Gerardo lives for taking risks. From high-drama runway collections—oversized florals, bold colors and exaggerated silhouettes—to statement-making ready-to-wear pieces, this Columbus-based designer is known for taking chances with gutsy, gorgeous designs.

As a child in Sonora, Mexico, Gerardo spent hours sketching designs in his secret notebook. After finishing high school, he attended college to study international business. One visit to the United States in 2001 changed the direction of his life.

In 2003, he opened an event planning company, primarily working with the Latino community for 16 years. In 2012, he taught himself to sew by watching YouTube videos. He organized his first fashion show in 2013 as a launching celebration for his modeling and makeup studio. In 2014, Gerardo became co-director of the Miss Ohio Latina pageant, which allowed him to become further integrated in the world of design. By 2017, he was showing his first official collection at Columbus Fashion Week. By 2019, international celebrity drag queen Nina West, who appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race," wore Encinas' gown on the cover of New York magazine.

In 2021, Gerardo made his gutsiest move to date: opening his own boutique. Located at 251 S. Third Street, Encinas’ eponymous boutique, opened in December specializing in custom pieces, personal styling, and custom tailoring.

One of his most recent achievements has been designing for Tiffany Moon of "The Real Housewives of Dallas.” Immediate plans include a focus on online retail in both clothing and accessories.

New York Magazine, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, The Real Housewives of Dallas, Opera Columbus, Columbus Monthly, City Pulse Columbus, Fashion Week Columbus, Columbus Navigator