very holistic diet and exercising and doing the best that I can. But you know, sometimes the gal needs a little bit of help and Bria opened my eyes when I met her. And when we talked, I was so impressed with her and the things that she's overcome through proper diet, proper exercise. She has really made a difference in my life. I started working with her and she helps you get your health back your body back, and to not only feel better and look better, but to find the underlying root cause to your body's diseases by eliminating toxicities and replacing deficiencies. And if you are like me, and you're wondering why you do everything right? You exercise, you eat right. You meditate, you breathe, you, you have work-life balance, but still you don't feel good or you still have the weight on, well, that's me. So Bria Sharon has used her experience. Her life's experience her integrative health experience. And she approaches that with diet, exercise, stress reduction, toxin, removal, rest, emotional balance supplementation, and a successful mindset. She does all of that. That helps you eliminate your body and your beauty inside and out. And I love that because that's what we're all about as beautiful people, be beautiful on the inside and beautiful on the outside because they're beautiful on the inside. So I want you to check her out because if she's helping me, she can help you. It's Bria, sharon.com. That's B R E a S H a R R O n.com. And if you log on, you'll be able to receive more information as well as a free gift because you listened to the show. So I wish you beauty. I wish you health. I wish you wellness and thanks so much for being a listener. Hey, thanks so much for listening. Make sure that you're subscribing at your favorite podcast platform so that you get our podcast. As soon as it's available, also head over to Facebook and join my private Facebook group called authentic voice nation. And if you'd like, please join my newsletter. It's free. And you get a weekly update about me, my podcast, beauty tips, great recipes, fitness tips, and so much more. The way to sign up is to go to my homepage of Janice mcqueen.com, scroll down and you'll see where to join at the bottom. It's just a weekly newsletter. And I promise not to spam me, but I would love for you to join our group of authenticity. Thanks so much for listening.

Speaker 2: 31:15

[inaudible].