INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST SERIES: THE INSPIRING FEMALE LEADER NEXT DOOR
In this series, we search for and reach out to the top women entrepreneurs and inspiring women leaders in their communities, for a heart to heart interview regarding their journeys to success. We feel that real stories from real women serve just as bright a guiding light as the more worldly women leaders we often feature.
Today, we have Gegi from Gegi Color Collection, who combined her passion for croching, creating and entreprenuership into one amazing Etsy Store that sells the coolest sneakers.
We were honored to speak with her, and loved her story and inspiration. Please enjoy our interview with Gegi below, and please visit her store at Gegi Color Collection on Etsy (IG: GegiColor.Collection).
Today, we have Gegi from Gegi Color Collection, who combined her passion for croching, creating and entreprenuership into one amazing Etsy Store that sells the coolest sneakers.
We were honored to speak with her, and loved her story and inspiration. Please enjoy our interview with Gegi below, and please visit her store at Gegi Color Collection on Etsy (IG: GegiColor.Collection).
1) Please tell us a bit about your own background, including education, family, religion and community.
I have an education in the beauty industry as well as Medical Administration. I mostly crochet with my mom and my brother sometimes when we hangout...i have no religion and the community that ive been in has been a city of creative arts especially the schools in Savannah Ga...there's a lot of hidden talents and challengers of the creative arts
2) Please tell us a little about your store. (What does it sell? Who are your customers? What makes your store unique?)
My store reflects my life path of creativity...taking one idea and expanding it. Crocheting is my way of creativity and expression of it in my store. I specialize in crochet sneakers and enjoy making winter clothing.
3) When did you start your store?
My store on Etsy started, literally, at the end of [last] year. I had a rush of ideas that just rained on me and i had to bring them to life.
4) What motivated you to start your own business?
What motivated me to push my crochet art was when I researched and started joining other groups of people that crochet. I found young people my age creating things I didn't even think you could create with yarn and a hook. So, I challenged myself with the basics of what I knew, staying up all night and collaborating ideas together to create a masterpiece.
5) What is the vision for your business?
My vision is to show the world how far crocheting can go. People see other people crochet and are quick to respond [with] "oh my grandmother crochet." In my mind, I respond, "I bet granny ain't creating nothing like this!"
I've always been obsessed with Project Runway, and how they create things outside of fabric. That's my main vision and goal for my crochet: crocheting with different materials."
I've always been obsessed with Project Runway, and how they create things outside of fabric. That's my main vision and goal for my crochet: crocheting with different materials."
6) What challenges do you face on starting your own business?
The challenges I face with creating my own business is being counterproductive. I tend to wear myself thin when it comes to getting as much done within a specific time.
I'm so easily inspired that I might be creating one thing go to my crochet group and see something else to make and be stuck creating two or more projects, and challenging myself to see how much I can get done within an impossible time. I've learned. (lol.) I draw a mix crowd of customers. It's pretty generalized.
I'm so easily inspired that I might be creating one thing go to my crochet group and see something else to make and be stuck creating two or more projects, and challenging myself to see how much I can get done within an impossible time. I've learned. (lol.) I draw a mix crowd of customers. It's pretty generalized.
7) Do you have any advice for young women who also want to start their own business?
The advice I can tell the youth is to drown yourself with people who do what you do. Don't just follow them, interact with them. The possibilities come from those who create opportunities for themselves.
Get a mentor in what you do. Everybody needs a coach.
Build a strong team, because you can only do so much on your own, especially if you are looking at succeeding far and wide. Don't let the sky be your limit. Let the universal wall be your destination.
Get a mentor in what you do. Everybody needs a coach.
Build a strong team, because you can only do so much on your own, especially if you are looking at succeeding far and wide. Don't let the sky be your limit. Let the universal wall be your destination.
8) Growing up, who was your biggest female role model, and why?
Growing up, my female role model has been Lauryn Hill. Her outlook on the world has been a big influence on my spiritual and mental being of self and the lessons thereof.
9) Lastly, do you have a motto you live by?
The motto that I live by is "after life ain't living, so make everything count while you are living."
