Our story

My name is Vanessa, and I am a 40-year-old mom of 2 who has been living in the US with my family for the past 7 years. I am very active, love traveling and meeting new people, and when it comes to clothing, I have always been very conscious of what I buy. I usually prefer to wear items that make me feel comfortable while still looking stylish.

 "Vanessa SoCal" was born in 2020 during the pandemic, as a way of keeping me connected with other women. We began offering an at-home try-on service that quickly gained popularity during a time when in-person shopping wasn't an option. I would personally select a few items based on each customer's size and preferences, and drop them off for the customer to try on in the comfort of their own home. Through word of mouth and one satisfied customer referring us to another, our business continued to grow organically.

In 2022, “Vanessa SoCal” was rebranded, and we launched our very own brand, ESSA, while continuing to offer other carefully selected brands in our portfolio. Everything we sell in our store is made in my home country of Brazil with high-tech, soft, breathable, and prioritizing the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials to reduce our environmental impact. 

Our collections are limited-run, made to perform in the gym and transition easily to the streets. All our products have built-in sun protection in it.

Think of me as your local eye for athleisure and swimwear. I believe in buying fewer items that are stylish, comfortable, and durable. After all, the environmental impact of our clothing choices extends far beyond our closets, and what we wear tells a lot about ourselves.

I am committed to selling products aligned with my values, and I hope you like the items as much as I do!

A special thanks to my family & friends (you know who you are) who always believed, encouraged, and supported me from the beginning!

With love,

Vanessa

PS: we still offer at home try-on for customers who live in Irvine and Newport Beach, CA. Send us an email to book your appointment!