As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 17 – Fall 2021
The Bells & Whistles
One of the most important accessories for a guitar is the guitar strap. For years, they were all black and boring until style innovators like Virginia Castro came along. Armed with the vision of creating something unique that resonated with artists and brought more attention to their finely crafted instruments, Castro started her own company, Get’m Get’m, designing beautiful, sturdy guitar straps.
Castro filled us in on starting her company, overcoming challenges, designing gorgeous straps, and supporting various animal charities.
NOTE: This article originally appeared on our Fall 2021 edition which can be seen at the link above.
You started Get’m Get’m in 1996; what was the motivation to start your own company?
My motivation to start my own company probably has a lot to do with my dad. He had a business at 31 and was a hard-working man that had the drive to achieve any goal. Also, I worked in Beverly Hills for three years selling spa treatments and creams, with $30k a month in sales. When I was working at the spa, I took care of Rod Stewart—when no one could sell to him, let alone talk to the man. I just treated him like anyone else. I had approached him to ask how his services were, and no one in 12 years had ever sold him anything! Lol. So I did! He was one of my all-time favorite artists! After those three years, I asked for a 5% commission, and they decided to fire me for that. That really motivated me to become my own boss and run things my way.
Then, I was at home one night watching VH1 (lol), having a glass of wine, smoking a little hay, when I noticed everyone was so awesome on stage, using these great guitars. But the guitar straps were frightening! I always was pretty creative as a kid. I said to myself, “WAIT a minute, OMG!” That’s when it hit me! I wanted to design beautiful, gorgeous styles that actually reflect the musicians—bring out their personality and make them stand out from the rest!
What were some of the challenges you faced or continue to face being a business owner?
One of the big challenges that I have run into in this music industry, of course, is arrogant, sometimes very mean, men! It’s a very difficult industry and challenging, especially when you’re working with huge chain stores. Ugh. Some are kind, but even when not, that never stopped me! I loved the challenge!
What type of creative process goes into designing your straps and picking the materials?
For me, the creative part of the design is just when you SEE IT, you FEEL IT! I create, and it feels so good. I’ve been so successful with so many of my styles, I’m grateful. I also have been inspired by the big design houses like Dior, Versace, and Gucci. When I would see their videos or ads, I would think, “Wait a minute. I’m straight on point!” Also, I always wanted to work in the fashion industry—I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise, but for one year only. Then, my parents took me out of school so my little sister could go. I still use every lesson I learned on the way and even worked jobs in manufacturing to know how things were done so I could use that knowledge in my approach and work.
What do you look for in artists that you endorse?
I look for great bands that perform all over the world! Truly, it’s their personalities I admire and, of course, the music. I love when they have great personalities and care about style! They want to feel good and look great on stage. When you’re using a $30,000 guitar or a $1000 guitar, what matters is that they feel good, and that makes me feel great! I love making people happy!
We know you work with charities for animals; can you tell us a little bit about that?
I actually started my business designing dog and cat collars! Those were the first things I designed, and I was very successful. I designed for Oprah’s dogs. I owned a pet store for 15 years in Silver Lake. So, I saw the crazy BS happening to animals, and I educated myself about the “disposable” mentality of the society that we live in. I worked with many organizations to shut down the selling of animals in malls—to stop the puppy mills. I rescued 324 cats and 686 dogs with my store, and I used to pull them out from the dog pounds—this was a huge awakening for me! Stop selling animals. I did so many documentaries with people in Germany and the Netherlands. They could not believe our way of handling animals and people’s reasons for dropping off pets at the pounds! I’ve spent 25 years donating my time and money, and I give a portion of every sale I make to different rescue organizations. It’s a blessing that we have come so far, but much more work needs to be done!