Outtro
1. Harvard Business Review's 10 Must Reads
The most important ideas on management all in one place! "This set of HBR's 10 Must Reads, available as a 14-volume paperback boxed set or as an ebook set is the result of careful combing through hundreds of Harvard Business Review articles on topics such as emotional intelligence, communication, change, leadership, strategy, managing people, and managing yourself. It has selected the most important articles to help you maximize your own and your organization's performance." Makes a smart gift for the female leader. Click HERE to find it. |
2. Kate Spade New York Wilson Road Bow Daveney Laptop Bag (in Black & Cream)
Graceful, modern and feminine. It suits a confident woman with style to match. Find it HERE. |
3. Barsetto Espresso Coffee Maker Barsetto Coffee Machine
15 Bar Stainless Steel Coffee Brewer with Independent Milk Frother for Cappuccino, Latte and Mocha (silver&black) This gorgeous stainless steel espresso machine and coffee maker is a quick and convenient way to get your morning cup of jo. It's both easy-to-use and looks great in the kitchen. A must-have for the coffee-loving business woman. Click HERE to see details. |
4. Gucci GG0062S Sunglasses
These sunglasses are perfect for the business woman who is constantly on the go. Sleek, lightweight and durable, they add a touch of cool. They come in blue, gold, grey and other colors. Click HERE to fine them. |
5. Boss Lady Travel Mug
This beautiful travel mug keeps your drink warm, and your attitude cool. With simple design and gold top, this mug is a functional but also lovely accessory. Your girl will love it! See it HERE. |
6. Wine Lovers Perfect Gift Basket Box
with Bring Me Some Wine Socks and more br> Grab the basket HERE. |
7. Chefman Electric Wine Opener
This electric wine bottle opener requires little time and effort. One light touch, and it's done. Find it HERE. |
8. Keurig 119277 K250 Coffee Maker (Turquoise)
All you have to do is push brew. The coffee is warm, delicious and has a kick. No messy filters full of ground coffee. Very little clean up. A must-have for busy business women. Get it at THIS LOCATION. |
9. Carejoy C shape Decoration Magnetic Levitation Floating Globe World Map
Find gift HERE. |
11. Godiva Chocolatier Signature Chocolate Truffles
These are amazing. They also make the most amazing gift. Find these delicious chocolates HERE. |
11. PurSteam Garment Steamer
Portable and powerful, this handheld steamer smoothes out wrinkles and cleans the fabric. It's fantastic for travel, and is great for use at home too. Get it HERE. |
12. Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - New and improved smart speaker with Alexa
This new and improved smart speaker uses the latest Alexa technology, and looks sleek too. Get it HERE. |
13. Burberry Women's 'Nova Check' Swiss Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Casual Watch
And this casual and cool Burberry watch suits any business woman who values class and quality. With a signature Burberry design and bold face, this watch earns both attention and respect. Get it HERE. |
14. Sivan Health and Fitness Yoga Set 6-Piece
Includes 1/2 Ultra Thick NBR Exercise Mat, 2 Yoga Blocks, 1 Yoga Mat Towel, 1 Yoga Hand Towel and a Yoga Strap Find product HERE. |
15. LIUANAN Stainless Steel Bracelet She Believed She Could So She Did Inspirational Cuff Bangle
Powerful woman. Powerful jewelry. This bracelet is simple and amazing. With a message that boosts her confidence, she can wear it with pride, and look good too. Find bracelet HERE. |
16. Love Berries Chocolate Covered Strawberries (12)
If your mouth isn't watering looking at these, we'd like to examine your head. Just kidding. |
17. BURBERRY Cranston Wool Blend Belted Double Breasted Trench Coat (Camel)
This classic trench is a working woman's must-have. Its classy and clean lines flatter any figure. Its rich, camel color matches just about any outfit. Double breasted button closure keeps insides warm. One of the most brilliant inventions in style. |
18. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Scented Soy Candle (Geranium, Large, 7.2 ounce, Pack of 2)
The sweet smell of geranium is just one of the reasons why we love these candles. Made with soy, they are good for the environment too. On the rare occasion when a busy business woman is able to relax, lighting these candles can create just the mood she needs. |
19. Bath and Body Gift Basket For Women and Men – Honey Jasmine Fragrance
Home Spa Set with Hot & Cold Gel Eye Mask, Bath Bombs, Body Lotions, Gold Shimmery Travel Cosmetics Bag and More, 12 Piece Set Speaking of lighting candles and relaxing, this bath and body gift basket should help. |
20. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, 3.4 Ounce
This product is excellent for any type of skin but especially for mature skin. It goes deep to repair night time's lack of moisture, and leaves skin dewy and soft in the morning. One of the best skin care products out there today. |
21. Sam Edelman Women's Hazel Pump
These pumps are sexy and make a powerful statement. They come in many colors, but we like them in punchy red. |
22. Life is Good Take it Slow, Turtle Gift Mug
Add a little humor to her life. Sometimes, we all need to take it slow. |
23. LEATHER JOURNAL Tree of Life
Handmade Leather Bound Daily Notepads. Best Gift as Art Sketchbook, Travel Diary & Journals. |
24. Waterman Expert Matte Black Rollerball Pen
A high quality pen goes well with a savvy business woman, don't you think? Its cigar-shaped silhouette and fine material certainly suits an executive persona. |
25. UNIWALKER Vintage Suitcase 3 Piece Luggage Set
This vintage luggage set looks unique and refined. It's certainly a head turner, as is the woman who owns it. |